Men's cross-country went to varsity status in 1969, and the squad has had fine success over the last 35 years.
Rob Edson placed fifth at the NCAA Championships in 1982 for the best finish ever by a Colby male runner. Edson earned All-America honors along with Kelly Dodge '83, who placed 22nd in 1981 at the NCAA meet. Dodge won the individual title at the NESCAC Championships in 1980. Kevin Farley '86 also earned All-America honors after taking 20th place in 1984.
Long-time head coach Jim Wescott retired following the 2002-03 academic year after winning NESCAC titles in 1981, 1987, 1990, and 1993. He was named New England Division III Cross-Country Coach of the Year in 1990.
Women's cross-country ran into varsity status in 1977 and has had eight women earn All-America honors.
The program's greatest success has been in the past few years. The Mules have finished fifth at the NCAA Division III Championships during the 2004 and 2005 seasons. Jess Minty '06 and Karen Prisby '07 each earned All-America honors in the 2005 season.
Eight Colby runners have earned 11 All-America honors, including four-time winner Michelle Severance '94. Severance's highest placing was seventh in 1991.
Jill Vollweiler '90 and Jeannie Guild '87 were the team's first national meet qualifiers in 1986. Vollweiler went on to become Colby's first All-American in 1988 after finishing 11th. In the same meet, teammate Karen Boomer '90 placed 25th and also earned All-America status.
Kara Patterson '97 finished 10th at nationals in 1994 and also earned All-America honors two years later in 1996. Farrell Burns '98 placed 17th at nationals and was an All-American.
Sarah Toland '00 had Colby's top 5K time (17:18.50) ever in the 1999 national meet, where she placed 11th and earned All-America honors.
