Spotlight on Athletics
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New Math and Athletics Complex
HCC plans to officially open The Kahlert Foundation Complex, a 160,000+ square foot facility that will unite both academics and athletics. The four-story building will feature a math learning center, class labs, study lounge, maker space, and a research area. The athletics area will include a competition gym, multipurpose gym, locker rooms, classroom, fitness center, and strength and conditioning room and will be home to the HCC Dragons athletics program.
The facility, which broke ground in 2021, will celebrate its grand opening in November 2024 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and will host Baltimore City Community College for women’s and men’s basketball games.
Women’s Flag Football Program
HCC Athletics will launch a women’s flag football program at the college. The program will begin with support from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Foundation awarding a $10,000 grant to start the team. The NJCAA marked women’s flag football as an emerging sport as interest in it continues to rise nationwide.
The NJCAA Foundation partnered with NFL Flag and RCX Sports to help kickstart this exciting opportunity. “The NJCAA Foundation is excited for the continued growth of women’s flag football at the two-year level,” said Brian Luckett, executive director of the NJCAA Foundation. HCC will begin competition in the spring 2025 season.
Men’s Basketball Accolades
Marking an incredible achievement, the men’s basketball team received an automatic bid to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Tournament in Danville, Illinois. The Dragons secured their place in the tournament after defeating the CCBC Catonsville Cardinals 74-71 in the thrilling final of the NJCAA Region 20 championship. The win marks the team’s second regional championship title in four years.
During a campus watch party of the tournament selection show, the No. 15 seed Dragons learned they would face the No. 18 seed Florida State College at Jacksonville in the first round of the tournament. “I could not be more proud of this team,” said Mike Smelkinson, director of athletics and head men’s basketball coach. “[The team has] shown talent, grit, and determination and we are honored to represent Dragon Country in the national tournament.”