Jacksonville College announces end of basketball programs following current school year

JACKSONVILLE, Texas (KLTV) - Jacksonville College, the only Christian junior college in Texas, has announced the decision to end its men’s and women’s basketball programs at the end of the current academic year. The administration and board of trustees reached the decision to provide the best opportunity for long-term financial stability and the continued pursuit of the school’s mission to provide Christ-centered training and teaching, President David Erickson said in a statement released on Wednesday. “This is a difficult decision,” said Erickson, “that in no way reflects on the success of our teams, our student-athletes, or our coaches. I am very proud of our basketball program which has emphasized character formation just as much as excellence on the court. Ultimately this decision allows us to focus our resources on our core mission as a Christian college.” The school was founded in 1899, and basketball has been played at the college since 1912, Erickson stated. The Jaguars won their first championship in 1937. About 20 student athletes will be affected by the decision. The school will continue to offer soccer, golf, tennis, cross country, and track and field. There will be town hall meetings held on Friday March 22 and Tuesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. both nights, in the Curtis Carroll Gym. These are planned for alumni and community members who would like to learn more about the suspension of the the basketball program, and future plans for athletics at the school, Erickson said.