At its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 18, the Board of Trustees unanimously authorized the college to begin the process of introducing an intercollegiate sports program. The college will now submit membership applications to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference (MD JUCO).

The college plans to offer women’s and men’s cross country, and women’s and men’s soccer during the first phase. Teams will begin play in fall 2019. Fielding teams in subsequent years will depend on success during the first phase. Other programs under consideration include lacrosse, baseball and softball.

An internal feasibility study during the summer of 2017 concluded that offering intercollegiate sports would increase full-time enrollment and expand academic programs. Financial analysis anticipates the program to break even and possibly contribute revenue to the operating budget.

NJCAA regulations require athletes to be full-time, taking at least 12 credits in the fall and spring semesters. They must also maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and make satisfactory progress towards degree completion to remain eligible.

Carroll County has one of the highest participation rates for high school athletics in the state. Over 3,600 high school athletes participated in at least one sport in 2015-16. Carroll is one of two community colleges in the state that does not have intercollegiate sports.

“A new intercollegiate sports program will meet a growing need among prospective and current Carroll students who commit to playing a sport in college,” said College President Dr. James D. Ball. “High school athletic directors report that they believe more high school athletes would continue athletics in college if local opportunities existed. Carroll wants to be a student-athlete’s first choice.”

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