Jackson Community College

College athletes return to playing field

Jackson Community College athletes involved in a party at Alpine Lake Apartments on March 27 are now back on the playing field. 

Two JCC students who hosted the party went to court on Monday, April 21, at which time the charges of possession of marijuana and supplying alcohol to minors were dropped. One of the pair of students still has a minor in possession citation remaining, and the other has a disturbing the peace charge which will be addressed by paying a fine.   Both students served an eleven game suspension earlier this month.   

The last student, the author of the Facebook page advertising the party, has served his 24-game suspension and was allowed to resume playing baseball at the April 22 game. This student was never charged with any citation.

JCC President Daniel J. Phelan stated that the rationale for working deliberately and not rushing to judgment by sanctioning/removing students is justified by the outcome noted in the verdict for the two Alpine Lake renters.  

“While we treat this incident seriously, I will not discount a student’s right to due process, and occasionally, it takes some time to work its way through the legal system,” Phelan said.

All students involved are participating in an extensive training program on making good choices, relationships and alcohol and substance abuse.