Community gets what it wants: sports back at JCC
Tyler Devereaux
Staff Writer
Jackson Community College is bringing sports back, starting with men's and women's cross country for the fall 2006 semester. This move was largely because of Jackson residents clamoring for JCC to make such a change.
No intercollegiate sports have been played at JCC since the early 1980s. Like some other community colleges in Michigan, sporting programs were cut because of budget problems.
"To blame it on money alone would not be the truth," said Assistant Dean of Student Life Steve Bloomfield. "A big reason for it was that there was a disconnect between the college and the public. One of the most important things we're doing now is reconnecting with the community. The main thing is to try and assess this issue and try to attract interest from students in the area."
Bloomfield played wide receiver for Ohio Wesleyan University, so he understands what sports can do for a community.
"Jackson is a place that has a great passion for sports. Historically, Jackson has had very good athletes in cross country, baseball and basketball, and so on."
JCC is following this fall's cross-country season with baseball and softball in spring 2007. Then women's volleyball will be added that fall. In winter 2008, men's and women's basketball will start.
Twelve scholarships will be awarded for each sport except for cross country, for which there will be six. Each participating year will be recognized as a year of eligibility by all colleges and universities in the country.
"This is a program that will celebrate local athletics," Bloomfield said. "We have built a sustainable plan and built a program that will be used for years to come."