Pasco-Hernando State College Expands Athletics Program - Adds Men's Cross Country
Pasco-Hernando State College is excited to announce a brand-new men’s cross-country team. The first signees of the 10–12-person roster are Seth Stringer from Pasco High School and Max Moore from Palm Harbor University High School. The inter-collegiate program roster will begin in the fall 2022 season.
Pasco-Hernando State College Athletics Director Steve Winterling says, “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. 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.”
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.
Senior Vice President & Chief Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Officer Dr. Bob Bade says, “In just a few short weeks, it has been exciting to receive very strong interest within the local area for the Men's Cross-Country program.”
PHSC was the first state college to start a cross country program 16 years ago. We now have 12 women teams in the Florida Community System Activities Association (FCSAA) and the addition of the Bobcat men's program will give us 7 teams.
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
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