Pasco-Hernando State College Athletics Director Steve Winterling recently announced the addition of men’s cross country to the College’s inter-collegiate program roster beginning in the fall 2022 season. This brings the number of Bobcats sports teams up to seven.  “We are excited to start a long-awaited men’s cross country program at PHSC and even more happy to name Lee Rietsma as head coach,” said Winterling. “Lee brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a coach and runner that I’m sure will help excel our men’s program quickly.”

Winterling said, “Lee has hit the ground running. He’s already recruited the first two members of the of the 10-12 person student-athlete roster.” 

Lee Rietsma grew up in Grand Rapids, MI and now lives in Land O’ Lakes. He competed all four years in the High School Cross Country State Championships and competed four years of track and cross country at Central Michigan University. Rietsma still competes locally and throughout the country in 5K – Marathon distances. Among his many athletic accomplishments, he finished 2nd overall in the Walt Disney World Space Mountain Marathon with a time of 2:44:46. Rietsma has run 25 marathons including the Boston Marathon eight times with a best time of 2:47:17.

Rietsma served as the PHSC women’s cross country assistant coach under PHSC Cross Country Head Coach Jacki Wachtel. They led the team to five state/regional titles as National Junior College Athletic Association/Florida College System Activities Association (NJCAA/FCSAA) Region 8 Women’s Cross Country Champions.

PHSC Intercollegiate Athletic Program includes: 

  • Men’s Baseball
  • Men’s Basketball
  • Men’s Cross Country
  • Women’s Cross Country
  • Women’s Soccer
  • Women’s Softball
  • Women’s Volleyball