Norco College moving forward with athletics

Norco College will expand its list of athletic programs in the near future, according to the Norco Strategic Planning Committee. With the recent accreditation, the plan, which originated in 2007calls to have a women and men’s soccer team and a women’s softball team and a men’s wrestling team in the near future.

“It’s a good thing,” said student Justin Collins, 21, on the possibility of athletics at Norco College.

The future of any other sports considered is depended on the completion of a Center for Health, Wellness and Kinesiology as well as gymnasium and track and field facilities. A projected date of completion for 2015 is being looked at.

“The worst thing is to jump into something to quick, there are too many things involved, it’s a total effort,” said Riverside Athletic Director Barry Meier on the long proceedings of bringing more sports programs.

The school will use its soccer field for the women’s softball team and the wrestling team will use an off campus site until adequate facilities are on a campus. Upon completion of these facilities, the college plans to bring a men’s and women’s basketball team, a women’s volleyball team and a men’s and women track and field program.

“It might draw me as a sports fan to maybe catch a game. But as a student no, I care what the school does for me,” said student Matthew Lewis, 22, on the importance of athletics.

Athletic programs such as football, swimming, diving and water polo are being excluded because of high maintenance cost. Revenues will be a deciding factor in the expansion of the athletic department.

“The biggest problem is the financial situation,” said Meier.

Revenues for the sports programs will mostly come from state funds and student activities fees. Tickets sold at events are expected to fund event staff. Norco College officials are looking to create athletic programs that create favorable results and would consider removing any program that fails to reach its goal of enrollment.