Intercollegiate Athletics Returns To Richard Bland College

PETERSBURG, Va., April 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Officials at Richard Bland College announced today on April 17, 2013, that the College is officially re-joining the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach Chuck Moore said, "After almost 20 years, it is a giant step for our institution to return to intercollegiate athletics through the NJCAA. In addition to basketball, the College will compete for the first time in track & field, soccer, softball and cross country. The College is going to put to serious use its new athletic complex, including a brand new softball field, recently renovated basketball arena and weight room, lit tennis courts, a soccer field encircled by a 400 meter track, and an adjacent practice field."

"Even though it's a new day at Richard Bland College, resurrecting old traditions like intercollegiate athletics just makes good sense given the College's liberal arts mission and its deluxe athletic and residential facilities. Coach Moore and the athletics staff are working hard to build a first-rate program, and fielding more sports will attract and benefit student athletes who want to compete in NJCAA events as well as students who want to enjoy the full college experience," said Richard Bland College President Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D.

Pedro Berrios, who will be a member of next year's basketball team, said, "Becoming part of the NJCAA is a great move for Richard Bland and for its students. Now student athletes who want to compete at the college level will have a great new option in Richard Bland College. To be part of an athletic program that has a national affiliation will be a big draw. Plus all students will now have the opportunity to attend basketball games and other sports events."

"Region 10 is very pleased that Richard Bland College has chosen to join the NJCAA for the 2013-2014 academic years. The college has experienced personnel in place from its athletic director to its coaching staff. The college also possesses a president with ample experience within the NJCAA. As an advocate of RBC, I know the college will excel in this area over the coming years," said NJCAA Region X Women's Director, Christopher J. Parker.

The NJCAA is the second largest national intercollegiate sports organization. It serves as the national governing body for two-year College athletics in the United States. Now entering its 75th anniversary, the NJCAA has over 500 member schools in 43 states.

Richard Bland College provides a distinctive learning experience for students preparing for transfer to selective colleges and universities after completing university-equivalent coursework and associate degrees in arts and science. The College enrolls more than 1,500 students—residential and commuter—on a picturesque campus located just outside historic Petersburg, Virginia, two hours south of Washington, D.C. and one hour west of Williamsburg, Virginia. For more information, visit www.rbc.edu.

SOURCE Richard Bland College