Wheeling University adds 3 new athletic programs

Wheeling, W.Va. (WTRF) – One local university is expanding their athletic department to include as many as three new programs for the upcoming year.

On Tuesday, Wheeling University Chief Operations Officer, Dr. Dianna Vargo and Athletic Director Carrie Hannah introduced the coaches of those programs to the students, and staff.

They say they are excited to offer new and exciting opportunities for their student-athletes.

The new coaches include Faith Flanagan for Women’s Lacrosse, Ken Pape who will coach the Women’s Rugby Team and Alexis Kelly who will head-up the Acrobatics and Tumbling program.

“I got told by multiple people, that there is no way you’re f=going to get enough girls to have a season and thankfully because I have such a great group of girls that trusted me through out the entire process we are going to have a season and I’m so excited. We are going to have fun. we are going to love the game and we are going to enjoy it. I want them to be pushed. I want them to improve. I want them to be their best selves on and off the field.”

Faith Flanagan, Women’s Lacrosse Coach, Wheeling University

“I want to make sure that we have the team culture because that is going to be something that makes or breaks the season. Obviously, I only have my girls for a short amount of time, only for four years. Not only do i want them to be good athletes, I also want them to be good humans.”

Alexis Kelly. Acrobatics & Tumbling Coach, Wheeling University

“I’ve dome this a few times. It’s my third time starting a program. This is the first time, I’m very confident in the group of women we’ve assembled. Like I said, we did this in like thirty days. So to get the the quality of women we got coming here is just an unheard of feat.”

Ken Pape, Women’s Rugby Coach, Wheeling University

The Women’s Rugby team are wasting no time in taking on top-notch competition when they travel to Columbus this Friday to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes.

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