Johnson State College Adds Two New Varsity Sports

December 14, 2007

Johnson State College has announced the launch of two more varsity sports: Men’s Golf and Women’s Volleyball.

The new sports will launch in fall 2009, and bring to 12 the number of varsity sports offerings at JSC. Current varsity teams included both men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, tennis, and cross-country running. In addition, the college fields a women’s softball team, and a men’s lacrosse team.

To remain in compliance with the NCAA, all Division III schools with an enrollment of 1,000 or more will need to offer a minimum of 12 varsity sports by the year 2010. This requirement is, in part, the reason for the additional teams. But equally important is the college’s continuing effort to offer programming and activities designed to meet the current and projected needs of JSC students.

Men’s golf will be offered as a spring varsity sport, with women’s volleyball in the fall.

The college administration is enthusiastic about the new sports additions. “Offering our students the opportunity to compete on the athletic field or court is an important element of our campus community,” said JSC president Barbara E. Murphy. “Our varsity athletes challenge themselves and learn important skills in terms of learning to set and achieve goals. We’re simply delighted to offer these new additions to our athletic program.”

“These two sports make sense for our athletic department. They fit our facilities, staffing, and size, and are beneficial for conference alignment and scheduling needs,” said Director of Athletics Barbara Lougee.

“Golf is interesting because it can be a lifelong sport,” added Assistant Athletic Director Michael Osborne. “Volleyball is an up-and-coming sport in the state of Vermont… it’s a sport that is played by many both outdoors and indoors, and many prospective students have played it in physical education classes.”

“The North Atlantic Conference is pleased that Johnson has decided to add Men’s Golf and Women’s Volleyball to its varsity offerings,” said North Atlantic Conference Commissioner Julie Muller. “President Murphy and Director of Athletics Barbara Lougee have consistently demonstrated Johnson’s commitment to their student-athletes and to the NAC. These additions will not only provide quality competitive opportunities for students but will help to ensure the stability of the NAC as we continue our membership transition. Johnson State College is a vital member of the North Atlantic Conference and we look forward to their future participation in both sports.”

According to Murphy, the average student-athlete at Johnson State College carries a higher cumulative grade-point average when compared to the rest of the college population. Student-athletes are also well represented in clubs and committees around the campus, and in community service projects such as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the “Shooting for Goals” program, and work with the Lamoille Valley Mentoring Partnership.

For more information contact: Assistant Athletic Director Michael Osborne at 802-635-1470 or email: michael.osborne@jsc.edu