Written by Kelsey Lester
capital news service
LANSING — A resurgence of community college sports in Michigan is underway as more schools reinvigorate their programs.
Mid-Michigan University is among those planning to build a gym and baseball/softball fields on its Harrison campus.
Brandi Johnson, president of the Michigan Association of Community Colleges, said it can be difficult and expensive for community colleges to build and maintain athletic facilities.
“These are not revenue generators for us,” she said of the sports programs. “We’re not the MSU basketball program. In theory, we could be losing money.”
Currently, Mid-Michigan State rents space for high school facilities and athletics, which Johnson calls “demoralizing.”
“Athletics can really help students feel connected, but at a four-year college, you can feel connected in a more natural way through dorms and clubs. At a community college, getting that level of participation is difficult. It’s difficult,” Johnson said.
MidMichigan University President Tim Hood said he finds common ground when he speaks with other campus presidents.
“I don’t know of any colleges that are cutting back on athletics, especially some of the smaller colleges. We all need more students, and we all need more students to serve them better.” “I’m always looking for ways to do it,” he said.
Mid-Michigan State just completed a large, comprehensive master plan that addresses many of its sports-related interests. Last year, the company added a clay pigeon shooting team, plans to bring back a cross country team soon, and is also talking about adding esports, a competitive format for video games.
Hood said most of his sports teams were ranked among the top 10 to 20 teams in the nation in their respective college divisions.
Montcalm Community College in Sidney and Greenville has made a similar comeback after nearly 40 years without a sports team. Currently, teams include bowling, cross country, clay pigeon shooting, and volleyball.
Athletic Director Hunter Redman said university officials are pleased with the positive impact of the additional athletic opportunities.
“It exceeded our expectations,” he said.
“We are excited about the buzz that athletics is creating on our campus and community. We are seeing talented recruits choose Montcalm Community College,” Redman said. . “We are growing athletic competition while supporting strategic planning and increasing enrollment.”
Johnson said the work ethic of athletic team competition helps participating students succeed throughout their college careers.
“This is a great way to keep them focused,” she said. “The important skills taught in this program are difficult to achieve in the classroom.”
“For students who are passionate about sports, this is a very powerful motivator,” she said.
Johnson also joked that the friendly relationships between community colleges are important.
“The rivalries are a really fun part of my job,” Johnson said. “It’s really fun to watch the arguments[between deans].”
Hood said given the progress community colleges have made in athletics since the pandemic, there is one goal they have in mind.
“More students are coming here for whatever good reason, it gives us more ways to serve more students and enhance everything else we do. ” he said.