Palo Alto College students
can compete at a high level in intercollegiate sports through the National
Junior College Athletic Association and compete in intramural sports through
the Student Activity office.
Palo Alto students also have the opportunity to earn a full scholarship to a Division I university and a partial scholarship to a Division II university through intercollegiate swimming, diving and cross-country. Palo Alto students compete against Southwest Texas State, Trinity, Texas A&M, Southern Methodist, Henderson State, Colorado College and The Incarnate Word.
Former Palo Alto swimmer Priscilla Palmer said, “Swimming helped me keep a clear mind and kept me in great shape.” Athletes also get a chance to travel around the country when they place in the NJCAA Nationals. This year, the swimming nationals will be in Buffalo, New York, diving nationals will be here at the Palo Alto Natatorium, and the cross-country nationals will be in Columbus, Ohio.
Palo Alto is the only two-year college in Texas that gives students the opportunity to participate at this level against Division I, II and III schools. To be able to compete, you must have a 2.0 grade point average and be a full-time student at Palo Alto. There is no age limit to compete. Cross-country track season has begun, but you still have the chance to compete in swimming and diving. Contact Swimming Coach Jeff Elder at 921-5391 and the Cross-Country Coach at Diego Torres at 921-5234 for schedules and tryouts’ deadlines.
If intercollegiate swimming, fencing and cross-country running are not your sports, then intramural sports are available. You may not be able to earn a scholarship or compete for national titles, but you can have fun while competing against students from other community colleges and some universities. Palo Alto offers volleyball, basketball, tennis and flag football. Plans to add softball this spring are underway. There are no coed teams yet, but both men and women can compete on separate teams.
You can also use these sports to get in shape and learn a skill you possibly can use your entire life. You may not be able to travel across the country, but you can compete here in San Antonio and meet people from other schools. Pedro Sanchez said, “Flag football is a good experience and allows me to compete for fun.”
To play intramural sports, you must have a grade point average of 2.0 and be enrolled in at least two classes.
If you want to play for a team, contact Leonardo Esparza in Student Activities at 921-5290 for schedules and further details about deadlines and team meetings.