Walla Walla University will add men’s and women’s cross-country teams for the 2018-19 athletics season. The teams will participate in their first races this fall and will be eligible for post-season competition in 2019. WWU will join 10 other colleges and universities with cross-country teams in the Cascade Collegiate Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. 

“Cross-country is a natural fit for our athletics program when you consider the mission of Walla Walla University and the long history of Seventh-day Adventists of focusing on health and wellness,” said Paul Starkebaum, WWU interim athletic director. “The commitment of the university to athletics has allowed us to look at different ways we can expand our program. We are excited about the opportunities that adding cross-country will bring. Not only will we add new athletes, but we anticipate competing well within the Cascade Collegiate Conference.”

For 2018, the WWU teams will compete in a handful of events on the West Coast. For the 2019 season, the program will declare for post-season competition in the NAIA.

About WWU athletics
The athletics program at WWU provides the opportunity for student athletes to develop and exercise their athletic gifts, learn leadership skills, build lasting relationships, and grow spiritually. Maintaining a mission-centered program, the WWU athletics program promotes a healthy, balanced life—body, mind, and soul—for their athletes through sport. Athletic opportunities include men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross-country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. Learn more at uwolves.com.

Posted April 4, 2018