PULASKI, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern plans to add the inaugural men's and women's outdoor track and field teams for the 2023-24 academic year. The University currently sponsors men's and women's cross country teams and will now expand recruiting for men's and women's track & field. The addition of track & field will increase the number of intercollegiate sports to 19.

"We are thrilled to create this opportunity for our cross country teams and new track and field teams to work together to maximize their potential," said Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Brandie Paul. "Coach Watson has a phenomenal vision to grow these programs, and provide more competition opportunities to our cross country runners."

According to the National Federation of State High School Association's 2021-22 Athletics Participation Survey, outdoor track and field is the second most popular sports among both males and females, which will allow UT Southern to offer a sport widely popular for incoming student-athletes. Additionally, cross country and track and field work closely together which will allow student-athletes more opportunities for success and overall growth for the programs.

The Southern States Athletic Conference, of which Tennessee Southern will rejoin for the 2023-24 season, sponsors championships in track and field, allowing student-athletes to be eligible to compete in not only conference championships, but NAIA Championships as well.

Cross Country head coach Justin Watson has been tasked to lead and develop the squads during their growing stages. Watson will begin accepting interested student-athletes to join the program immediately. Prospective student-athletes interested in competing for the track and field teams, contact coach Watson at jwatso83@utsouthern.edu.