Merrimack adds track, but not field

This is an interesting one.

I regularly herald schools that add track and field or cross country programs, especially when many schools take the easy road and cut programs.

But Merrimack -- a college of about 2,000 in Massachusetts -- is taking a unique approach. The school has cross country and they're adding track. But only the distance runners. Or rather those "who will compete primarily in distance events," according to a NCAA press release.

Untoward? No. I never understood the idea of only having cross country, so their current roster of only two men will have additional options. And it should improve their results; the women's team was a very respectible sixth at last fall's Northeast regional championships.

But I guess you gotta bring your own shot put if you wanna toss one for Merrimack.