ARNOLD, MD. --  After a review of its athletic programs, Anne Arundel Community College will no longer field varsity men's and women's cross country programs, effective at the end of the 2022 season. AACC students may continue to participate in club running programs on campus.

The decision to discontinue the varsity cross country programs was based on declining participation numbers both institutionally and within our region. This led to fewer meaningful competition opportunities at the varsity level. The change affects eight current student-athletes and two part-time staff members.

"Given the shrinking landscape of two-year college cross country programs in our area, we feel this decision will still provide an opportunity to engage with runners on our campus through meaningful competition in avenues other than a varsity program," said Athletic Director Duane Herr '07.

The discontinuation of the cross country programs will allow AACC to reallocate funds to its other 11 varsity across Divisions I, II, and III. AACC remains committed to its future in the NJCAA.

AACC is a member of National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 20 and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference (MDJUCO). Both cross country programs competed at the NJCAA Division III level.  

The AACC Athletic Department will provide assistance to those interested in transferring to another institution to continue their athletic careers. AACC will revisit the possibility of renewing the programs in the future.