Wake Tech to Add Athletics Program

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.