Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) recently received notification by the National Junior College Athletic Association Foundation it has been selected to receive a $2,000 Sport Opportunity Grant to assist in sustaining the cross-country athletic program.

NW-SCC Patriot athletics announced the addition of men and women’s cross country running teams in November 2022. The teams will join other Alabama Community College schools in competing under the umbrella of the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC). Northwest-Shoals cross country will begin competition in August 2023.

According to NW-SCC President Dr. Jeff Goodwin, athletics has truly reinvigorated the communities of the NW-SCC Phil Campbell and Shoals campuses. “It has been amazing to witness the excitement in our community as we continue to grow our athletics program,” said Goodwin. “We are grateful to the NJCAA Foundation for these grant funds and look forward to using it for our cross-country teams.”

“Two-year collegiate sports provide student-athletes with the opportunity to further both their athletic and academic careers,” said Brian Luckett, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director.

“The NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant affords the NJCAA Foundation a pathway to continue supporting student-athletes and the member colleges who provide them with these incredible opportunities while also promoting continued growth and development throughout the organization.”

The Patriots last fielded a women’s cross-country team in 2000 and men’s team in 2008.

“Sustaining our athletics programs and moving them forward for our student athletes is what drives me,” said Patriots Athletic Director Taylor Franks. “The educational opportunities that athletics provides on the collegiate level is invaluable. Many student athletes would not be enrolled in college today without them.”