Oxnard College Reinstates Men’s and Women’s Basketball; Hires McClurkin to Helm Programs

Press Release Provided by Oxnard College

The Oxnard College Athletic Department is proud to announce the reinstatement of Women’s and Men’s Basketball for the 2014-15 school year. Reinstating Oxnard College’s Basketball programs will provide an opportunity to extend the mission of being a multicultural, comprehensive institution of higher learning. Oxnard College empowers and inspires students to succeed in their personal and educational goals.

Meetings were held with students, faculty, staff, and friends to gather feedback. A variety of factors were considered in making the final decision, including the impact on student life, college-community relations, and the role of athletics as a rallying point for the vitality of the institution.

“It’s a breath of fresh air for our department and college,” said Athletic Director, Jonas Crawford. “This reinstatement is a great sign that our institution is on the rise and shows the tremendous value our administration has for athletics.” Oxnard College President, Dr. Richard Durán, commented, “I am pleased to be able to restore two athletic programs to provide opportunities to develop students outside of the classroom.”

The Condors will field both Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams for the 2014-15 season, and have hired form Head Men’s Basketball Coach Ron McClurkin, a current faculty member of the Oxnard College PE/Health Department to take over both the men’s and women’s programs.

"Coach McClurkin has tremendous experience coaching in the conference and brings many intangibles to the position. We are confident that Ron is the right coach to bring both basketball programs back to a high level of success,” said Athletic Director Jonas Crawford.

The appointment brings Coach McClurkin full circle. He was head coach for the Oxnard College men’s team from 1993-2007. During that 14-year span, McClurkin amassed 194 wins and three WSC Championships (2000, 2002, 2003). McClurkin was the head coach at El Camino College (1988-1992).He also led LA City from 1992-1993 and most recently, West LA from 2010-2012.

“I’m excited for the return of a new era in Condor Basketball,” said McClurkin. “I’m happy the program was brought back in time to recruit some excellent local students. I enjoyed working with players like Danny and Juan Guzman, Paul Guerrero, Jess Pena, and Mike Oranda (in my first stint at Oxnard College), who are now professionals in the community. We will continue that tradition in the coming seasons.”

“It’s great to have a full-time coach back in the OC Athletic Department. Ron will ensure that all student-athletes are provided maximum opportunity and support for achieving their academic goals and have the best possible environment to compete to the fullest extent of his or her capability,” commented Crawford.

Any men or women interested in playing basketball for the Condors are encouraged to contact Ron McClurkin at 805-986-5800 (x2075) or by email at RMcClurkin@vcccd.edu.