Athletics Update

In accordance with the recent National Junior College Athletic Association announcement, Grayson College will push back the start of both men’s and women’s basketball seasons by two months. Baseball and softball will have their normal 2021 seasons. Although the College hoped athletics would return this fall, due to the conditions created by COVID-19 alternative plans were required.

“The health and safety of our student athletes will remain our number one goal,” GC Athletic Director Mike McBrayer said. “GC Athletics will move forward with the new guidelines set by the NJCAA and both our local and state officials.”

In June, the NJCAA announced that the start of practice for men’s and women’s basketball teams would move up to September 14, games could begin on October 16 and schools were encouraged to adjust their schedules to limit competition between Thanksgiving and January 1.

“The safety of our students is of utmost concern, and we believe our current plans are feasible with what we know at the moment,” GC President Dr. Jeremy McMillen said. “We will continue to evaluate how we can provide an opportunity for our athletes to participate in competitive sports and engage in college classes as a Grayson College Viking. We are now, as ever, committed to our mission of student success.”

Baseball will be allowed to practice from September 5 to November 15 with a maximum of 15 scrimmages. The season will go from January 22 to May 23 for a maximum of 56 games. Softball will be allowed to practice from September 5 to November 15 with a maximum of seven scrimmages.

“Our greatest focus is and always has been providing the best opportunities for our student-athletes,” NJCAA President & CEO Dr. Christopher Parker said. “Through a unified effort from our Presidential Advisory Council, the Board of Regents, and leadership staff, our most recent plan of action provides a path that keeps our student-athletes competing at the highest level with proper safety measures in place. As we move forward as an association, we will continue to provide opportunities for our student-athletes, coaches, and all those involved with the NJCAA to be safe and successful.”