North Idaho College to withdraw all intercollegiate athletics from Northwest Athletic Conference
North Idaho College announced on Wednesday via release that it had “agreed to a mutually beneficial transition” of its athletic conference affiliation from the Northwest Athletic Conference to the National Junior College Athletic Association.
“We’re excited,” NIC athletic director Shawn Noel said. “The rationale for the change is so our teams have the ability to compete on a national level.”
The NIC board of directors earlier this year voted to change conferences over the next two intercollegiate athletic seasons, but the school and the NWAC agreed to an immediate transition for the men’s and women’s basketball programs.
Effective Saturday, NIC men’s and women’s basketball teams will no longer compete in the NWAC and will compete as independent teams. For the 2023-24 basketball season, NIC’s teams will follow NJCAA compliance and eligibility standards and will create an independent schedule with teams from various affiliations and organizations.
“We understand it will be tougher, at least initially, to schedule quality opponents and put together a strong schedule,” Noel said. “Our coaches are working to recruit top athletes and put together strong teams to be able to compete.”
NIC’s basketball teams may have the opportunity to qualify for postseason play in the NJCAA.
NIC’s men’s basketball team went 28-1 overall last season and 16-0 in the NWAC but was eliminated by eventual champion Bellevue 63-60 in the first round of the NWAC Tournament.
The Cardinals women’s team went 17-12, 10-6 in conference play and lost to Lane 58-42 in the second round.
NIC fall and spring sports – men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s golf, volleyball and softball – will continue to compete in the NWAC for the 2023-24 season and remain subject to all applicable NWAC compliance and eligibility standards.
In the second year of the transition, starting July 1, 2024, NIC’s remaining fall and spring sports will no longer compete in the NWAC and will join the NJCAA.
NWAC members can offer up to 65% scholarships, but by being affiliated with the NJCAA, North Idaho could potentially offer full rides.
“I think it will help recruiting long term in all our sports as our teams are exposed to playing at a higher level,” Noel said.