XULA men’s track and field to add indoor competition in 2021-22

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana announced Wednesday the return of men’s indoor track and field as a varsity sports program.

The Gold Rush will resume competition during the winter of the 2021-22 academic year, with the first meet in January. XULA’s men most recently competed indoors in 2004.

“I am excited and thankful that our men will get the chance to compete indoors,” said Yhann Plummer, in his fourth season as head coach of XULA cross country and track and field for men and women. “Our men had a terrific outdoor season in 2021, and we look forward to continued success when we compete indoors.”

In May the XULA men produced their highest-ever finish — a tie for 21st place — at the NAIA outdoor national meet. Jeffery Frazier was third in the triple jump, Santerrius Barlow was fourth in the 100-meter dash, and Seth Alexander was eighth in the triple jump. All three earned All-America honors as a result of their performances. All three return to XULA this season.

Women’s indoor track and field returned to XULA for the 2019-20 academic year.

XULA will offer 14 sports in 2021-22 — eight more than it offered 13 years ago (2008-09). The list:

• Men’s teams (6): Baseball, basketball, cross country, tennis, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field.
• Women’s teams (7): Basketball, cross country, softball, tennis, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, volleyball.
• Co-ed team (1): Competitive cheer.

XULA’s sport offerings in 2008-09 were basketball, cross country and tennis for men and women. Men’s and women’s outdoor track and field returned in 2009-10 after a six-year hiatus. Volleyball returned in 2010-11 after a four-year hiatus. Baseball returned during 2020-21 for the first time since 1960, and softball made its debut. Competitive cheer made its debut in 2019-20.

XULA is in its first season as a member of the NAIA’s Red River Athletic Conference.