SCF Receives NJCAA Grant to Start Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Teams

(Bradenton, Fla., June 19, 2025)—State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota has been awarded a $2,000 NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant to start a Division II intercollegiate men’s and women’s cross country program in the 2026-27 school year. The SCF Manatees athletics department seeks to recruit 10 members for each team. All meets will be held off-site and open to the public. The program will be funded through a combination of the NJCAA grant and support from the Student Activity Budget Review committee.

“SCF appreciates the grant support and opportunity to expand its sports offerings. Cross country is an accessible and valuable addition for the College, student-athletes and community,” said SCF Athletic Director Nick Cichielo. “We are thrilled to meet our community’s sports interests, attract local students to join the teams, and offer something new and exciting here at SCF.”

Andrew Givens, NJCAA Foundation executive director, said, “The ability to provide this funding is a testament to the importance and growth of two-year collegiate athletics. The NJCAA Foundation looks forward to this initiative’s impact as NJCAA member colleges continue to create opportunities for student-athletes across the country.”

For more information, call Nick Cichielo at 941-752-5574 or email CichieN@SCF.edu.