Northeast Iowa Community College to Begin Competition this Fall
June 13, 2025
Northeast Iowa Community College, with campuses in Peosta and Calmar, is set to join the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) and NJCAA Region 11 as a full member starting July 1, 2025. The Cougars become the 17th institution to join the ICCAC, marking a new chapter for the college as it expands its athletic offerings and formally enters NJCAA competition.
NICC will launch four different NJCAA athletic programs, all at the Division II level, starting in the fall with Men's & Women's Cross Country. In the spring, they will compete in Baseball and Softball.
"Joining the ICCAC for our expanded sport offerings was something we recognized early on would bring great exposure to our student-athletes and institution," said Nick Weinmeister, Northeast Iowa Athletic Director. "Once our membership was approved, we were elated to be joining one of the premier junior college conferences in the country."
In the ICCAC, the Cougars will compete in the conference schedule for all sports immediately. However, per NJCAA rule, Northeast Iowa will be ineligible for postseason play during their first season of competition.
"The growth of our athletic department will bring even more excitement to the communities that we serve and we can't wait to compete in the ICCAC against conference teams that people within our communities will recognize," said Weinmeister. "The support we have received has been outstanding, and expanding our athletic offerings adds to the long list of great things that NICC has to offer. We are excited for our growing student-athlete population to excel in the classroom, serving our communities, and being great representatives of NICC."
Prior to beginning a full-time NJCAA athletic department, NICC was already involved with the ICCAC through its participation in the league's Sports Shooting conference, establishing early ties to the region. The Cougars also sponsor an eSports team, which will continue as part of their growing athletic department.
2025 – Northeast Iowa, Central (Neb.)
2024 – Northwest Iowa
2023 – Western Iowa Tech
2016 – Little Priest Tribal College (discontinued athletics in 2020)
2015 – Hawkeye
2013 – Northeast (Neb.)