SMC Expects Decision On Return Of Cross Country This Fall

running-safe-2-3
running-safe-2-3

Southwestern Michigan College expects to find out in October if it can bring back its cross-country program. The college announced this summer it’s decided to resurrect the Roadrunners, which were disbanded about 25 years ago. College officials met this month with representatives of the National Junior College Athletic Association regarding its request to do so. SMC Board Chair Thomas Jerdon says the organization wanted to know SMC’s level of commitment to having cross-country athletics. He told WSJM News this summer given the history of the sport at SMC, the commitment is high.

“It is a legacy program for us, and it all fits with our academics and residence halls and everything that we’re doing,” Jerdon said. “It’s an exciting time.”

Jerdon says the “many miles of on-campus trails demonstrate our ability to succeed again at cross country.” He notes the plan is to hire a coach as soon as the NJCAA gives the college the green light, and then start recruiting athletes in November. The college plans to offer scholarships to runners, ten for men and ten for women.