Hudson County Community College names athletic director, moves to restore intercollegiate sports

Hudson County Community College introduced a new athletic director and a college representative at the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners caucus on July 15, and Commissioners heard that the college is preparing to restore intercollegiate athletics.

"I look forward to working with all of you," Jonathan Sisk said after being introduced as the colleges new athletic director. Sisk said the college plans to revive athletics and is pursuing membership in the national junior-college organization that governs two-year college sports. "I believe that you're talking about the National Junior College Athletics Association... We are in the process of becoming a member. We are not currently a member," Sisk told Commissioner Albert Cifelli when asked whether the college can begin intercollegiate competition once it is accepted.

Yeurys Pujols, introduced by Chairman Anthony Romano as the colleges new representative, thanked the Board for the opportunity and said he looks forward to "supporting the work of this body." Several commissioners—including Jerry Walker and William O'Dea—urged quick action to bring athletics back for students, saying local high-school and community-college students have lacked access to organized sports in recent years.

Why it matters: reinstating athletics at Hudson County Community College would create new extracurricular and recruiting opportunities for county students and could require new annual operating expenses. Commissioners asked about the timetable and about membership in the appropriate athletic association; Sisk said the college is actively pursuing membership but is not yet a member.

What was said and what is next: Commissioners expressed support for a phased return of athletics, noting budget considerations. Commissioner Albert Cifelli asked whether joining the association would allow the college to field basketball and other teams; Sisk confirmed that membership would permit teams to compete in association play once the college is accepted. No formal funding motion for athletic program operations was recorded in the transcript; the college and Administration will follow up with details on planned steps and any requests for capital or operating dollars.

Ending: Commissioners welcomed the new staff and said they expect further updates at future public meetings as the college completes the membership process and develops program budgets and schedules.