Southwestern Community College to phase out running programs

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After years of declining participation, Southwestern Community College in Lenox, Iowa has announced it will begin phasing out its running programs, including the men's and women's cross country and track and field teams. The college's cross country program was started in 2006 by the current Lenox High School principal, but the teams have struggled to maintain roster sizes in recent years.

Why it matters

The decision to end the running programs at SWCC reflects broader challenges facing small college athletic departments, as declining enrollment and participation can make it difficult to sustain niche sports like cross country and track. The move also highlights the broader trend of high school athletes choosing to focus on a single sport rather than participating in multiple sports.

The details

SWCC first started its cross country program in 2006 under the leadership of Bill Huntington, who is now the principal at Lenox High School. Over the years, the college has tried to boost participation in both the men's and women's cross country as well as the track and field teams, but has been unable to maintain adequate roster sizes. The college has now decided to begin phasing out these athletic programs.

• SWCC started its cross country program in 2006.
• The college has not had any female cross country runners for the past 5 years.