KEYSER, W.Va. — WVU Potomac State College President Dr. Jerry Wallace announced last week the addition of men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track programs.
The teams will begin competing in the 2025-26 academic year and will increase Potomac State’s varsity sports to 14.
The additions are the first new sports since cross country was reinstated in the 2021-22 academic year.
On Wednesday, cross country head coach Chris Biser was named the Catamounts’ track and field head coach as well.
“We are thrilled to offer additional sports that will help attract talented student-athletes to our campus,” Director of Athletics Mandi Larkin said. “The launch of track and field builds upon the incredible success of our cross country program, which, in just three years, has earned three NJCAA Region 20 championships and made multiple appearances at the NJCAA National Championship, particularly on the women’s side. Track is one of the most popular high school sports, and this new program will open the door for many talented student-athletes to become future Catamounts.”
Biser has already made a remarkable impact at Potomac State through his leadership of the men’s and women’s cross country programs. His teams have also excelled academically and made meaningful contributions to the community.
“Coach Biser made an immediate impact when he took over the cross country programs three years ago,” said Larkin. “His teams found success both on the course and in the classroom. His coaching philosophy, along with his family-focused approach to team building, aligns perfectly with our vision for the new track and field programs. We are confident that coach Biser will bring the same level of commitment and excellence to this exciting new chapter of Catamount athletics.”
Biser is eager to take on the challenge of leading these new programs.
“We’re thrilled to launch the track and field programs at Potomac State,” he said. “This provides an excellent opportunity for both cross country and track athletes. Many high school athletes are looking for the chance to compete year-round, and now Potomac State can offer that, all while supporting their academic aspirations.”
With this expansion, Potomac State becomes the eighth NJCAA member in Region 20 to offer track and field, joining Carroll, CCBC Catonsville, Essex, Hagerstown, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s.
The college will take advantage of local high school and college tracks for indoor and outdoor training, ensuring student-athletes have access to quality facilities.
“The addition of a track and field team will expand opportunities for students to continue sports in college and obtain a degree,” Wallace said. “Potomac State College is a hybrid college, that competes at the national junior college level in sports while offering both associate and bachelor’s degrees. We are eager to welcome the inaugural PSC track and field athletes on campus this fall 2025.”