Wells College To Introduce Men's and Women's Cross Country

AURORA, N.Y. - The Wells College Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is pleased to announce the addition of cross-country to its list of athletic opportunities for students beginning in Fall 2005. Cross-country will be sponsored for both women and men.

In response to the Board of Trustees' October decision to begin accepting men to the historically women's college, Wells has already introduced men's soccer and swimming teams at the club level. "We are in the midst of preparing for cross-country, and are excited about this latest addition to our cadre of sports offerings at Wells," says Director of Athletics Lyn LaBar. "Student applicants have shown interest in cross-country and a search will begin immediately for a part-time coach to lead the women's and men's programs."

Cross-country will be offered at the intercollegiate level in Fall 2005 and the team will compete at away meets and invitationals during the first year of the program.  Plans are underway to develop running courses on the Wells campus.

Wells is an NCAA Division III member and currently offers six varsity women's sports teams: field hockey, soccer, tennis, swimming, lacrosse, and softball. All six teams are members of the New York State Women's Collegiate Athletic Association (NYSWCAA), while field hockey, soccer, swimming, softball and lacrosse compete in the Atlantic Women's Colleges Conference (AWCC). The intercollegiate men's programs will also participate at the NCAA Division III level.

Wells offers students a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities. The Schwartz Student Center, which houses a swimming pool, gymnasium, weight room, a cardio room, and two tennis courts, will be renovated this summer to enhance existing spaces and accommodate the growth of programs and personnel. Outdoor facilities include four tennis courts, softball field, boathouse, a 9-hole golf course, and both practice and game fields for field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse.

Wells plans to further expand intercollegiate athletic program opportunities for women and men during the next few years. For additional information about new developments in athletics at Wells College, please contact director Lyn LaBar.