The Northern Essex Community College Knights plan to offer all of its varsity programs during the upcoming academic year, returning to intercollegiate practice and competition for the 2020-21 season in the wake of COVID-19
During the fall semester, all of the college’s athletic programs will be permitted to practice and hold their non-traditional seasons, while only the cross country and esports teams will participate in regular season competition, the Athletics Department said recently. The men’s soccer and women’s volleyball regular seasons have been shifted to the spring semester. The start of competition in basketball will also be delayed to January.
“Our goal is to facilitate a safe and healthy process that will offer the best experience possible for our student-athletes, while operating within the guidelines of the Commonwealth and following the recommendations of the CDC and local health agencies,” said Director of Athletics Daniel M. Blair.
Students participating in cross country or esports in the fall semester must be enrolled in 12 credits or more to participate, while students practicing with any of the college’s other varsity teams must be enrolled in classes at the college, but there is not a minimum requirement. The Athletic Department, however, recommends all students be full-time to meet future eligibility requirements. All students participating in the spring semester must be enrolled full-time in 12 or more credits.
The adjusted volleyball season is scheduled to begin Jan. 4 and run through early April, while the soccer season begins March 15 and continue through May. Both teams will train during the fall semester and possibly compete in exhibition contests. Baseball, softball, golf and track and field seasons will commence as scheduled in the spring 2021, while also being able to conduct their traditional fall seasons.
Those with questions should contact Blair by emailing [email protected] or calling 978-556-3820. There’s more at neccknights.com.