Athletic eligibility rules increased

Pierce athletes need 27 units to compete

Tavian Quinn Roundup Reporter

Starting in July 2015 athletes will be held to a higher level of academic achievement.

The California Community College Athletic Association has ruled that next summer, second year athletes will be required to complete 27 units and maintain a 2.0 GPA in order to be eligible to play sports.

The CCCAA is the governing body for all the community colleges in California and is authorized to establish rules and regulations of almost 27,000 male and female student athletes.

Out of that 27,000 only two students a year, one male, one female receive an award for their excellence in athletics and academic.

The National Junior College Athletic Association Award for Superior Academic Achievement is awarded to student athletes that hold a GPA between 3.80 and 3.99 on a 4.00 scale throughout the year.

“What’s important is when these students walk in their classrooms it’s not just about an athlete, but a student athlete who will be more than just a student because they have a lot more responsibility,”

Pierce College Vice President of Student Services Eric Peters said.

“These are not normal students, these are students who are going above and beyond with their education, sacrifices, and following two dreams, there love of sports and

Athletic sophomores will now be required to have completed 27 units to be eligible to their education.”

Some student athletes like Brahmas sophomore defensive lineman Pedro Munoz feel that the three unit increase is preparation for the life that is ahead of them.

“It’s hard being a student