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On Thursday, May 18, ������ at Trumbull officially announced its reinstatement of campus athletic programs.

This fall, Kent State Trumbull will be home to women’s and men’s cross country teams. It is the first competitive sport the school has offered since 1992 when it had basketball, volleyball and golf teams. The teams will compete against area colleges as a student organization under the leadership of volunteer head coach, Bill Hess.

Dr. Lance Grahn, Dean and Chief Administrative Officer, Kent State Trumbull, hopes cross country and other sports teams will soon compete as part of an intercollegiate conference.

“We aspire to offer our students a full college experience,” said Grahn. “We also want to make smart decisions when we determine what sports make financial and logistical sense.”

Grahn pointed to the possibility of future bowling and archery teams.

“We know that student athletes create a bond and tend to push one another athletically and academically. These opportunities also increase campus pride and give our student athletes an opportunity continue doing what they love to do.”

Hess has been coaching since 1987 and has been coaching both cross country and track at Niles McKinley High School and Middle School since 2007. Kent State Trumbull program coordinator Michelle Adkins will serve as staff advisor for Coach Hess and the Cross Country teams.

Briana Ellwood, a Kent State Trumbull sophomore and Niles McKinley graduate, has committed as the first runner.

[Photo Caption: Michelle Adkins, Dr. Lance Grahn, Coach Bill Hess, and Briana Ellwood]