NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana
announced Wednesday the return of men's indoor track and field
as a varsity sports program.
The Gold Rush will resume competition during the winter of the 2021-22 academic year,
with the first meet in January.
XULA's men most recently competed indoors in 2004.
"I am excited and thankful that our men will get the chance to compete
indoors," said
Yhann Plummer, in his fourth season as head coach of XULA cross country
and track and field for men and women. "Our men had a terrific outdoor season in 2021,
and we look forward to continued success when we compete indoors."
In May the XULA men produced their highest-ever
finish — a tie for 21st place — at the NAIA outdoor national meet.
Jeffery Frazier was third in the triple jump,
Santerrius Barlow was fourth in the 100-meter dash, and
Seth Alexander was eighth in the triple jump. All three earned All-America honors as a result of
their performances. All three return to XULA this season.
Women's indoor track and field returned to XULA for
the 2019-20 academic year.
XULA will offer 14 sports in 2021-22 — eight more than it
offered 13 years ago (2008-09). The list:
•
Men's teams (6):
Baseball, basketball, cross country, tennis, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field.
•
Women's teams (7):
Basketball, cross country, softball, tennis, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, volleyball.
•
Co-ed team (1):
Competitive cheer.
XULA's sport offerings in 2008-09 were basketball, cross country
and tennis for men and women. Men's and women's outdoor track and field returned in 2009-10 after a six-year hiatus. Volleyball
returned in 2010-11 after a four-year hiatus.
Baseball returned during 2020-21 for the first time since 1960, and softball
made its debut. Competitive cheer made its debut in 2019-20.
XULA is in its first season as a member of the NAIA's Red River Athletic Conference.
