Lynn University adds Men's Cross Country and Track
Addition becomes sixth program added since 2012
BOCA RATON, Fla., Sept. 26, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lynn University today announced the addition of men's cross country and track as NCAA Division II Fighting Knights athletics programs. The program is the sixth addition to the Fighting Knight's repertoire since 2012, which now has 17 NCAA varsity sports—nine women's and eight men's.
"Introducing men's cross country and track to our athletics portfolio reflects our program's agility," said Lynn Athletic Director Devin Crosby. "[Head coach] Chris Wood's recruiting acumen, ability to develop sincere relationships and training philosophy quickly advanced Lynn women's cross country and track, added only last season. I'm confident Wood will establish a similar culture for our men's team, founded on confidence, humility and maturity—attributes that describe the success of our programs."
Wood, currently the head women's cross country and track coach, will oversee the new program and will hire a full-time assistant for the men's teams. NCAA competition will begin in the 2018-19 season.
"I'm excited to expand cross country and track for a men's program," said Wood. "Ultimately, this shows the confidence university administration, under the leadership of President Kevin M. Ross, has in the culture we are creating with the women's program and the ability of the coaching staff to bring in quality student-athletes. Building a program from scratch is a welcome challenge. We're ready to add another dimension to the Fighting Knights family."
In the short time Wood has directed the women's running programs, Lynn has seen tremendous success. The Fighting Knights competed in an NCAA Regional for the first time as a team in 2016, and several members of the current squad have earned recognition in the program's top-10 record books.
Programs added over the past five years include women's track, men's lacrosse, women's swimming and women's cross country. Men's lacrosse reached the Sunshine State Conference Championships in its second season, women's swimming won three individual national championships, and cross country competed in the NCAA regionals three of the last five years. Women's track begins its first year in Spring 2018.
"Most schools in the Sunshine State Conference sponsor men's and women's cross country and track teams, so Lynn's addition aligns with the conference's overall direction," added Wood.
With the addition of Embry-Riddle and Palm Beach Atlantic as full members to the Sunshine State Conference in 2017-18, Lynn will become the eighth school with men's track and ninth with men's cross country. It will join Florida Southern, Florida Tech, Nova Southeastern, Rollins (cross country only), Saint Leo and Tampa.
About Lynn University
Lynn University is an independent college based in Boca Raton, Florida, with approximately 3,000 students from 100 countries. U.S. News & World Report ranks Lynn as the top international university in the region. Lynn's Conservatory of Music features a world-renowned faculty of performers, and its nationally recognized Institute for Achievement and Learning empowers students with learning differences. The school's Dialogues curriculum and award-winning iPad program help Lynn graduates gain the intellectual flexibility and global experience to fulfill their potential in an ever-changing world. For more information, visit lynn.edu.
About the Fighting Knights
Lynn University's national champion Fighting Knights compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, tennis, softball, soccer, swimming and volleyball. The university's 15 intercollegiate teams are home to nearly 300 student athletes. Lynn is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II institution and winner of 23 national championships and 36 Sunshine State Conference titles. Representing spirit, service and strength, the Fighting Knights strive for greatness through athletic performance and academic excellence. For more information, visit lynnfightingknights.com.
Contact: Chad Beattie (561) 237-7341, [email protected]
SOURCE Lynn University
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