The coach of AACC’s new Men’s Cross-Country team also took over as head coach of Women’s Cross-Country, starting this season.

Coordinator of Athletics Keith Bigelow replaced long-time coach Jim Griffiths, who retired last season after his team won the Division III Region 20 championship. Griffiths will continue to coach Women’s Lacrosse this spring.

“We have a long history of success as regional champions,” Bigelow said. “We’d like to continue that legacy.”

Bigelow noted his optimism for the season, saying, “[I’m] very excited about it, looking forward to it.”

Bigelow said the team would work to peak at around the time of the Region 20/MDJUCO Championships on Oct. 26.

Bigelow said his strategy includes limiting injuries. “The No. 1 thing for running is to run injury free,” he said. “[The team will] build slow and not overdo it.”

The Riverhawks start their year Aug. 31 at the Salisbury University Fall Classic.