MCCC Launches New Intercollegiate Athletics Program
Mustangs Gallop onto the Philadelphia-area Sports Scene
April 18, 2008—The Mustangs take center stage as Montgomery County Community College saddles up its new roster of intercollegiate athletics teams. Beginning September, 2009, the Mustangs will compete in soccer, basketball, baseball and softball.
The Mustangs will be members of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in Region 19 and the Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (EPCC).
“A strong intercollegiate athletics program supports the College’s focus on student academic success by improving the level of student-athlete engagement and interaction with the College,” says Dr. Karen A. Stout, president of Montgomery County Community College.
“Research shows that students realize greater educational achievement when engaged in student life and co-curricular activities,” she says. “In addition, a thriving sports program underscores our commitment to accessible education by enabling the College to reach capable students who may not decide to pursue higher education or join our College because of the lack of an athletics program.”
In years past, the College offered intercollegiate athletic opportunities for students in soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, golf and tennis. However, the program was discontinued in 1989.
“More recently, students, faculty, board members and community leaders have asked us to renew our active participation in intercollegiate athletics,” Dr. Stout says. “In fact, focus groups held last year with high school students and parents overwhelmingly endorsed the prospect of revitalizing our athletics program on campus.”
According to student Brent Fredrick, president of the College’s Health and Physical Education Club, students are excited about returning sports to the campuses.
“Right now, many students come to Montgomery County Community College to get a degree and move on, but having athletics will build school pride and generate interest in other campus activities,” he said. “The Mustangs will add a whole new dimension to our activities outside of the classroom.
