North Central Michigan College will dedicate its indoor athletic space, Petoskey Plastics Arena, with a November 18 ribbon-cutting held during its inaugural home basketball games.

The arena is named in honor of lead donor Petoskey Plastics, whose gift helped launch North Central’s varsity athletic program. The ribbon-cutting will take place during halftime of the women’s game against Mott Community College.

“NCMC Athletics is the next step in providing a holistic, enriching academic and student-life experience in Northern Michigan,” said North Central President David Roland Finley. “We are extremely grateful for, but not at all surprised by, Petoskey Plastics’ generosity. It’s indicative of their commitment to supporting education and improving the communities of which they are a part.”

Petoskey Plastics Arena is home to the Timberwolves volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Petoskey Plastics President Jason Keiswetter said NCMC’s athletic program is aligned with the company’s focus on supporting youth and wellness, citing the company’s 40-plus-year partnership with the college.

“We are very excited to support the launch of NCMC’s athletic program by sponsoring the new arena, the NCMC Timberwolves and Timberwolf Territory,” Keiswetter said. “This is living true to our mission, which is to earn the appreciation and respect of our customers, associates and communities.”

Petoskey Plastics Arena features a new, regulation-size wooden court. Installed by Kuhn Specialty Flooring of Beverly Hills, Mich., during the summer, the Connor flooring system consists of maple sourced from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Also new to the arena are state-of-the-art Daktronics scoreboards donated by the Kroeger-Mainland Foundation, a fully equipped athletic training room sponsored by Kevan and Wynne Lawlor, and Interkal spectator seating for 350 fans.

Petoskey Plastics, the Kroeger-Mainland Foundation, the Lawlors and more than 30 other corporate and private donors will be recognized for providing essential support to NCMC Athletics.

NCMC Athletic Director Ashley Antonishen said the first home basketball game provides an exciting opportunity to dedicate the arena and honor the donors who made it possible.

“This venture would not have been possible if not for the generous donors and wonderful community partners who helped us launch our athletic program,” Antonishen said. “Their gifts are allowing us to provide new and beneficial opportunities to our students, fans and the community in a way that we’ve never seen before at NCMC.”

Tip-off of the women’s game against the Mott Community College Bears is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. The men’s game will tip off at 7:30 p.m.

After launching its club sports program in 2019, North Central was granted membership in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Region 12, Division II, in October 2021 and became a member of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association in December 2021.

NCMC Athletics provides positive opportunities for student-athletes to advance their academic, athletic and personal achievements through intercollegiate sports. More information, including team rosters, schedules and news stories, is available at www.ncmctimberwolves.com.

Group ribbon-cutting photo

Visit our Flickr page for more photos from the November 18 athletics launch and arena dedication event.