ATHLETICS
UPDATE
PHSC Adds Men ’ s Cross Country Program
Pasco-Hernando State College Athletics Director Steve Winterling recently announced the addition of men ’ s cross country to the College ’ s intercollegiate program roster beginning in fall 2022 . 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 . Lee has hit the ground running . He ’ s already recruited the first two members of the of the 10-12 person student-athlete roster — Seth Stringer from Pasco High School and Max Moore from Palm Harbor University High School .”
PHSC Intercollegiate Athletic Programs Men ’ s Baseball Men ’ s Basketball Men ’ s Cross Country Women ’ s Cross Country Women ’ s Soccer Women ’ s Softball Women ’ s Volleyball
Introducing Lee Rietsma , Head Coach , Men ’ s Cross Country
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 for four years in 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 second 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 program 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 .
Kudos for Coach
Head Coach Jacki Wachtel was named NJCAA DII Atlantic Region Women ’ s Coach of the Year . It ’ s the second time she has received this award .
Steve Winterling , Athletic Director , was inducted into the Florida College System Activities Association ( FCSAA ) Hall of Fame . Nominees have contributed at least 10 years to FCSAA or a member institution and been selected by their peers based on merits of their community and state college contributions and achievements as well as significant accomplishments .
24 PHSC