NOTE: This event will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person. Click here to watch the live stream beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 18, 2021.
North Central Michigan College will hold a press conference on Thursday, November 18, at 11:30 a.m. to announce the addition of six varsity athletic teams set to begin competition in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) during academic year 2022-2023. The press conference will be held in the Student and Community Resource Center gymnasium on the Petoskey campus. Members of the media and all college stakeholders are invited to attend.
North Central Athletic Director Ashley Antonishen will discuss the college’s recent approval to join the NJCAA, the national sports association for two-year colleges. Antonishen, who is actively recruiting student-athletes in volleyball, esports, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s cross country, will also announce the coaches for each sport and share information about recruiting opportunities. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. Lunch will be provided.
“Expanding our athletic program is another step in enhancing the student-life experience on campus,” Antonishen said. “It’s also a great opportunity for athletes locally and statewide to continue playing the sport they love as North Central Timberwolves while receiving an exceptional NCMC education.”
NJCAA’s board of regents unanimously approved North Central’s application in late October following both a virtual and an in-person campus visit. The approval paved the way for the college to compete in NJCAA’s Region 12, which includes 33 colleges in Indiana, Ohio, and Lower Michigan. North Central’s Division II designation means Antonishen can offer recruits partial athletic scholarships toward the cost of tuition, fees, and books. Pending completion of a probationary first year in the NJCAA, the North Central Timberwolves will be eligible for postseason play beginning Fall 2023.
North Central will next apply to join the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA). MCCAA membership will allow the college a competitive schedule of home and away games against other Michigan community colleges, including Alpena Community College, Lansing Community College, Muskegon Community College, and Grand Rapids Community College. Timberwolf student-athletes will also be eligible to receive MCCAA conference awards and recognition.
North Central launched its club sports program in 2019. Initial offerings included cross country, esports, and downhill ski racing.
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:
Megan Van Horn
Content Media Administrator
231-439-6399