NOC Receives NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant for Wrestling

Northern Oklahoma College is receiving a Sport Opportunity Grant from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Foundation.

The $2,000 grant will assist NOC’s Men’s and Women’s Wrestling programs in Fall 2024. NOC is establishing a new women’s program and re-establishing the men’s program after a 30-year absence.

Men’s Wrestling coach Bryan Kenney said the grant will be used for a set of scales and cleaning supplies.

NOC President Diana Watkins said, “Students who are engaged in campus activities perform better academically, and that rings true for spectators as well as student-athletes. Collegiate athletics foster a sense of unity and pride in the institution, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. When NOC made the decision to bring back men’s wrestling and to begin women’s wrestling, we did so with a commitment to seek external funding for our start-up costs. We are appreciative of the NJCAA’s support in that endeavor.”

Athletic director Alan Foster added, “At NOC as we look to start up new programs like wrestling, costs are always the biggest obstacle. Grants such as this from the NJCAA Foundation are such a huge help.  We so appreciate this NJCAA program that allows us to help make it possible.”

“Through the NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant, the NJCAA Foundation is creating opportunities for member colleges to expand and develop sports offerings,” stated Brian Luckett, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. “Athletics at the two-year level continue to grow and progress, resulting in student-athletes being afforded more significant development opportunities athletically and academically.”

Men’s wrestling coach Bryan Kenney said, “Thank you to the NJCAA Foundation for supporting the men’s and women’s wrestling program at NOC.  We are looking forward to the re-building of the program with honor for our community and the NJCAA.”

About NJCAA Foundation

The mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives and community service.

Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.

NOC serves nearly 4,000 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater.  Of these students about 80% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 75% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.

The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.

For more information about Northern Oklahoma College please call (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at www.noc.edu.