KOALA PRIDE: Columbia College adds two new athletic programs for upcoming school year

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Since becoming fully co-ed, Columbia College has grown in enrollment.

Now, the liberal arts school is adding new athletic programs for its student population.

“I sat down and put together a plan. I said ‘Here’s 5 or 6 sports I’d like to start in the next 5 years,’” said Glen Crawford, Columbia College athletic director. 

One of the new sports coming to Columbia College’s campus is men’s basketball.

“I think it starts with getting kids with character and people that fit the institutional mission,” said men’s basketball head coach Jake Deer. “We then put a quality product on the floor of guys that are working together. I believe success is a byproduct of doing things the right way.”

In his more than two decades coaching hoops, Deer has done more than create a high-scoring up-tempo offense out of athletes that can dribble, pass and shoot. He has also improved the GPA’s of the basketball programs he has coached at and relishes the challenge of starting a team at Columbia College.

“Opportunity always sells. I think that’s what a lot of our guys are looking for,” Deer said. “They are looking for a chance to be a part of a new beginning as well as a chance to showcase what they can do.”

Also coming to campus this school year, a cheerleading team.

“One thing that I think that cheerleading adds is the community involvement,” said cheerleading coach Holly Sawyers. “With that you not only bring spirit and excitement but you are connecting with the fans and bringing them closer to the game.”

The Charlotte native has cheered her whole life and hopes to instill some Koala spirit at Columbia College.

“Absolutely any athletes are welcome to try out, guys and girls,” Sawyers said. “We are looking for people who have experience with cheerleading, skills, team-players and someone who is excited to come to the college and be a part of the athletics community.”

The Godbold Center, where the Koalas will play and cheer, is undergoing a renovation to add a new court, stands and weight room.

The college’s athletic department is also looking to add a men’s and women’s lacrosse team in the near future.

“We have good women’s sports and the men’s sports are coming along,” Crawford said. “That’s the great challenge of it all.” 

With the addition of men’s basketball and cheerleading with other sports on the way, it’s an exciting time to be at Columbia College.