CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The cross-country programs at Northeast Mississippi Community College are getting some extra aid as their inaugural season gets off and running.
Northeast is the recipient of a $1,000 sport opportunity grant from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Foundation.
The NJCAA Foundation, which was founded in 2018, annually awards funding to support the addition, growth and sustainment of intercollegiate varsity athletic programs.
Men’s and women’s cross country begin this fall at Northeast with avid runner Aaron Hight, who raced locally at Blue Mountain Christian University, serving as the head coach of both teams.
“This grant from the NJCAA Foundation and the commitment from our administration will give more student-athletes the opportunity to receive a quality education and compete on the athletic field,” Northeast athletic director Kent Farris said.
Northeast is only the third affiliate of the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) to start cross country along with East Central Community College and Meridian Community College.
The athletic department at Northeast has doubled in size over the last six years. These two newest options bring the number of sports up to 12 with a 13th in women’s golf arriving in 2025.
Northeast’s cross country teams will participate at the NJCAA Division II level. Their path to the national tournament, which traditionally takes place in early November, goes through Region 23 and the Gulf District.
“Through the NJCAA sport opportunity grant, the NJCAA Foundation is creating opportunities for member colleges to expand and develop sports offerings,” said NJCAA Foundation executive director Brian Luckett. “Athletics at the two-year level continue to grow and progress, resulting in student-athletes being afforded more significant development opportunities athletically and academically.”
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.
