MCC Eagles Athletics: A Legacy of Championship Success
At the heart of campus spirit is the athletic program of MCC, where student-athletes compete under the moniker of the Eagles. Led by the official mascot, Victor the Eagle, the athletic department has established a formidable reputation for excellence, securing five NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) National Championships.
Key Facts
- Mascot: Victor the Eagle.
- National Titles: Five NJCAA National Championships.
- Conference: Member of the Southern Division of the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC).
- Unique Status: The only Division I NJCAA golf program in Region XXIII.
- Football: MCC does not play football, distinguishing it from other Mississippi community colleges.
Athletic Programs and Offerings
MCC provides a wide array of competitive opportunities for both men and women. While the college focuses on a diverse range of sports, it notably does not field a football team.
Men's Sports
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Soccer
- Golf
- Tennis
- Swimming
- Cross-country
- Track and field
Women's Sports
- Basketball
- Softball
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Swimming
- Cross-country
- Track and field
Conference History and Rivalries
The Eagles are currently members of the Southern Division of the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC), which was previously known as the MACJC. This transition marked a shift in the college's competitive landscape.
In the past, MCC operated outside of the conference and competed in Division I. During this era, the Eagles developed intense rivalries with Louisiana-based institutions, specifically Baton Rouge Community College and Delgado Community College in New Orleans, while most MACJC members competed in Division II.
The Elite MCC Golf Program
The MCC Golf program stands as a beacon of athletic achievement, holding the distinction of being the only Division I NJCAA program in Region XXIII. This program has served as a powerful pipeline for athletes moving to four-year universities.
Over the last decade, twenty MCC golfers have earned scholarships to prestigious institutions, including Ole Miss, Mississippi State University, Troy University, Middle Tennessee State University, Southern Miss, and the University of New Orleans.
Coaching Excellence and Milestones
The program's success is rooted in exceptional leadership. Former coach Lou Hart was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame on July 27, 2007. Following in those footsteps, coach Sean Covich—who played under Hart from 1998 to 2000—achieved significant acclaim. In 2007, Covich was named both the NJCAA Region XXIII Golf Coach of the Year and the Mississippi Association of Community/Junior Colleges Golf Coach of the Year.
Under Covich's guidance, the Eagles set a school record with nine tournament titles in 2007, including the MACJC State/NJCAA Region XXIII championships, and finished third in the NJCAA Division II men's golf championship.
National Recognition
Coach Covich made history in 2009 as the only coach in NJCAA Region XXIII history to lead a team to top-ten national finishes in both Division I and Division II, securing a sixth-place finish in the school's first NJCAA Division I National Championship. This momentum continued into 2010, when the team finished as the NJCAA Division I national championship runner-up.
Individual brilliance also defined this era. Freshman Brandt Garon secured the school's first individual national championship, winning the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) Arnold Palmer Award in 2010 and the GCAA's Jack Nicklaus Award in 2011 as the national player of the year.
| Achievement | Detail/Recipient | Year/Period |
|---|---|---|
| Hall of Fame Induction | Lou Hart | 2007 |
| Coach of the Year | Sean Covich | 2007 |
| Division I National Finish | 6th Place | 2009 |
| Division I National Runner-up | Team Finish | 2010 |
| Individual National Champion | Brandt Garon | 2010 |
| National Player of the Year | Brandt Garon | 2011 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official mascot of MCC athletics?
The official mascot is Victor the Eagle, and the athletic teams are known as the Eagles.
Does MCC have a football team?
No, unlike other community colleges in Mississippi, MCC does not play football.
Which conference does MCC currently belong to?
MCC is a member of the Southern Division of the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC), formerly known as the MACJC.
What makes the MCC Golf program unique in its region?
It is the only Division I NJCAA program located in Region XXIII.
Who was the first individual national champion for MCC golf?
Brandt Garon was the first individual national champion, winning the title in 2010.