Drury adds 7 sports programs

Drury University announced the addition of seven new sports programs.

The Drury Athletics Department-supported clubs will have dedicated operating budgets, full-time coaches and scholarships, according to a news release. The new sports are men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s rugby, men’s ice hockey, men’s triathlon and Stunt cheerleading.

“At a time when many universities are cutting back on the academic and co-curricular opportunities they offer to students, Drury continues to invest,” Drury President Tim Cloyd said in the release. “We are investing in new experiences, such as marching band and club sports, new academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and new campus facilities, such as the C.H. ‘Chub’ O’Reilly Enterprise Center and Breech School of Business.”

Drury spokesperson Mike Brothers declined to estimate the school's investment in the new programs "at this early stage."

The new non-NCAA sports at Drury are slated to start competition in fall 2022, according to the release. The sports will be played at existing Drury and Springfield community facilities, such as Harrison Stadium. The new teams join fishing, men’s bowling, cheer, dance, esports and shotgun sports as non-NCAA sports at Drury.

The university is currently seeking coaches for all seven new sports.