NCC is home to a wide diverse number of athletes and sports. The success of the athletes on campus are what keep individuals coming to NCC from all over the world. Whether it was NAIA or NCAA, NCC has been dominant in their accomplishments from the beginnings of its existence.
Upon walking into NCC’s Res Rec, the capability of athletes both past and present are evident all around the building. Whether it be the trophies in the trophy case or the plaques decorating the wall, NCC has made it clear where they stand in Division III NCAA.
Men’s swim
It all started in 1958, with the NCC men’s swim and dive. Right off the blocks they set a new relay race record for a winning time of 4:12.2. After a very successful day, NCC pulled away from their competition, Central Michigan, winning the day by 33.5 points. That same year John Molitor won the 200 freestyle as well as set a new NAIA record in 440 freestyle.
First of many
The first women’s national championship team was the 1983 NCC women’s basketball. Not only was this a first for NCC, but it was instrumental in bringing awareness. It was one of the first times ESPN would choose to stream college sports. NCC got to be a part of the programming that was unique for that time.
The dominance continues
However, NCC’s cross country and track, both indoor and outdoor, have proven year after year how dominant their performance is. This speaks to the consistency of their program and coaches.
2018 marked a special year for men’s cross country. They not only avenged a team loss from the previous year on the same course, but they also crowned their first individual national champion since 2000. Al Carius was also able to add his 18th career win as head coach that same year.
Women’s triathlon dynasty
Women’s triathlon is another force to be reckoned with. Since 2017, these trailblazing ladies have won six team national championships. They have traveled around the US, leaving their mark on the record books as they continued their decimation of the rest of the field the following years in 2018 and 2019.
2022 brought the reign of Hailey Poe, who won a national title that year, the previous year and also 2023 and 2024. This has earned her numerous All-American awards as well as an ALEXANDER Award this year.
Fear the bird
The women’s wrestling team came to fruition in 2018. By 2023, they won their first ever team national championship led by Joe Norton. The unrelenting group of women set out to make a statement by competing against the entire NCAA and left their mark in the history books as well.
Not only did they win the team national championship but they had three individual champions in Maddie Avila, ’26, Jaslynn Gallegos, ’25, and Yelena Makoyed, ’23. Avila became only the second freshman to ever become a national champion in the program’s history.
Striving for excellence
Last but certainly not least, NCC’s football team cannot be overlooked. Their dominant performance both inside and out of the CCIW goes to show the work that has been and continues to go into the three-time national championship team. The program won its first championship back in 2019 under Jeff Thorne, who also won that year’s DIII National Coach of the Year.
Since their initial triumph the team has earned two more national championship titles in 2022 and 2024. Not only the team but their head Coach Spencer led the team to their first undefeated season and was the 2019 Coordinator of the Year.
We are NCC
NCC has been able to curate a diverse community of success and support that allows their athletes to perform at the highest level. The athlete’s hard work both in the past and present represents NCC’s commitment to excellence.
Not only does this encourage greatness on the field but also in the classroom. Coaches are tough on their athletes in competition but they also push their athletes to excel in their classes. They show up to their fellow athletes games and competitions further fostering the community of athletics on campus.
