Northeast Texas Community College began welcoming athletes back to the campus Monday, Aug. 17 as they prepare for a unique fall schedule. The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) announced this summer they would be moving the majority of Fall sports to the Spring for the 2020-2021 school year in response to COVID-19.
Eagle Athletes and other students will continue living on the NTCC campus (with limited capacity), but are staggering move-in dates throughout the week to allow for social distancing. Classes are also being offered in a variety of online, face-to-face and hybrid formats to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The NTCC Rodeo Team falls under the guidance and rules of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). At this time they are planning on proceeding with a normal schedule this fall and spring. NTCC will tentatively host a Collegiate Rodeo October 16-17 at the Mount Pleasant Rodeo Arena on Greenhill Road (FM 2152). More information will be announced closer to the date.
Men’s and Women’s Soccer will not be playing conference games this fall, as the NJCAA moved their season to the spring. This fall they will have up to 60 consecutive calendar days of to practice and up to two scrimmages that must be completed by November 15. Baseball and Softball will also have limited practices for 60 consecutive days as well. While NTCC will not travel in the fall with these sports, Eagles Athletics is working to bring some fall games to the NTCC campus.
In addition to the season changes for our teams, NTCC has hired new Soccer coaching staff. New Eagles Head Men’s and Women’s Soccer Coach, Zane Barnes, brought in two new assistant coaches - Heather Brady and JD Perales - to help him navigate these unprecedented times.
Softball will see a new face at the helm this season as well. Be on the lookout for more information about these staff changes in the coming weeks. As always, you can follow Eagle Athletics at www.ntcceagles.com.
