6/5/26
 
SCRANTON, Pa. – The Lackawanna College Athletics administration is pleased to announce another addition to the Falcons' athletics offerings, as the department confirms the revival of the men's and women's cross country programs in anticipation of the move to the NCAA Division II and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
 
The Falcons can also announce that Nicholas Liuzzo has been named as the head coach for both programs. Liuzzo comes to Lackawanna after spending three seasons as an assistant coach with Keystone College in LaPlume.
 
"Coach Liuzzo brings an exceptional work ethic to our program, demonstrated through his experiences and mentoring student-athletes both on and off the course," says Director of Athletics Erik Larson. "His commitment and consistency stood out throughout the hiring process, and we are excited about the culture he will build within our cross country program."
 
Before his time coaching at Keystone, Liuzzo was a standout performer for the Giants, winning a conference championship in 2021 and earning All-CSAC selections in both 2021 and 2022. Liuzzo graduated from Keystone in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in Accounting, minoring in Sport and Recreation Management.
 
"What attracted me to Lackawanna was the ability to stay local, where I've built some strong connections," says Liuzzo about coming to Lackawanna College. "I'm extremely excited to get to work."
 
Lackawanna College previously sponsored men's and women's cross country at the NJCAA level, but the programs were dissolved after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The return of both programs highlights the Falcons' commitment to athletics offerings and expansion as Lackawanna applies for membership with the NCAA.
 
The Falcons will compete beginning with the Fall 2026 competition season, participating in regional events. Liuzzo will be tasked with working to populate the men's and women's rosters to begin competing with their fellow PSAC members.
 
""I know it's going to be a lot of work to get this program up and running," says Liuzzo about the challenge ahead, "But I'm excited to get to mold it into my vision from day one.
 
"I'm excited to be a part of an athletics program that has created so much success."