The National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) announced the final results for the 2024-25 academic year of the Ron Case Cup presented by Daktronics (formerly known as the Daktronics Cup). The Northern Essex Community College athletics program ranked among the nation’s top 30 programs for a third consecutive season and cracked the top 20 for the first time this year with a total of 39.5 points for an 18th-place finish.

Rowan College South Jersey-Gloucester won the cup for a second straight year with 160.5 points, while Joliet Junior College (IL) finished second with 147. Points for the cup are awarded based on team finishes in NJCAA national tournament events.

For the second time in three years, the Knights ranked as the top junior college athletic program in New England. NECC picked up points over the year in men’s soccer, men’s basketball, women’s track and field, and baseball.

Both men’s soccer and baseball earned 13.5 points for their seventh-place finishes, while men’s basketball earned 11.5 points for its ninth-place finish. Additionally, women’s track and field earned one point by placing 20th at the outdoor championship meet.

Now in its 21st year, the Cup recognizes excellence in two-year college athletics through championship competition across all sports.

To learn more about athletics at Northern Essex, visit the webpage or contact Athletics Director Dan Blair.