ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Eckerd Athletics Department is proud to announce the addition of men's and women's cross country for the 2025 fall season.
This addition marks a new chapter for a program rich in history and tradition. The Tritons women's cross country team, which competed from 1984 to 2004, achieved remarkable success during its run—capturing three Sunshine State Conference (SSC) team championships in 1990, 1991, and 1992, as well as two individual titles. The program also made three NCAA Championship appearances, highlighted by the historic performance of Kim Fagen, Eckerd's first female All-American. Fagen won the NCAA South Region Title and placed 24th at the NCAA Championship in 1991.
The men's program, with roots tracing back to 1967, was active through 2001 and similarly boasts a strong legacy. The team secured SSC titles in 1989 and 1992, and an individual SSC championship in 1993.
"We are proud to announce the reestablishment of cross country. This relaunch builds upon the strong and competitive legacy of Triton cross country, which includes five combined Sunshine State Conference Championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances on the women's side," stated Director of Athletics Tom Ryan '87. "We're excited to provide our student-athletes with another opportunity to compete at the national level and within one of the most competitive conferences in Division II."
The two teams become the 15th and 16th programs for the department. A search for a head coach will begin immediately, as well as recruitment for both programs.
