RCGC Athletic Program Ranked #1 Nationally

The Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC) Athletic department took center stage on Thursday, June 28, in Washington, D.C., receiving accolades and applause for the outstanding student talent and coaching staff responsible for the Roadrunners being named the best overall non-scholarship athletic program in the country by the National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA).

“This is among the highest honors for an athletic program at our level,” commented Roadrunner Athletic Director Brian Rowan. “We talk often about having a balanced program and this type of recognition shows that we are there. It is a great feeling to bring the cup back to RCGC!”

RCGC scored the highest number of points in the NATYCAA Cup program for non-scholarship National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) colleges, outdistancing their competitors with 153 points. In total, ten of the Roadrunners fourteen intercollegiate teams competed at NJCAA National Championship events and contributed points to the Roadrunners winning total. Highlights from the year included a National Championship for the Men’s Outdoor Track & Field Team, national runner-up performances by Women’s Outdoor Track & Field, Women’s Tennis, and Men’s Tennis, and a national third place finish by Baseball. Women’s Soccer, Women’s Basketball, Wrestling, and Men’s and Women’s Cross Country also earned points toward the cup by advancing to their national championship events.

“Winning the NATYCAA Cup demonstrates the commitment and talent of both our student athletes and our coaches,” stated RCGC President Frederick Keating. “It is an honor to have our athletic program recognized on a national level.”

“When I decided to attend RCGC, I had no idea it would have had as big as an impact as it has on my life,” said Jack Goan, the Roadrunner’s sophomore catcher named NJCAA Region XIX Division III Player of the Year with 12 homeruns, 74 RBIs, and a .490 batting average. “Creating friendships with not just the team and staff of my sport, but also with others—I’m forever grateful to be a Roadrunner.”

The winners and the top three place finishers were honored at the 2018 NATYCAA Convention, in conjunction with the NACDA & Affiliates Convention week in Washington, DC. Point totals are accumulated through finish in NJCAA national competition. The NATYCAA Cup program was begun in 2004. This program recognizes excellence in two-year college athletics based on success in championship competition.

The 2017-18 NATYCAA Cup Non-Scholarship Final Standings are as follows:

1. Rowan College at Gloucester County – 153 points

2. Herkimer CC – 136 points

3. Suffolk C – 130.5 points

This is the fifth NATYCAA Cup for the RCGC Roadrunners, with the last coming in 2012-13.

Rowan College at Gloucester County’s 250-acre campus is located on Tanyard Road in Deptford, just off Exit 56 of Route 55.

RCGC Athletic staff receive the NATYCCA Cup on behalf of the RCGC Roadrunners at the Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center in Washington D.C. (From left to right) Gus Ostrum, Mark Getsinger, Joe Kalnas, Dr. Chris Parker (Executive Director of NJCAA), Brian Rowan, Megan Ruttler, Ryan Hughes and Leanne Schoening.