Heading into the 2008-09 academic year, Sinclair athletic director Jack Giambrone proclaimed it was going to be a big year for the college’s athletics.
All in all, the Pride didn’t let Giambrone down.
The athletic department supports five programs consisting of men’s baseball and basketball and women’s basketball, tennis and volleyball.
Men’s baseball
Head Coach Steve Dintaman entered his second season with a mix of sophomore leadership and talented freshman. The combination turned out to be successful.
The Pride landed a spot in the NJCAA Region 12 Tournament after sweeping through the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference tournament.
Led by sophomores Kyle Hopwood, Dan Marsh, Taylor Hoisington and Ricky Masson, the Pride landed a spot in the NJCAA Region 12 title game for the first time in school history while finishing with a 36-12 record.
Freshman catcher John Lydic provided some much-needed offense after losing catcher Corey Throckmorton early in the season to injury. Lydic worked opposing pitchers while leading the team in average, extra base hits and second in RBIs.
Another freshman made a splash with his speed. Outfielder Clay Ragland cracked the lineup half way through the year and led the club with 26 steals.
Women’s basketball
The Lady Pride wrapped their season with a 12-13 record. Head Coach Jeff Dillon returned only two of his players from a squad that won 22 games in 07-08.
Sophomore guard Amanda White led Sinclair in scoring with a 16.3 average and earned a spot on the OCCAC First Team All-Conference, while 6-foot freshman Jessica Pierre grabbed 7.9 rebounds a game and earned OCCAC Honorable Mention.
Freshman guard Jana Gross led the NJCAA in assists with 9.3 per game.
Men’s basketball
Hopes were high for the Pride at the beginning of the 08-09 year. With the return of offensive machine Mark Anderson, guard Jonathon Tate and forward British Alexander, Sinclair was looking to improve upon a 24-6 record.
Injuries stepped in the way, though, as the Pride lost Alexander early in the year. Sinclair finished with a 19-11 record and 7-7 in the OCCAC.
The Pride hosted the NJCAA Region 12 Tournament, but fell in the first round to Lakeland Community College, 81-72.
Women’s volleyball
The Lady Pride finished their season third in the OCCAC going 14-12 and reaching the NJCAA District II Tournament. Head Coach K.C. Gan sends off six sophomores including two OCCAC First Team All-Conference selections in libero Jessica McCann and outside hitter Lindsey Bruns and OCCAC Honorable Mention outside hitter Brittiney Wilburn.