Membership would allow the college to begin intercollegiate varsity competition in Fall 2022.

North Central Michigan College (NCMC) announced today that it has applied for membership in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), the national sports association for two-year colleges.

Filing the application is the next step in the college’s plan to offer an intercollegiate varsity sports program.  North Central Athletic Director Ashley Antonishen said NJCAA membership would allow the college to begin varsity competition in Fall 2022 in women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, and esports.

“Our area is home to so many talented athletes,” Antonishen said.  “This is an exciting opportunity for them to continue their passion as North Central Timberwolves while receiving an exceptional NCMC education.”

This fall, Antonishen will begin recruiting prospective student-athletes from North Central’s service area and throughout the state to build a roster for women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s cross country.

“I’m excited to get out on the road to watch athletes playing the sports they love,” she said.  “As a bonus, I’ll get to share with them all that North Central offers, and why it’s a great fit for their next step.”

Following North Central’s application, NJCAA representatives will conduct both a virtual and an in-person campus visit within the next month.  Application approval will be decided by NJCAA’s Board of Regents in December.

Pending approval of its application, North Central will become a member of NJCAA’s Region 12, which includes 33 colleges in Indiana, Ohio, and Lower Michigan.

North Central launched its club sports program in Fall 2019.  Current offerings include club cross country, downhill ski racing, and esports.

“Expanding our athletic program is another step in bolstering the student-life experience on campus,” said NCMC President David Roland Finley.  “These extracurricular opportunities will complement the outstanding academic programs at the college, creating a more holistic, vibrant environment for learning.”

 North Central Michigan College is an open-door community college based in Petoskey, with additional locations offering classes and services in Cheboygan and Gaylord.  North Central’s mission is to provide exceptional, accessible, relevant higher education of and for the community.  North Central is an Achieving the Dream Leader College with a designation of Veteran Friendly Bronze by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.  For more information, visit www.ncmich.edu.

 

For more information:
Ashley Antonishen
Athletic Director
231-348-6830