Most Jackson College Fall Sports Moving to Winter

(July 15, 2020 8:33 AM) Following recommendations from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Presidential Advisory Council and Board of Regents, the NJCAA has announced its adjusted plan of action for the upcoming 2020-21 academic year. Following the Board of Regents’ vote on Monday, a majority of competition will be moved to the second semester, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This plan shifts all close-contact fall sports to the winter 2021 semester. Jackson College’s men’s and women’s cross-country team will still compete in the traditional fall semester, while men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, bowling and golf will begin in the second semester. No changes have been made to the esports schedule.

All winter sports competitions will begin in January, with a majority of championship seasons moved from March to April. For Jackson College, this will include men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball. Men’s and women’s bowling will also start in January with championships in March.

Spring sports competitions remain intact with minor adjustments to dates. This will include men’s golf, baseball, and softball. Men’s and women’s soccer will begin competition in April.

Along with the adjustments to competition season and championship dates, the NJCAA has provided information relating to scrimmage and practice dates and allowances in the fall.

Jackson College in a statement said the college respects the NJCAA’s plan of action and will continue to implement best practices to keep the health and safety of its student-athletes, staff, campus and the Jackson community as their priority. The College has begun to make changes to the athletic schedules and will be releasing them in the future.

The NJCAA has been clear in its communication with member schools that all efforts should be made to continue to support the academic progress of student-athletes during these changes in competition seasons.

“Jackson will continue to support our student-athletes and strives to maintain consistent enrollment and degree progression. We are looking forward to another academically successful fall semester for our Jets,” said Courtney Ivan, executive director for athletics and student development.