NJCAA extends championship partnerships in Enid, Oklahoma and Oxford, Alabama through long-term agreements
Partnerships for DII Baseball and DI and DII Softball would begin in 2028
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has announced long-term championship extensions for three of its premier postseason events, securing the future homes of the NJCAA Division II Baseball World Series in Enid, Oklahoma, and the NJCAA Division I and Division II Softball World Series in the Oxford, Alabama area.
The NJCAA Division II Baseball World Series will remain at David Allen Memorial Ballpark in Enid through May 2038, continuing one of the most successful championship partnerships in NJCAA history. Enid has hosted the championship for the past 17 years under consecutive, three-year agreements.
Meanwhile, NJCAA is partnering with the City of Oxford, Alabama to serve as the host for both the NJCAA Division I and Division II Softball World Series beginning in 2028 through 2034. Championship games will be played between Choccolocco Park in Oxford and nearby Jana McGinnis Field at Jacksonville State University, with divisional assignments to be determined at a later date. The agreement aligns with the NJCAA's recently-announced postseason format expansion and restructuring for softball championships.
Enid to remain home of NJCAA Division II Baseball through 2038
Widely regarded as one of the premier amateur baseball venues in the country, David Allen Memorial Ballpark has become synonymous with NJCAA Division II Baseball excellence.
"We are honored and excited to extend our partnership with the NJCAA through 2038," Jeremy Hise, Vice President at Northern Oklahoma College-Enid and NJCAA Division II Baseball World Series Host, said. "Hosting the Division II Baseball World Series has been one of the greatest privileges of our community, and we are deeply committed to making it the best experience possible for everyone involved. I want to thank Paul and Joan Allen, whose investment in our city created what I believe is the best amateur baseball facility in the country. I also want to recognize Bill Mayberry, whose leadership brought the World Series to Enid 17 years ago and established the foundation for everything we've built together. We love baseball in Enid, and we love serving as the host of this championship. More importantly, we love the relationships we've formed with NJCAA student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and National Office personnel. They are family to us and welcoming them back each May for what many in Enid consider the best eight days of the year is something our entire community looks forward to. We are committed to continuous progress and will not rest on past accomplishments. Our goal is to provide the absolute best for everyone who steps onto this field and into this community. This extension is a promise that Enid will remain the home of NJCAA Division II Baseball for years to come."
Ron Riggle, NJCAA Division II Baseball Chair add, "I'm incredibly excited to extend the partnership and continue hosting the NJCAA Division II World Series in Enid. This event has become a proud tradition for the NJCAA and the community, and we look forward to welcoming student-athletes, coaches and fans to Enid for many years to come."
Oxford to host NJCAA Division I & II Softball beginning in 2028
The City of Oxford will provide a two-site championship experience for NJCAA softball student-athletes beginning in 2028.
Championship games will take place at Choccolocco Park and Jana McGinnis Field at Jacksonville State University, creating a first-class postseason atmosphere that coincides with the NJCAA's recently-approved softball postseason expansion model.
"We are super excited to extend our partnership with the NJCAA and continue building on the foundation we created together beginning in 2021," Billy Thompson, Director of Choccolocco Park and NJCAA Division I & II Softball World Series Host, said. "My goal has always been to provide student-athletes at all levels the opportunity for the best championships experience and atmosphere. With the support from our mayor and council, the City of Oxford is proud to continue serving as the host site for years to come. This extension reflects our shared commitment and vision to help grow this championship to the caliber it deserves."
Katie Willingham, NJCAA Division I Softball Chair added that "The NJCAA tagline is 'Opportunities Start Here,' and this new agreement with Oxford, Alabama, is exactly what that means for NJCAA softball student-athletes. This partnership provides our student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a first-class facility, face outstanding competition and showcase their talents in front of NCAA and NAIA recruiters from across the country. We are excited about this agreement and look forward to the continued growth and success of NJCAA softball through 2034."
Dr. Brett Monaghan, NJCAA Vice President for Championships, Membership, and Sports Governance, said the agreements represent the continued commitment between the NJCAA and host communities that prioritize the student-athlete experience.
"I am thrilled to announce these agreements with two exceptional hosts," Monaghan said. "What we have in Enid and Oxford is special, and it begins with the people who work alongside our team to create a phenomenal student-athlete experience. Jeremy's team in Enid and Billy's team in Oxford are both extraordinary partners for our membership and their excitement to continue hosting our events will be felt by all those who participate and attend these three championships. What adds to the excitement is both these championship locations are never content. They continue to find ways to improve their already outstanding facilities, increase community participation, and ultimately provide memorable experiences for our student-athletes. Additionally, I want to thank Division II Baseball Chair Ron Riggle, Division I Softball Chair Katie Willingham, and Division II Softball Chair Chris Robinson for their support on these extensions. Three outstanding chairs who understand that growing our championships begins with finding long-term homes with incredible people like we've found in Enid and Oxford."
About NJCAA
Since 1938, the NJCAA has served as the premier governing body for two-year collegiate athletics, providing student-athletes with opportunities to prepare, compete, succeed, and achieve in both their academic and athletic disciplines. The NJCAA is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States, with over 500 member schools, 60,000 athletes and 3,400 teams competing in 28 different sports. Each year, the NJCAA sponsors 57 national championships and invitationals.
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