The Tribune

by RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

In an effort to build upon the foundation of a fairly new, yet relatively successful athletic programme, the College of the Bahamas will continue its search for elite student athletes.

Saturday, February 2nd, COB’s Athletic Department is scheduled to host open tryouts for 11th and 12th grade students throughout the country looking to earn a roster spot in a number of different sports.

At 10am on the college courts, tryouts begin for men and women’s basketball teams, followed by the women’s volleyball team at 11am.

At noon, attention shifts to the COB soccer field where both the men’s and women’s soccer teams are set to host its tryouts.

Kimberly Rolle, director of athletics at COB, said parents, students and coaches should see the college as a viable option to further both their athletic and academic careers.

“The COB programme is a viable option for high school student athletes. We are a viable option for both students’ academic and athletic career. COB provides a sound academic environment and it provides an opportunity for students to pursue a very aggressive and successful athletic career,” she said.

Rolle said that while it is good for student athletes to aim towards lofty goals, coaches and parents should help them to explore all options.

“Not all of our athletes will be at the Division I or Division II level but there is keen competition at the NAIA level. We want parents, coaches and student athletes in particular to know that the COB athletic programme is growing, it’s thriving and it’s a viable option,” she said. “Too often we see where student athletes and coaches place all of their eggs in one basket. As coaches, we see in August, students knock on our door seeking admission but they did not think sufficiently enough to place an application in February or March.”

The programme landed 2009 Carifta triple jump silver medallist Tamara Myers, a native of Exuma, which the administration insists is the calibre of athlete the programme can attract. Financial aid will be available to student athletes that meet the varying requirements.

According to the mission statement on its website, the COB Department of Athletics has “a comprehensive focus geared towards providing diversity in campus life and alternatives for a rich and well rounded student experience.”

COB has a total of eight varsity teams that compete nationally and against college teams in Florida who play in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ Sun Conference.

They include are men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, men and women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s track and field.

Prospects seeking additional information can call 302-4349 or email athletics@cob.edu.bs