NOC receives NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant for wrestling

TONKAWA —  Northern Oklahoma College is receiving a Sport Opportunity Grant from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Foundation.

  The $2,000 grant will assist NOC’s Men’s and Women’s Wrestling programs in Fall 2024.  NOC is establishing a new women’s program and re-establishing the men’s program after a 30-year absence.

  Men’s Wrestling coach Bryan Kenney said the grant will be used for a set of scales and cleaning supplies.

  NOC President Diana Watkins said, “Students who are engaged in campus activities perform better academically, and that rings true for spectators as well as student-athletes. Collegiate athletics foster a sense of unity and pride in the institution, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. When NOC made the decision to bring back men’s wrestling and to begin women’s wrestling, we did so with a commitment to seek external funding for our start-up costs. We are appreciative of the NJCAA’s support in that endeavor.”

Athletic director Alan Foster added, “At NOC as we look to start up new programs like wrestling, costs are always the biggest obstacle. Grants such as this from the NJCAA Foundation are such a huge help.  We so appreciate this NJCAA program that allows us to help make it possible.”

  “Through the NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant, the NJCAA Foundation is creating opportunities for member colleges to expand and develop sports offerings,” stated Brian Luckett, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. “Athletics at the two-year level continue to grow and progress, resulting in student-athletes being afforded more significant development opportunities athletically and academically.”

  Men’s wrestling coach Bryan Kenney said, “Thank you to the NJCAA Foundation for supporting the men’s and women’s wrestling program at NOC.  We are looking forward to the re-building of the program with honor for our community and the NJCAA.”