BOSTON, Mass. – The Wentworth Institute of Technology Athletic Department announced the formation of men's cross country as a club sport for the 2013-14 academic year, with the hopes of the program being elevated to varsity status in the future.

Head coach Matt Moyen '06, who was a standout for the Leopard baseball team and continues to serve as an assistant coach, has an extensive running background which dates back to his days at Leominster High School. Moyen competed on the track & field team at Leominster High School where he competed in the 55m, 300m, 4 x 200m relay, and 4 x 400m relay events and is the school record holder in the 4 x 200m relay.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to develop a successful cross country program here at Wentworth," said Moyen. "It isn't often that you get a chance to start a program from scratch and I look forward to the challenges that come with it."

This season the Leopards are competing in four events, including having kicked the season off at the prestigious Pop Crowell Invitational, hosted by Gordon College. Wentworth will conclude its season as a non-team scoring entrant at the Commonwealth Coast Conference Championships in Biddeford, Maine.

"As a coach at the collegiate level it is important to understand that student-athletes are students first and athletes second," "That being said, competing at the collegiate level requires a tremendous physical effort as well as a significant time commitment. In my experience, the commitment required to participate at this level enhances the academic experience and teaches vital lessons that last a lifetime."

A dedicated group of seven student-athletes have been training since mid-September. Moyen hopes to use these seven as the foundation for his program moving forward.

"When developing a new program it is imperative that you build a strong foundation consisting of student athletes who share the same passion and excitement for competition in their sport," added Moyen. "Based on my past experiences as a student-athlete and assistant baseball coach here at Wentworth I know we have countless passionate and excitable student-athletes on campus and interested in enrolling at Wentworth. As such, I'm thrilled to be able to provide a new avenue for students to display their passion outside of the great academics opportunities being offered."