The Student-Athlete Experience: Gearing Up for a New Season at NETC

At Northeastern Technical College, athletics is more than competition. It is an opportunity for students to challenge themselves, grow in leadership, and represent their college with pride. As the fall semester begins, student-athletes in golf, cross country, and esports are preparing to do just that.


Whether practicing putts, running trails, or sharpening strategies in NETC’s dedicated esports space, student-athletes are building discipline, confidence, and community. These students balance academics and athletics while staying focused on their goals both in the classroom and in competition.


Balancing Academics and Athletics

Student-athletes at NETC are held to high academic standards. They have access to 24/7 tutoring and regular academic check-ins to help them stay on track. Athletics Director Cecil "Tyler" Nolan emphasizes that academic performance comes first. If students struggle, early support is available to help them stay eligible and focused.


Student-Athlete Orientation at the start of the semester reinforces this balance. During orientation, athletes learn about eligibility requirements, time management, and what it means to represent NETC with integrity and teamwork.


Recruitment and Team Growth

Golf is close to finalizing its roster for the year with six student-athletes committed. Cross country currently has three runners and space for more. Nolan encourages interested students to reach out, especially those who may not have considered running before but are open to trying something new.

Esports recruitment continues throughout the year and is open to a wide range of students, including those in dual enrollment. Nolan focuses on recruiting full-time students for competitive play, but anyone with interest and commitment is welcome to get involved.


Training and Preparation

Each team follows a different training model. Golf practices twice a week, usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cross country runners typically train in the evenings to avoid peak temperatures. Esports players follow a structured practice schedule once games and rosters are finalized. Students can train in the esports room or from home, depending on availability.


Building Campus Spirit and Expanding Programs

NETC plans to continue growing athletic visibility on campus through events, service projects, and an upcoming esports open house. Many students are still unaware of the high-tech esports space available, and Nolan hopes greater awareness will spark more interest and participation.


Looking to the future, the college is exploring new sports including soccer, tennis, track and field, and clay target shooting. As facilities develop, long-term plans include expanding women’s athletics and adding baseball and softball.


A Strong Season Ahead

With clear goals, supportive leadership, and a focus on student growth, NETC is entering the new season with confidence. Whether competing on the course, the trail, or the screen, student-athletes are building skills that last far beyond the final match.


At NETC, athletics is not just about playing the game. It is about becoming a stronger student, a better teammate, and a more confident leader.

Traditional Sports (Golf, Cross-Country, Tier 1 & Tier 2 Esports):

✔️ High School Graduate or GED equivalent

✔️ Enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester

✔️ Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher


Tier 3 Esports:

No eligibility requirements

Open to:

✔️ Current full-time or part-time students

✔️ Dual-enrollment students

✔️ Faculty and staff

✔️ Alumni

✔️ Family and friends of current students or participants

✔️Community members interested in competitive Esports


Interested? Coaching Contacts Below:

🏌️ Golf - Roger Mack: rmack@netc.edu

🏃 Cross - Country – Benny Morgan: bmorgan@netc.edu

🎮 Esports - Cecil Nolan: cnolan@netc.edu

Orientation Sets the Tone for Student-Athletes

This year’s Student-Athlete Orientation brought together NETC’s newest Trailblazers for a day of connection, preparation, and inspiration. Athletes across all sports gathered to meet coaches, review eligibility requirements, and get a first look at the support systems designed to help them succeed both on the field and in the classroom.


From engaging discussions to Q&A sessions with staff, the day focused on setting the tone for a successful season rooted in discipline, focus, and academic excellence. With energy high and goals in sight, these student-athletes are ready to make make it happen.


Welcome to the pack!

Pageland Campus Fabrication Class Builds Arbor for Local Garden Club

The Pageland Campus Fabrication class recently took on a special community project when the Pageland Garden Club approached them with a request: could the students build an arbor for the garden club’s courtyard?


Rising to the challenge, the students began by sketching out a detailed design of the proposed arbor. They then prepared a comprehensive materials list along with pricing. Once the garden club approved and purchased the necessary supplies, the fabrication class got to work.


Throughout the build, students applied the practical skills and lessons learned in class. This included precise measuring, layout planning, and careful fit-up of components. To ensure the structure remained square during welding, they strategically spaced welds and used clamps to minimize distortion caused by heat. The project was built section by section before being assembled into the final arbor.


The garden club members are thrilled with the finished product and are now coordinating the logistics to have the arbor moved and installed in the courtyard.


This project not only provided valuable hands-on experience for the students but also strengthened the connection between the campus and the local community.


Start of the Fall Semester

📅 Date: August 11

🕕 Time: NA

📍 Location: All NETC Campuses


Trailblazer Toss & NETC Swag Event

📅 Date: August 18

🕕 Time: 12 noon

📍 Location: All NETC Campuses

Description: Stop by the Student Union anytime for a fun icebreaker activity that helps students connect. Stick around to grab your free NETC swag.

Blazer Bingo

📅 Date: August 19

🕕 Time: 12 noon

📍 Location: All NETC Campuses

Description: Join us for a fun and interactive bingo game that encourages student engagement and connection. Prizes and good times included.

Student Life "Pop In"

📅 Date: August 20

🕕 Time: 12 noon

📍 Location: All NETC Campuses

Description: Learn more about Student Life, Athletics, and the Financial Aid Department. Popcorn will be served while you explore ways to get involved.

Pizza Party Social

📅 Date: August 21

🕕 Time: 12 noon

📍 Location: All NETC Campuses

Description: Celebrate the end of the week with free pizza and good conversation. It’s a relaxed way to meet other students and enjoy the start of the semester.

Join the NETC Alumni Association!

Stay connected, give back, and grow alongside your fellow Trailblazers.


As a valued member, you’ll gain:

• Exclusive networking opportunities with alumni and industry professionals

• Invitations to special alumni-only events

• Access to career support and mentorship programs

• Timely updates on campus news and exciting initiatives

• The chance to inspire and support the next generation of NETC leaders


Whether you want to stay connected or make a meaningful impact, the NETC Alumni Association is your lifelong gateway to success.

Looking to lose weight?

Wondr is a weight-loss program clinically proven to help participants lose weight, sleep better, stress less and much more. With Wondr, you will learn simple skills based on behavioral science, so you can enjoy your favorite foods and feel better than ever at no cost.

There are multiple classes throughout the year where participants can join with a group, or you can select a start date that best fits your schedule. Join the next class during the enrollment window, which is open until Monday, August 12.

 

State Health Plan members, including spouses and dependent children ages 18 and older, are eligible to apply. Medicare-primary members are also eligible. Some medical conditions or body mass indexes (BMIs) might prevent people from participating.

Returning to the Booth Playhouse

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Northeastern Technical College | 1201 Chesterfield Highway | Cheraw, SC 29520 US