Oxford adds two new sports for the 16/17 season
The Oxford College Athletic Department starts off the 2016-2017 academic year larger than ever with four new varsity sports. The Eagles will introduce men's and women's golf as well as men's and women's cross-country into their athletic program.
Head coach of the golf program will be previous club coach Brian Schiffbauer,
"I am honored that Oxford College has entrusted me with the task of starting this program. We are not free from challenges and bumps in the road, but with three sophomores returning for the men's team and two returning for the women's team, I believe that the leadership aspect is in-place for a successful first season of full-varsity competition…"
The men's golf team will be lead by sophomore and captain Conner Wilkinson while the women will have Ali Granzotti take over as their captain.
The cross-country team will be taken over by coach Ella O'Kelley,
"This is such an exciting time for Oxford with its growth athletically. There are many changes taking place on so many levels due to the support and vision of leadership. The future is very bright. I am just so honored to be a part of this trajectory. Some times I have to pinch myself and say, 'you were chosen to be the inaugural coach to bring two sports from club to varsity level.' My athletes, asst. Coach and I will forever be a part Oxford's athletic history. We've always trained and competed like a varsity team, it just feels so good to carry that label now. Next goal is to make national waves."
While these coaches come into their seasons with new teams and players, they expect nothing less than their teams to compete within the GCAA and at a national level from the start.