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NEWS: Minnesota Crookston to Add D2 Men’s & Women’s Track & Field Programs Starting in 2026-2027 Academic Year

  • Aimee Mackenzie
  • 1 minute ago
  • 1 min read

Written by Aimee Morganti, edits & additional commentary via Garrett Zatlin

Back in March, Minnesota Crookston announced that, at the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, the university will sponsor Division Two men’s and women's track and field programs. In turn, they will compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).



Minnesota Crookston’s head coach for cross country, Steven Krouse, is set to lead the new track and field programs after six years at the helm. Krouse will be supported by an assistant coach and the hiring search for the new position has already begun.


In the press release, Minnesota Crookston’s Director of Athletics, Stephanie Helgeson, stated...

“We are very excited to add men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field to our sport offerings at the University of Minnesota Crookston. We have seen tremendous growth and success in our cross country program in the last seven years, and we believe we can see the same type of trajectory in men’s and women’s track and field. It also allows us to offer the most competitive environment we can for our country and track and field student-athletes.”

During the 2025 cross country season, the Golden Eagles set historic program bests on the grass, specifically in the postseason. At the NSIC XC Championships, the men’s cross country team took 5th place while the women’s cross country team earned a 7th place finish. At the NCAA D2 Central Regional XC Championships, both teams placed 18th out of 30 men’s teams and 35 women’s teams.


The NSIC includes notable track and field programs such as Winona State, U-Mary, Minnesota State and Augustana (SD), among others.




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