Nighthawks bring sports fervor to 2017-18
The fall semester at National Park College begins Aug. 21 and is sure to be one for the history books. Earlier this year, the college decided to invest in an expansion of club sports in an effort to enhance student life opportunities for students.
The Nighthawks will begin a competitive travel schedule for basketball in November. The men’s and women’s teams currently have games scheduled with Crowley’s Ridge College, Champion College, Williams Baptist College, Ecclesia College, Central Baptist College, North Arkansas College and Rhema Bible College.
Home games will be held in the NPC Wellness Center on the campus of National Park College. Both Nighthawk teams will compete in the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association Collegiate Club Regional Tournament in March of 2018.
NPC decided to move toward competitive sports teams in response to the overwhelming number of requests from students and the level of participation in the intramural teams that were launched last fall.
“We’re starting with basketball and will look at expanding to other sports in the coming years,” said NPC President John Hogan. “Basketball had an incredible participation rate with our students this year, with over 40 students playing on intramural teams.”
Research from the Recreational Sports Journal published by NIRSA showed students who are involved in campus activities, particularly athletics, are more likely to be successful and complete their studies. Sports are also tied to increased academic performance and retention rates.
“High school students transitioning to college often have a difficult time finding their new identity and thus struggle both socially and academically,” said Jason Hudnell, NPC dean of enrollment. “For many students, their freshman year is the first time they are not involved in organized sports, band or other student organizations. “Our goal is to provide every NPC student a place to belong. NPC Nighthawks basketball is another opportunity for students to become engaged in the college atmosphere, whether that be as a player or spectator. It gives all students something to belong to and rally around.”
NPC intercollegiate club teams will adhere to NIRSA rules and regulations. NIRSA is an organization which regulates various sports through the collegiate systems across the United States and serves students and institutions who play at the college varsity or club level in athletic sports, but do not participate in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, National Junior College Athletic Association or other sports affiliates. College club sports include any sport offered at a university or college that compete competitively with other universities or colleges, but are not regulated by the NCAA, NJCAA or NAIA. An estimated 2 million student athletes compete in club sports.
Hudnell will serve as the head coach for the men’s team. Bob Kissire will coach the women’s team and be assisted by Tennille Johnson.
Nighthawk players will consist of both traditional and nontraditional students from Garland County and as far away as Gravette, Pea Ridge and West Memphis. The teams have already held several summer workouts and are excited for the season to begin.