Schoolcraft College’s Athletics Program recently completed its transition from Division III to Division II in the National Junior College Athletic Association, a move that Cali Crawford, Director of Athletics, said provides several benefits to prospective student-athletes and Ocelot fans.
“The transition from Division III to Division II allows us to offer athletic scholarships in all of our sports,” Crawford said. “This includes tuition, fees and books. We are pleased that we are now able to offer these scholarships to all student-athletes.
“Schoolcraft College has always been committed to doing what is best for our student-athletes and help them excel in the classroom, while playing the game they have always loved.”
Schoolcraft College offers six sports played by nine teams:
Men’s Sports
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Bowling
- Baseball
Women’s Sports
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Bowling
- Softball
The Ocelots compete in the Eastern Conference of the Michigan Community College Athletic Conference (MCCAA) and in Region XII of the NJCAA. Most of the schools in the MCCAA are Division II.
“Moving to Division II helps ensure that Schoolcraft College remains competitive in the MCCAA and Region XII. More importantly, we can continue to recruit high-caliber student-athletes,” Crawford said.
That academic focus has been a source of pride for Schoolcraft College. Recently, five teams and 56 student-athletes were named to the MCCAA and the NJCAA All-Academic Team.
Schoolcraft College’s transition has been in the works for more than a year. Crawford is glad to have the process completed and is looking forward to this new chapter in Schoolcraft College athletics.
“This has been something I felt strongly about for some time,” Crawford said. “It was imperative to me that our athletic program align with the vision of Schoolcraft College. Between being able to offer scholarships and the opportunity to play at some of the finest facilities in the state of the Michigan, I truly feel the sky is the limit for our student-athletes and that is what Schoolcraft College is about.”
The Ocelots will be hitting the fields, courts and lanes soon, albeit without fans as the College has several procedures in place to help ensure the health of student-athletes. New president Dr. Glenn Cerny will be among those cheering them on remotely.
“I want to thank Director of Athletics Cali Crawford, her staff and our coaches for advancing from Division III to Division II a reality under these trying circumstances,” Cerny said. “All of our excellent student-athletes will benefit, and it positions Schoolcraft College for even greater success in the future.”