July 13, 2020, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Most of Grand Rapids Community College’s fall and winter sports will be rescheduled until spring 2021 to keep student-athletes, coaches and spectators safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Junior College Athletic Association’s Board of Regents approved a 2020-2021 Plan of Action on Monday, affecting fall and winter sports – except for cross country, which will continue in the fall with outdoor competition protocols in place.
Affected would be GRCC’s nationally ranked volleyball team and men’s and women’s basketball teams. Baseball, softball and golf teams already compete during the spring season.
“We want our student-athletes to be able to compete in the safest possible environment,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “This is an unprecedented move, but we are living in extraordinary times. We respect the NJCAA decision, and we will continue planning with recent guidance while keeping the academic success, safety and the health of our student athletes as the top priority.”
GRCC’s Athletic Program is coming off a successful year, earning the 2019-2020 Michigan Community College Athletic Association Charlie Chanter All-Sports Award, which goes to the college program most successful in a variety of sports.
Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.