Wake Tech to Add Athletics Program

Raleigh, N.C. — The Wake Technical Community College Board of Trustees approved a proposal Tuesday to add competitive athletics to the college's programs, starting this fall.

The move allows Wake Tech to join the National Junior College Athletics Association. The college plans to begin searching for an athletics director.

"We know an athletics program will offer students new opportunities and a richer college experience, " Wake Tech President Stephen Scott said in a statement. "It will also build college spirit and bring new community support for Wake Tech."

The college initially will support women's volleyball, men's soccer and men's and women's golf teams. Basketball, softball and baseball teams area also planned in the years to come.

The athletics program is expected to cost about $176,000 the first year. Student fees will be increased from $10 to $20 per semester to cover the cost, as no state funding can be used to support athletics.

Wake Tech's Student Government Association supports the athletics program and the required fee increase and asked the Board of Trustees to approve the idea.

The college plans to rent facilities for practices and games, and officials said the Wake Tech Foundation would seek private donors to help pay for future athletic facilities, including fields at the college's Northern Wake Campus.

Wake Tech has never had a formal athletics department, although the college did sponsor competitive teams in the late 1960s and 1970s, including baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, golf, and bowling.

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Latest Comments

"Uh oh...looks like unc-ch may have a new team to add to their basketball schedule!"

I bet the Duke football team won't dare to play against Wake Tech. They should move to the Durham Co. HS league where they belong. Duke vs. Southern HS: 14-28

One flew over Randy_s nest
February 21, 2008 9:29 a.m.

Ha Ha maybe i should go back thou after rading my last post. haha english was never my strong area. that is why i went into smoke jumping and wild life survial.

PlayingTHEAngles
February 19, 2008 6:32 p.m.

To all you nay sayers out there about college and sports together. I have only one thing to say. I GOT INTO college to play lacrosse. I was also on the deans list for two years while playing. I got injured so no more money no more lacrosse. But i got a darn got education.

PlayingTHEAngles
February 19, 2008 6:28 p.m.

I'm with Steve. Frankly, I think colleges ought to get out of the athletics business. Being in academics and athletics is like being in the hair care and tire business. Completely unrelated. Sure, they can coexist, and have for years, but that doesn't hide the fact that they're completely unrelated.

carlostheass
February 19, 2008 6:20 p.m.

I would have absolutely no problem with Wake Tech wanting to consider themselves in the same league as a junior college. Nor would I have an issue with them offering competitive intercollegiate athletics, if...

If they were not publicly funded.

Private schools have to make enough money to cover the costs of such non-academic offerings including salaries, structures, and other expenses. Public facilities always have the state to fall back on when they get in trouble. And somehow they will figure out how to transfer tax dollars to athletics if things don't work out properly.

But even beyond that, I take issue with Wake Tech begging for us to pass that bond issue since they desparately needed money to build new educational buildings without impacting student contributions, yet they have no problem raising those fees for non-academic purposes.

I believe I will remember this the next time they ask for a bond to be passed.