Two Peach Belt Conference schools have announced they’ll reinstate men’s cross country in the next two years.

Armstrong Atlantic State will reinstate the sport this fall, with Augusta State to follow in 2010. Men’s cross country will be the 11th varsity sport at both institutions.

The additions also fulfill the NCAA requirement that schools sponsor at least one men’s and women’s sport in each of the fall, winter and spring seasons Armstrong Atlantic State sponsored men’s cross country through the 1999 season, when it was dropped to make way for the reinstatement of the men’s golf program in 2000-01. Augusta State sponsored men’s cross country through the 2002 season, when it was dropped due to gender-equity considerations.

Since then, the NCAA has passed legislation requiring the three-sport-sponsorship rule, and the addition of men’s cross country will bring Armstrong Atlantic State in full compliance. The institution has been operating under a waiver allowing it to maintain NCAA eligibility since the legislation was passed.

Armstrong Atlantic State Athletics Director Eric Faulconer said the school will begin a search for a head coach who also will serve as an assistant men’s basketball coach.

Women’s cross country coach Adam Ward will take over the men’s coaching duties at Augusta State. “It is my hope to develop this program into a national-caliber program, just as we have tried to do with our women’s program,” Ward said. “I know it will take time, but with the support of our administration, university and community, I know we can continue to build a great tradition in distance running at ASU.”

Nine Peach Belt teams will sponsor men’s cross country by 2010 – Armstrong Atlantic State, Augusta State, Columbus State, Clayton State, Flagler, Francis Marion, Georgia College, North Georgia and UNC Pembroke.