INDIANAPOLIS (October 20, 2020) – Franklin Pierce University has been selected to host the East Regional of the NCAA Division II Championship in men’s and women’s cross country in both 2023 and 2025, as announced last week by the NCAA. The Ravens have hosted the event on three previous occasions, and will once again do so at the Hopkinton State Fairgrounds in Hopkinton, N.H. Exact dates of competition will be determined in the future by the NCAA.

The news came as part of a massive announcement of more than 450 host-site selections for both regional and finals competition across all three NCAA divisions from 2021 through 2027. From the NCAA’s announcement, which is linked above: “The NCAA received more than 3,000 bid submissions from NCAA member schools, conferences, sports commissions and cities vying to host predetermined rounds for 86 of the NCAA’s 90 championships. The sites were selected by the respective NCAA sports committees and approved by the divisional competition oversight and championships committees.”

“We are honored to host the Championships again,” said Zach Emerson, Assistant Athletic Director and the head coach of Franklin Pierce’s cross country and track & field programs. “Having done so on three previous occasions, I can say that it not only provides our coaches and student-athletes with pride and inspiration, but it allows us to engage the central New Hampshire running community and make an impact where we live. The course and facilities at Hopkinton are national class and we can’t wait to bring the championships back to the Fairgrounds. We look forward to providing a great experience for our fellow D-II East Region harriers.”

Franklin Pierce previously hosted East Regional competition in cross country at Hopkinton in 2015, 2016 and 2018.

Several fellow NE10 institutions were selected as future hosts of NCAA Championships as well. Adelphi will host the cross country East Regional in 2022. Saint Anselm will host the national semifinals and championship game in field hockey in 2023. Stonehill will host the national semifinals and championship game in women’s lacrosse in both 2025 and 2026.