Wells College Begins Recruitment for Men’s Athletics

The Wells College Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is pleased to announce the addition of athletic opportunities for male students beginning in Fall 2005. In response to the Board of Trustees’ October decision to begin accepting men to the traditionally all-women’s college, Wells is now developing men’s soccer and swimming teams at the club level. 

Wells plans to expand intercollegiate athletic program opportunities for women and men during the next few years. “In the very near future, Wells will conduct a national search to secure a head coach for the men’s soccer program,” says Director of Athletics Lyn LaBar. “We are in the midst of preparing for that search, and are very excited about the addition of men's teams to our department.”

New head swim coach and aquatics coordinator David Warner will handle the responsibilities of recruiting for and coaching the men’s swim program. Once a soccer coach is hired, both will recruit prospective student athletes to Wells’ new programs.

The athletics staff has been working continually since the coeducation decision was announced to develop plans that are inclusive of men. These plans are expected to enhance male student recruitment efforts, which will contribute to overall enrollment growth.

Wells is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (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). When the men’s programs elevate to varsity status, they will participate at the NCAA Division III level. 

Wells offers students a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities. The Schwartz Student Center houses a swimming pool, gymnasium, weight room, a cardio room, and two tennis courts. 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. 

For additional information about new developments in athletics at Wells College, please contact director Lyn LaBar at 315/364-3410.