Wells College announced plans to add women's and men's basketball teams beginning in the 2008-09 academic year on Thursday.

The men's basketball program, led by head coach Joe Wojtylko, will begin competing at the intercollegiate level in October.

The women's program will be offered at the club level during the first year, and will elevate to the intercollegiate level in the 2009-2010 season.

"I am pleased by this latest addition to or athletics program," said Director of Athletics for Recruitment and Retention Jamey Ventura in a press release. "Adding basketball to our athletics program provides more opportunities for our student-athletes and introduces an exciting spectator sport for our entire community to enjoy during the cold winter months."

Wells College is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III member and joined the North Eastern Athletic Conference in the fall.

Wells currently offers intercollegiate teams for women in field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and tennis. After Wells transitioned to coeducation, the college introduced men's soccer and swimming, and a cross country team for both men and women. Men's lacrosse will debut at the intercollegiate level this spring.

"This is a great time for athletics at Wells College," Ventura said. "We have a dedicated coaching staff that is working hard to recruit the best student-athletes to Wells."