The number of University of Illinois Springfield-sponsored athletic programs has grown to 15 with Tuesday’s announcement that the Prairie Stars will add men’s and women’s cross country and track for the 2015-16 school year.
“After much discussion, research and considerable dialogue, it was obvious that a cross country and distance-focused track and field program would be a great fit for our campus and the Springfield community,” UIS athletic director Kim Pate said at a press conference at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
“We have a talented pool of prospective student-athletes throughout central Illinois and across the region as well as ample space on campus to support program growth and a strong running community to back the program.”
UIS currently offers 11 sports, five for men and six for women. Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams will take part in NCAA Division II Great Lakes Valley Conference competition in the fall.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 3, 2014.
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