Amarillo College explains how it will fund sports

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Amarillo College is re-establishing athletics starting in the 2022/2023 seasons. ABC 7 News met with AC Officials to see how the college is funding the endeavor as it prepares to apply for membership with the National Junior College Athletic Association and seeks to become a member of the Western Junior College Athletic Association.

“We just think it’s a good time now to bring back some of these sports," said Chris Sharp, Vice President of Business Affairs at AC.

The Vice President of Business Affairs, Chris Sharp, on the decision the AC Board of Regents made to greenlight the return of sports to Amarillo College.

“We think we can capture some of the local athletics and athletes here in the Panhandle and keep them here at Amarillo College," said Sharp. "We feel like we can attract these athletes to come to Amarillo College.”

“Financially it makes sense for the college then absolutely as far as creating school spirit and keeping students here on campus something to keep athletes here locally and with Amarillo College, those are all positive things," said Craig Clifton, manager of Carter Fitness Center.

AC’s decision to offer Volleyball & Cross Country for men and women and baseball raises the question of how will this be funded?

“The financing can come through fees and tuition that we're going to charge also we'll sell advertising and take donations," said Sharp.

Sharp tells ABC 7 News the college will not be able to offer a full scholarship for student-athletes but some funding will be available.

“We'll be limited on what we can offer but we'll offer some scholarships for fees and tuition kind of like a stipend," said Sharp.

Starting each sport is expected to cost around $100,000. Sharp believes by offering sports more students from Amarillo and Texas Panhandle region will now consider starting their college career at AC.

“A lot of great athletes in the Panhandle and Amarillo area that can fill the team and fill the roster," said Sharp. "I think we can build a lot of local excitement and we can have a really good fan base.”

Amarillo College says after bringing back baseball, cross country, and volleyball there are no immediate plans to bring back any other sports, but they do say that can be an option in the future.

Funding from a bond is covering costs to refurbish the Carter Fitness Center so AC can host volleyball matches on campus. The School is in preliminary discussions with the Amarillo Sod Poodles about playing home baseball games at Hodgetown.