Moorpark College is entering the year with high expectations for their student athletes.
MC student athletes complete their degrees at a three to one ratio over other full-time student athletes according to Moorpark College Athletic Director, Howard Davis.
“Student athletes have a natural connection to the college with their athletic involvement,” said Davis “They immediately have a social network and a deep connection at Moorpark College.”
To be a student athlete at any level of college is a tough task, but to be able to transfer in two years is an even tougher task. Moorpark College has been successful in almost every sport with regards to student-athlete transfer rates, largely due to the work they do in the classroom.
Former MC student athlete Cheldon West knows the expectations of student-athletes and the pressure that comes with those expectations.
“I felt pressure to transfer because I was only eligible to play for two years,” Cheldon West, former MC student athlete said.
West completed two years at Moorpark and was able to transfer to Colorado University because of his work in the classroom and on the field. Like West, student athletes feel the pressure to finish within two years at junior college because they are limited in how many years they are eligible to play there. If an athlete is not able to finish within those first two years and transfer to a four year university, they are forced to waste a year of eligibility.
Student athletes have a high standard to fulfill because of the role they play as representatives of the college. Results on the field would be impossible without solid work in the classroom. Athletes at Moorpark College are required a 2.5 grade point average in order to be eligible to play their chosen sport. Student athletes are also required to take a minimum of nine academic units during their season.
Aside from the public-recognition of being an athlete, motivation in the classroom has allowed the transfer rate to increase within two years for athletes. Students who are not involved in sports at Moorpark clearly have the goal to further their education, but for some it may be difficult to have the drive to finish in two years.
“Student athletes tend to have better time management skills and a higher commitment level than their peers, because of their life-long experience juggling athletic participation with academic success,” said Davis.
With the budget cuts in recent years, participation in the athletic programs on campus has been a helpful tool for incoming students. The transfer rate is increasing for student athletes as they continue to succeed in the classroom.
