Andrew College Announces the Addition of Men’s and Women’s Cross Country
CUTHBERT, Ga - Andrew College announced that beginning in Fall 2026, Andrew College Athletics will sponsor Men's and Women's Cross Country.
Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach Brian Skortz announced the hiring of Head Cross Country Coach McKinley Ward-La Salle on Friday, Feb. 27. Men's and Women's Cross Country will join the 14 sports already sponsored by Andrew College.
With the Fighting Tigers transitioning to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the addition of cross country, along with the work of various faculty and staff including Andrew College President Dr. William Kennedy, serves as another example of Andrew's commitment to growth and providing students with opportunities for academic and athletic success.
"As a former NAIA student-athlete, I am especially excited that our students will now share in the same opportunities for growth and purpose that shaped my own journey," said Kennedy.
Andrew College's move to the NAIA goes into effect July 1, 2026. The Fighting Tigers will compete as members of the Southern States Athletic Conference.
About Andrew College
Rooted in a tradition of academic excellence, spiritual development and service, Andrew College offers students a supportive and transformative educational experience. Founded in 1854 and located in Cuthbert, Georgia, the college is affiliated with The United Methodist Church and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Andrew College offers associate, bachelor's and certificate programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.
Andrew College will become an active member of the NAIA in fall 2026. The Fighting Tigers currently compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association and sponsor 14 sports, including baseball, softball, football, men's and women's basketball, golf, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's wrestling, flag football and volleyball.
To learn more about Andrew College Athletics, visit:
University Website: https://www.andrewcollege.edu
Athletics Website: https://andrewfightingtigers.com/landing/index
Instagram: @athleticsandrew
Facebook: @ACAthletics
About the NAIA
Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, the NAIA is a governing body dedicated to intercollegiate athletics. Founded in 1937 following a basketball tournament in Kansas City — the longest-running event in college basketball history — the NAIA now includes more than 83,000 student-athletes and sponsors 29 national championships.
About the SSAC
Founded in 1991, the Southern States Athletic Conference is an NAIA conference comprised of 12 member institutions across Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Member institutions include Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Blue Mountain Christian University, Brewton-Parker Christian University, Dalton State College, Faulkner University, Life University, Loyola University New Orleans, Point University, Thomas University, the University of Mobile, the University of Tennessee Southern and William Carey University.
Effective July 1, 2026, Andrew College will join the SSAC alongside Wesleyan College (Georgia). The NAIA sponsors 20 intercollegiate sports and conducts conference championship events throughout the southeastern United States.
Andrew College is a National Junior College Athletic Association Division I school located in Cuthbert, Georgia. The Fighting Tigers sponsor 14 sports and compete in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association. Andrew College will move to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, effective July 1, 2026.