Shorter College launches cross country, track program


News from the Office of Institutional Relations
Dr. Harold E. Newman, President, Phone (706) 233-7201
Dawn Tolbert, Director of Institutional Relations, Phone (706) 233-7215
Tracy Batchelor, Assistant Director of Institutional Relations, Phone (706) 233-7241
315 Shorter Ave., Box 2072, Rome, Georgia 30165 – Office Fax (706) 233-7457

RELEASE DATE: January 30, 2006

Shorter College launches cross country, track program

Dear Athletes and Parents,

I am pleased to announce that Shorter College will add men's and women's cross-country and track teams to our intercollegiate sports program beginning in the fall of 2006. This addition will give Shorter a full complement of men's and women's athletics. Shorter competes in the NAIA Southern States Conference in baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, basketball, volleyball and cross-country, and in the NAIA Mid-South Conference in football.
Academically, Shorter College is an excellent institution. We have been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top 20 Southern comprehensive colleges, placing 14th in the 2006 rankings. Shorter was also recognized this year by the Princeton Review as one of the South's best colleges. Shorter students experience an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio and receive the personal attention that comes from a caring and dedicated faculty. Shorter College is a Christian liberal arts college located in Rome, Georgia. Founded in 1873, the college has a tradition of preparing men and women to be leaders in their professions, their communities and their churches.
We are seeking 10-12 students for both the men's and women's teams. The 2006-2007 men's and women's cross country and track programs will run a full season of cross country and track and will also compete in select indoor meets. Our programs offer an exciting opportunity for athletes to make their mark in competitive college running.
Effective immediately, the Shorter College cross country and track teams offer athletic scholarships. We have begun an aggressive recruiting campaign for the 2006-2007 teams. Those interested in athletic scholarships should fill out an athletic questionnaire at www.shorter.edu/athletics/ath_recruiting.asp and contact me by e-mailing jstephenson@shorter.edu or calling (706) 844-4157. Also, visit our team Web site at www.hawkrunning.com.
All athletes will receive personalized and knowledgeable coaching, many racing opportunities, and the benefits of training on the Northwest Georgia's hundreds of miles of beautiful forest access trails. I am very excited to be able to offer this opportunity for athletes to continue competitive running in an environment that fosters success here at Shorter College.

Sincerely,

Jay Stephenson

Head Coach, Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track
Shorter College
jstephenson@shorter.edu
(706) 844-4157