Aurora, New York – Wells College announces plans to add women’s and men’s basketball teams beginning in the 2008-09 academic year. The men’s basketball program, led by head coach Joe Wojtylko, will begin competing at the intercollegiate level in October 2008. The women’s program will be offered at the club level during the first year, and will elevate to the intercollegiate level in the 2009-2010 season.

“I am pleased by this latest addition to our athletics program,” says Director of Athletics for Recruitment and Retention Jamey Ventura. “Adding basketball to our athletics program provides more opportunities for our student-athletes and introduces an exciting spectator sport for our entire community to enjoy during the cold winter months.”

Wells College is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III member and joined the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) in Fall 2007. The College currently offers intercollegiate teams for women in field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, and tennis. In fall 2005, as Wells transitioned to coeducation, the College introduced men’s soccer and swimming, and a cross country team for both men and women. Men’s lacrosse will debut at the intercollegiate level this spring. 

“This is a great time for athletics at Wells College,” said Ventura. “We have a dedicated coaching staff that is working hard to recruit the best student-athletes to Wells. At the Division III level, student-athletes are choosing a college that can provide them with an excellent education; when we add in the opportunity to continue playing varsity athletics, we enhance their overall college experience. The bond these student-athletes will form at Wells College with their teammates, coaches, professors, and peers create a tremendous learning experience and memories that will last a lifetime.”

The College continues to develop plans for additional sport sponsorship that are inclusive of both men and women, and meet the needs of college students today. 

To advance its athletics programs, Wells offers a variety of indoor and outdoor athletic facilities. The Schwartz Athletic Center houses a swimming pool, gymnasium, and two tennis courts; a state-of-the-art fitness center opened in fall 2006. Outdoor facilities include four newly rebuilt tennis courts, softball field, boathouse, a 9-hole golf course, and game fields for field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse. New cross country running trails have been designed and will be developed this year.