BCC Gets In The Game With Intercollegiate Sports

Starting in Fall 2008, the Bristol Community College Bees will compete on a varsity level in men's and women's soccer and basketball.

Bristol Community College has added intercollegiate sports in men's and women's soccer and basketball for the next academic year. The College is now a member of the competitive National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA). BCC will compete in Region 21 of the NJCAA, against other junior colleges in Massachusetts, as well as Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire.

"By joining the NJCAA, we are joining a higher level of competition," said Beverly Cambra, newly-appointed athletic director. "We are saying that BCC can compete on that higher level."

Cambra, who started at the end of March, has arranged a contract with Bishop Connolly High School that will allow BCC to use their fields and facilities. She is focusing on hiring part-time coaches and recruiting student-athletes for the program.

Cambra has strong ties to the Fall River community as a teacher, administer and coach at Durfee High School for 39 years. She retired from her vice principal position last year, and is excited to be part of the new athletic program.

"There are tremendous athletes in our area that are attending other schools in order to play sports, which is disheartening," Cambra said. "Including athletics enhances the college experience for students at Bristol."

Intercollegiate athletics has been under consideration for nearly three years, said Steve Ozug, Vice President of Students and Enrollment Services. "There has been growing interest among prospective and current students who want to continue playing sports in college, as well as among students who enjoy attending games," said Ozug.

The College is currently recruiting students for the fall and winter soccer and basketball teams. For more information about eligibility and participation, contact Bev Cambra at 508.678.2811 x2818.