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Sports make a comeback at JCC

Jackson Community College's Board of Trustees Monday approved the return of sports to the College beginning this fall. JCC hasn't had a competitive sports program since the early 1980s.

Beginning in fall 2006, women's and men's cross country will begin. In spring 2007, women's softball and men's baseball will begin. In fall 2007, cross country will continue and women's volleyball will begin. In winter 2008, women's and men's basketball will begin, and softball and baseball will continue in spring.

The estimated cost of the program will be $150,000 for the first year, and about $300,000 in subsequent years. This will be paid by a charge to student of $1 per billing contact hour in fiscal year 2007, and an additional $1.25 per billing contact hour beginning in fiscal year 2008. The dollars raised through the fee will cover about $125,000 of the program's cost in the first year, and the remainder will be raised through athletics fund-raising. That cost covers coaching, equipment, travel expenses and scholarships.

JCC Trustee George Potter said in Monday's meeting, "It's a good opportunity for local athletes to come here and stay locally, and get a chance to play in a competitive program."

Scholarship money will be available for JCC student athletes. Each sport would be given 12 full scholarships -- with the exception of cross country, which would be given six.

This action was taken in response to frequent comments from the community and JCC students expressing interest in a renewed sports program. The JCC Citizens Advisory Council has suggested bringing sports back to campus as well.