Some very exciting and long anticipated news: St. Clair County Community College has been selected by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) as the host site for the NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship in March 2020, 2021 and 2022. The championship tournament will allow SC4 to expand its growing national reputation in collegiate sports, bring more entertainment activities to the Blue Water Area, and have a substantial impact on the local economy.
Dr. Deborah Snyder, SC4 President anticipates the impact it will have not only on students and the college, but also on the community. “We continue to look at new ways to help maximize student and community success. This win illustrates the significant benefits of strategic community investments, shared goals and values, and meaningful partnerships. We have greater impact when we work together.”
Teamwork was key in the bid. SC4 representatives, along with a team of local leaders, welcomed NJCAA officials to Port Huron in December for a site visit aimed at evaluating the SC4 Fieldhouse.
“We were thrilled to welcome the NJCAA to campus and partner with area leaders to show off our facilities and our many remarkable restaurants, hotels, businesses and activities,” said Dale Vos, SC4 director of athletics. “We look forward to the positive impact these tournaments will have on our economy, helping our community thrive in the years to come, and we thank all those who helped us in this process.”
“This is a big deal for St. Clair County,” said Marci Fogal, president of the Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Sixteen teams from all over the United States spending a week in Port Huron is a huge boost to the local area. The addition of a first-class facility like the SC4 Fieldhouse, along with the Blue Water Convention Center, many excellent restaurants, hotels and several positive improvements to the Blue Water Area, were essential in winning this bid. Plus, we love having people here, enjoying our downtown and beautiful waterfront.”
“The NJCAA is very excited to be awarding SC4 with the Division II Women’s Basketball Championship in the coming years,” said Dr. Christopher J. Parker, NJCAA executive director. We know that SC4 will continue to provide the highest quality tournament for all of our participating student-athletes, coaches, administrators and fans.”
The tournament is expected to bring 16 teams from across the U.S. that will account for approximately 961 hotel rooms (not including parents and fans). Additionally, it is estimated the tournament will bring in approximately $250,000 to the local community each year.
