2004

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ECCC to begin women's soccer competition in ~005-06 Women's soccer has been

hopes to select the first Soccer Lady Warriors on the December I signing date. "I hope to sign as many as six or more first-time freshman ath– letes wtthm the next few weeks. I al o plan to sign several players from among students enrolled here at East Central. And in January I hope to s•gn quite a few out-of-dis– trict players to be a part of the College's first ever women's soccer team." Thompson said. He noted the stgmficance of beginning a new sport. "Everyone on the team will be making history as members of the College's ftrst ever women's soccer squad. Someone will score the first ever goal, the team will experience its fi rst ever win, first shutout, etc., and hopefully the first playoff appearance. It should be an exciting year," Thompson said.

The new program was among items approved at the ECCC Board of Trustees monthly meeting held ov. 9. In recommending the new sport to trustees, Dr. Sutphin noted that women's soccer "is one of the fastest growing sports in the country" and is recognized by the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges. He stated all Mississippi community colleges that offer men's soccer also field a women's team. Two high chools in the ECCC five-county district - Neshoba Central and Newton County- currently field soc– cer teams for women, and additional area schools have indicated interest in offering the sport. He also noted the low cost in operating the pro- gram. "Women 's soccer will not require a large initial capital outlay, nor a large budget to maintain the

program. And we already have prac– tice/game facilities available due to the men's soccer program,'' he said. Thompson said he hopes to see the current soccer facilities upgraded as women enter the program. "We really need lights for the field as well as a fi eld house for home al1d visiting teams to use. The College is purchasing a new bus to travel on which is great news, but funding is still needed to help with the other upgrades." Thompson stat– ed. Anyone interested in pro– viding support for the new program or for more information regarding women's soccer. contact Coach Kenneth Thompson at ECCC, Phone 635-211 1 or call toll free, 1- 877-462-3222, ext. 370. His email address is kthompsonCa eccc.edu.

added to the list of sports offered at East Central Community College in Decatur. ECCC President Dr. Phil A. Sutphin said plans are to begin com– petition with the 2005-06 College term. The new team will be coached by Kenneth Thompson, who is also in charge of the men's soccer pro– gram. Thompson said he looks for– ward to fielding the College's fi rst women's soccer team. " It is an exciting time here at East Central. The addition of women's soccer to the athletic pro– gram has caused quite a stir in the local communities. Already several female athletes have inquired about tryouts. This includes students from within the district as well as those from outside the area," Thompson said. Thompson said the recruit– ing process is underway and he

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