BENTONVILLE — Northwest Arkansas Community College’s Sports Committee wants to take the school’s cross country program off pilot status.
The committee, during a meeting Wednesday, unanimously supported a motion to make cross country a sanctioned sport at the college, just a couple of months after the team completed its first season.
The motion now advances to the college Board of Trustees at its February meeting for final approval.
College trustees voted 7-1 in November 2019 to start a cross country program to compete in Division II of the National Junior College Athletic Association. The team began competing last year as a three-year pilot program at the college.
During the committee’s discussion Wednesday, it was mentioned that the word “pilot” didn’t give prospective student-athletes assurances the sport would be there long-term and could impact recruiting.
The first cross country season ended Nov. 13 at the national championship at Pole Green Park in Richmond, Va., where the men’s team finished 11th. Cowley (Kan.) College won the 30-team men’s division.
Emmanuel Kipchirchir, a first-year student, was Northwest Arkansas Community College’s best finisher in 29th place among 221 runners.
The team was funded entirely with about $45,000 in private donations. The men’s team had a full slate of runners, but the women’s team did not. A goal for next season is to field a full women’s team, officials said.
Meanwhile, the committee intends to examine what sports could be added next at the college.
Trustee Todd Schwartz, who led Wednesday’s meeting, suggested low-cost sports be looked at and that there be an equal split between male and female student-athletes to meet the requirements of Title IX.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
Schwartz also said any new sports ought to be funded through private sources and suggested adding no more than one sport per fiscal year.
The committee agreed to form a subcommittee to study what sports the college might adopt.
One possibility mentioned was esports — organized, competitive online gaming between individuals or teams. Several local high schools already have esports teams.
The committee also heard an update on the college’s next Eagle 5K and 1-mile fun run/walk. The event will be held Nov. 19. Money raised will go to support the cross country program.
Mike Jones can be reached by email at [email protected].