Laurentian adds men’s track and cross-country

The Laurentian Voyageurs is adding a men’s cross-country running and track team to their roster of sports for the fall of 2015.

The men’s team will join the existing women’s program that has enjoyed success on the trails and track this year.

“It was a natural addition,” said head coach Dick Moss. “We already have a women’s team that’s running at a high level. With Darren Jermyn and myself, the coaching is already in place, as is an excellent support system with sport psychology, osteopathy, massage, gait analysis, physiotherapy and yoga all available. The guys can compete at the same meets and train at the same venues, so logistics are relatively easy.”

Like the women’s squad, the men’s team will focus on cross-country and distance track events.

Laurentian’s athletic director, Peter Hellstrom, said he is excited to grow the Voyageurs family.

“Coach Moss and coach Jermyn have the foundation of a strong program already in place, so adding a men’s team was an easy decision. If we can help the university grow by growing ourselves and adding to the tradition of the Voyageurs, then it’s a win for everyone. I’m excited to see a new group of student-athletes come in, and, as the strong foundation is already there, the growing pains should be reduced significantly.”

“It’s been 15 years since we’ve had a men’s team,” said Jermyn, associate head coach. Jermyn raced for the Laurentian men’s squad in the 1990s. “The men’s squad did have a long history of solid results, so it will be good to have the program back. The early feedback we’ve received from alumni, general public and other university programs has been outstanding.”

“With September just a few months away, we’re behind with our recruiting. But we do have some excellent prospects that we’ve contacted, and we’re inviting any potential recruits to contact us,” said Moss.