SANFORD - The Central Carolina Community College Athletics Program has received a 2019-2020 Sportsmanship Award from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 10.

A letter from NJCAA Region 10 notes: "On behalf of Region 10, we would like to congratulate your student-athletes and coaches on earning our Sportsmanship Award for the 2019-2020 academic year. Your college was among our Region 10 athletic programs that earned 'Ejection Free' status during this past year by showing outstanding respect for both opposing teams and officials. Please share our appreciation to your student-athletes and coaches for this accomplishment."

CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman said of the honor: "I know our coaches and athletic director set the expectation of excellent sportsmanship beginning with the first try-out and continuing throughout the season -- and all of our teams delivered. I am proud of our student-athletes and enjoy watching them compete and represent us so well."

Central Carolina Community College sponsors six athletic teams - men's basketball, cross country, and golf, and women's basketball, cross country, and volleyball.

"A goal of ours each year is to show good sportsmanship during all times of representing Cougar Athletics," said CCCC Athletic Director Jonathan Hockaday. "While our coaching staff and I encourage our players to show respect to opposing teams, coaches, officials and fans, the credit goes to our student-athletes for achieving this award. We are honored to have received this and look forward to carrying this on for years to come."

To learn more about the Central Carolina Community College athletic program, visit www.cccc.edu/sports.