Staff Reports news@times-journal.com
Dr. David Campbell, President of Northeast Alabama Community College, announced this week that the college will add another sport to its expanding athletic program: a men’s soccer program. The announcement comes after the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Board of Trustees unanimously approved the college’s request to build a soccer field last week. The Mustangs will look to begin competition next fall.
“We are happy to add men’s soccer to our competitive sports programs,” NACC President Dr. David Campbell stated. “This will round-out our outdoor sports and recreational complex on the north end of campus. This project also includes redoing and resurfacing our walking trail around the lake and making portions of this area into a picnic area. Now fans, staff, and students may come to a men’s soccer match or women’s softball game, then enjoy a picnic or relaxation around the lake.”
NACC’s Athletic Director Jimmy Kolaitis echoed Dr. Campbell’s statement. “We are extremely excited with the growth of our Athletic programs at Northeast Alabama,” said Kolaitis. “The addition of the men’s soccer program will create more opportunities for some of our young athletes in the area to continue to play college athletics while receiving a degree. Soccer, along with the improved waking trails will not only be used for our students, but also the community. It is amazing to see the Dr. Campbell’s vision become a reality.”
The soccer field will be another great facility on campus, complete with lighting and a specialized artificial turf with coolant. McKee and Associates will be the project’s architecture firm, and Sports Turf was awarded the project bid. Dr. Campbell noted that the college lowered construction costs by having fill dirt moved to the site during other campus projects. Sports Turf, along with McKee and Associates, are completing the women’s softball facility project as well.
Along with the soccer field, the ACCS Board of Trustees also approved a request to improve the walking trail on NACC’s campus. The walking trail, along with the softball facility and soccer field, will complete the college’s outdoor sports complex. “Eventually, we will expand the walking trail around the lake to make it a part of our cross-country team’s course on campus,” said Dr. Campbell. He also added that the college may look to expand the soccer program to include a women’s team in the future.
“We are very excited about offering soccer to our community,” said NACC Associate Dean of Instruction Barbara Kilgore. “Dr. Campbell always looks for ways to make our community better! He is always forward thinking. This is just one example. So many of the kids in our area are very talented soccer players and don’t get the opportunity to play at the next level. Our program will not only provide them with that opportunity but also the opportunity to further their education!”
