Press Release

Updates In Athletic Program Reflect Mission Statement of Snead State

College uses program to enhance opportunities for students.

Snead State Community College continually pursues new avenues to enhance opportunities for students. The College's mission to promote student success is the basis for recent changes to the athletic program that include such areas as enhanced academic standards for the athletes and recruiting procedures for coaches.


"The changes have been an adjustment, but we believe they will set our athletic program apart from the other programs in the state. The college has a standard of excellence that dates back to its creation as a seminary. It makes sense for us to incorporate that standard in all areas of the college - from academics to athletics," said President Dr. Robert Exley.


One of the primary academic standards for athletes reflects the College's commitment to the College Completion Agenda. The program has a goal of graduation 50 percent of the sophomore athletes by the spring/summer 2012 and about 60 percent of the freshman this fall by 2013. For an athlete to receive a scholarship to play for one of Snead State's sports, he or she must score a 16 on the ACT or test out of two development courses. Athletes who don't maintain the required GPA will not be allowed to practice or play with the team, nor will athletes' scholarships be renewed.

'The eligibility standards are more stringent than the NJCAA, but it's important for us that our athletes set an example for all of our students. We want our athletes to excel in the classroom as well as on the court of on the field," said Athletic Director Mark Richard.

At a time when many community colleges have eliminated athletic programs, Snead State continues to offer women's volleyball, men and women's basketball, men's baseball, women's softball and women's tennis. The programs have seen the effects of tough budget times, experiencing a decease in budget funding of more than half of the total controllable operating budget during the last two years. To supplement the shoestring budgets, the athletic teams and coaches have been actively fundraising and have already raised $20,000 of the $50,000 additional funding goal.


"Our choice to not cut athletic programs was simple. Many students need athletics as a springboard to earn a college education, and our goal is to enhance opportunities for students whenever we can, not eliminate opportunities," said Dr. Exley.


Recruiting standards have changed to encourage athletic recruiting locally. Two-thirds of a sport's available scholarships are to be awarded to athletes withing a 60 mile radius of the College, and each team has a goal of having 1/4 of the roster consisting of walk-ons. Snead State has a total of 98 scholarship athletes and an additional 45 walk-on athletes this year. Of those athletes, 79 percent were recruited from within the state of Alabama.


"The purpose of the recruiting changes is to, first of all, draw more community attendance at sporting events and generate additional revenue for the program and to, second of all, bring more students to campus to receive a complete college experience through educational programs and student engagement events. Our athletes bring potential students with them from their pool of friends or classmates," said Mr. Richard.