In just his second year as head coach, Matt Long has lead the cross country teams to new heights.  The 1997 season was the best finish in more than a decade for the Tars.  The women captured 2nd at the Sunshine State Conference Championships and 14th at the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Meet.  The men's team placed 4th at the SSC.  Long had similar success in 1998 as the women again finished 2nd at the SSC and a 14th at the NCAA Regional Meet.  The men finished 4th at the SSC and advanced 3 runners to the NCAA Regional Meet.  Coach Long refers to the 1997-1999 seasons as a "rebirth of the program."  Long's plan for the future is to "increase the level of training...along with adding new talent."  A 1987 graduate of Rollins, Long himself is an accomplished runner.  Formally a sprinter, Long has now focused his efforts towards distance running.  A U.S.A. Track & Field Level I and II certified coach, Long competes in events ranging from the 5K to the marathon.                     

"The Rollins Cross Country Program strives to provide a foundation in which an individual team member can both understand and develop their academic and athletic potential.  By participating in this challenging program, the individual will generate a greater understanding of how goal setting, self discipline, hard work, and determination can and will result in accomplishment and success. 
  As a member of the cross country team, the athlete will be exposed to a variety of athletic abilities and competition levels.  Each individual, therefore, will be challenged to grow both mentally and physically regardless of their running past, present or future. 
To ensure team success, the coaching staff carries the overall responsibility of leading the team's training and administration functions.  However, a cooperative effort is used between the coaching staff and athlete concerning the athletes training and academic success.  The individual athlete is encouraged to share in team decisions and assume responsibilities concerning their training and overall team success.  This open door policy allows for a greater understanding of running education and develops a healthy team environment."