During “normal” years, the sounds of volleyballs whizzing over the net and soccer balls sailing across the field are the definitive signal that fall has arrived. With that, you can be sure that fall classes are about to start. Likewise, the sound of basketballs in the gymnasium signaled the transition into winter and the crack of the bat announced spring was finally here. These signals are tried and true indications of the season. But the last year has upended many of our life seasons – including the athletic seasons of community college athletes throughout the country.

Both Marshalltown Community College and Ellsworth Community College joined our partner colleges in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in moving all of our seasons to the spring semester, with the hopes that an additional few months would allow time to determine safety protocols for our athletes. The sights and sounds of activity of athletic competition will defy the calendar this year and bring many new protocols, but the excitement, anticipation, and inherent value of sports and competition will remain the same.

What has Changed for MCC Athletics:

Soccer and Volleyball will join baseball and softball as spring sports this year.

Both our Men’s and Women’s basketball teams will participate in a slightly shortened season.

Currently spectators are not allowed to attend in person but great living streaming options are available at https://mccathletics.com/live-stream. Our league will continue to evaluate this decision on a regular basis so watch our website for details.

Rigorous COVID-19 protocols were implemented in the fall for practices which allowed use to adjust prior to the competitive season. Coaches and athletes will balance the game plan with our safety plan. Our athletic trainers will continue to tape ankles and ice shoulders while the track and manage COVID-19 protocols.

What has Not Changed:

Hard work and dedication by our student-athletes, both in the classroom and on the playing field.

Coaches who challenge and support their players and our community

The excitement of the big game…even if it is on live stream.

With so many challenges in the 20-21 academic year, the return of athletics is the marker for something else: it’s a signal we are inching towards a return to normalcy. In that spirit, we encourage you to tune in and support athletes as they compete on the college stage. We thank you for your support. Go Tigers!

——

Kristie Fisher is the chancellor of the

Iowa Valley Community College District.