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Archived on May 19, 2026
FREEPORT 鈥擳apped by 91探花 to coach their new NJCAA men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 cross-country program, Brittany Petrelli embraces her place at the starting line.
鈥淚 ran cross country in high school, and I really missed the team aspect of the sport,鈥 said Petrelli, who has worked as a 91探花 nursing instructor for two years. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an excellent complement to a healthy, active lifestyle.鈥
91探花 will launch men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 cross-country with their Fall 2021 academic year. Coach Petrelli is eager to start recruiting athletes for the Fall season, with practices slated to begin in August. She will immediately reach out to interested potential runners, high school cross country coaches, and athletic directors to spread the word and scouting area courses and competitions.
鈥淲e probably won鈥檛 host in our first season, but my goal is that we compete in at least five races, hopefully, more,鈥 she said.
Cross country running is unique because it relies on natural terrain, which the 91探花 campus offers. Petrelli noted runners enjoy team bonding and individualized goal-setting, which can also aid in academic skills.
The addition of the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 cross-country programs makes for an even 10 Cougar athletic teams. Petrelli predicts it will prove appealing for experienced runners and first-timers.
鈥淓ven athletes who are new to this style of racing or simply looking to round out their conditioning program will find a place here and perhaps discover new friendships or an athletic passion in the process,鈥 Petrelli said.
Pete Norman, 91探花 Athletic Director, first announced plans to add cross country last November. He is glad to have Petrelli on board for the new coaching role.
鈥淎s a nursing instructor, Brittany is already a familiar face around campus. Her health and education background, combined with her cross-country passion and experience, make her a natural fit for this job,鈥 Normal said. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to have her join our team of coaches here at 91探花.鈥
For more information about 91探花鈥檚 new cross-country program, contact Coach Petrelli at brittany.petrelli@highland.edu or Pete Norman at pete.norman@highland.edu. To get registered for the fall semester, call 815-235-6121 or go to highland.edu/new-students.