As the 2011-2012 sports year begins, a level of excitement surrounds each sport not only on campus, but in the community as well.
The Tartan Pride competes in Region XII of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and is a participating member of the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC).
Sinclair’s student athletes participate in five sports that include men and women’s basketball, men’s baseball, women’s tennis and women’s volleyball.
“Our programs, every one of them, are commended by great teachers and great coaches,” Athletic Director Jack Giambrone said.
Women’s Volleyball
In September however, only women’s volleyball will be into their season.
Head coach KC Gan hopes the team will continue to improve with 4 returning starters, including two OCCAC first team players, Desiree Brown and Abigail Schlater.
The women’s volleyball began conference play on Sept. 9. The team won their home opener against Lorain County Community College, bringing their record to 1-1 in conference play and 2-9 overall, according to Giambrone.
Men’s Basketball
Coming off a 22-10 record last year, the men’s basketball team prepares for a new season with practices beginning on Sept. 12. According to head coach Jeff Price, his team’s defense will surprise everyone this year.
“Teams are going to underestimate our defense,” Price said. “We’re going to create a lot of offense from our defense.”
The men’s basketball team’s first home game is Nov. 9 against Pikeville (KY). Although Price is looking forward to week one, he highlighted a few games on the schedule that should show him what his team is made of.
“The game against Mott will be our measuring stick,” Price said. “But Cincinnati State and Columbus State will also be good games to check our progression.”
Coach Price is hopeful his team will peak at the end of the season to meet the 20 win benchmark his team has hit in the past five seasons.
“We want to win the conference, win our regional tournament, then head to nationals,” Price said.
Women’s Basketball
Sinclair’s women’s basketball team is coming off a 19-10 season. Jeff Dillon is entering his eighth season as head coach. The team is returning five sophomores and two freshmen from last year and Dillon hopes to lead them to another 20 plus win season, similar to the 2007-2008 season where they produced 22 wins and only four losses.
“We’re going to be young, but were a big team [size],” Dillon said. “There will be a learning curve, but we’re expecting big things from our returning players. We play an exciting brand of basketball and we’ll be a fun team to watch. We’re going to score a lot of points.”
In addition, the women’s team is holding an open tryout on Sept. 24 from 12:30 p.m. until 3:00. For further information, contact Jessica Threats at 937-512-2860 or via email at Jessica.threats@sinclair.edu.
Women’s Tennis
Women’s tennis has been put on hold due to a shortage of players.
“As of this season, the schedule has been suspended because we only have three players,” said Giambrone.
The tennis team is losing commitments to four-year schools, according to head coach Dave Pence. However, Pence is encouraged and is looking to recruit players for next season.
“Our plan as of right now, is to recruit around Montgomery County,” Pence said.
Men’s baseball
Head coach Steve Dintaman leads Sinclair’s baseball team. Last year, the Tartan Pride went 42-10 and was ranked fifth in the NJCAA poll. Coming off a third straight OCCAC title, Sinclair’s baseball program has high expectations for next season. Players are now conditioning and hitting the weights in preparation for the upcoming season.
The huddle
Sinclair’s Athletic department would like to encourage more students to come to home games this year,according to Giambrone.
All Sinclair students get into all Sinclair sporting events for free. The cost for admission is covered by students presenting their Tartan card at the admissions gate. Cost for regular admission is $3. And because women’s basketball and men’s basketball is played on the same night, admission for both games is $5, according to Giambrone.
“Our students are great,” Giambrone said. “They do things that students at four-year schools never dream about doing. They’re moms and dads; they work full-time and go to school full-time. They’re true role models. We just want to invite them back to watch their teams and promote the Tartan spirit.”