Eastern Gateway to add competitive sports in 2017

YOUNGSTOWN

Eastern Gateway Community College plans to launch intercollegiate athletics in fall 2017.

At a Wednesday afternoon news conference, President Jimmie Bruce said the college wants to join the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference.

“It’s my belief that athletics will attract more students to our college and will enhance pride in the college both on campus and within our community,” he said.

Bruce said a sports program will help to unite Eastern Gateway’s three campuses. The college is based in Steubenville and operates the Valley Center in downtown Youngstown and the Warren Center in that city. It also offers courses at career technical centers in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.

Sports programs provide the opportunity for students to continue athletics after high school and for others to cheer them on.

College sports enhances students’ college experience, Bruce said.

Read more abou the plan and what sports will be included in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.