Dabney S. Lancaster Community College will launch a men’s and women’s basketball program in the fall of 2019, it was announced today by DSLCC President Dr. John Rainone.
DSLCC will sign a commitment letter later this summer to become part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), the premier athletic association that fosters a national program of athletic participation for two-year colleges. DSLCC is one of eleven new members coming on board to NJCAA, according to President and CEO, Dr. Chris Parker.
Support for athletics will come solely from private donations and various fundraisers throughout the year, Dr. Rainone remarked.
“Athletics brings an enormous amount of exposure to the college, as well as an increase in school spirit and community involvement,” he said. “Typically, student athletes at two-year colleges have a higher graduation rate and a higher grade-point-average than non-athletes. We are eager to explore additional sports programs in future years.”
“I continue to look for new ways to serve students in our rural area who can attend DSLCC, continue their education, and earn a college degree,” Dr. Rainone added. “Athletics is an opportunity to build camaraderie and also serves as a vehicle for social, racial, and economic equity.”
More details about the two teams – coaches, tryouts, uniforms, practices and game schedules, among other items – will be released at a later date. Home games will be played in the gym in the DSLCC Convocation Center on the Clifton Forge campus.