The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s basketball team was honored by the
Senate and the House of Representatives at the Arkansas State Capitol Wednesday in
recognition of their recent National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division
II Men’s Basketball National Championship.
During the 94th assembly of the State of Arkansas on the Senate floor, Senator Matt
McKee, R-District 6, read Senate Resolution SR19, which recognized the Nighthawk men’s
basketball team as National Champions. Afterward, McKee and Lieutenant Governor Leslie
Rutledge congratulated the Nighthawks for a job well done to a standing ovation from
the Senate floor.
In the House chamber, Representatives Richard McGrew, R-District 85, Bruce Cozart,
R-District 91, Les Warren, R-District 84, and Tippi McCullough, D-District 74, each
delivered remarks celebrating the Nighthawks’ championship season.
“I am honored to represent National Park College in my district and the achievements
of these young men,” McGrew said. “I am so very proud of them.”
“I feel very honored to have a national champion in our area,” Cozart said. “National
Park College has come a long way in the past few years. These boys have played their
heart and their soul out for this. A Division II National Championship is fantastic
for Arkansas and for Hot Springs.”
On March 23, NPC defeated South Suburban College, 84-79, in Danville, Illinois to
claim its first National Championship. The Nighthawks began the season with a 27-0
record, which led the team to consecutive NJCAA Region II Championship game appearances.
After suffering its lone defeat in the regional final, NPC received one of four at-large
bids to compete in the National Tournament, where NPC dispatched Johnson County Community
College, North Central Missouri College, Davidson-Davie Community College and South
Suburban College to hoist the trophy at the end of the tournament. The Nighthawks
concluded their historic season with an impressive 31-1 record.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit Nighthawk men’s basketball and Nighthawk women’s basketball online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.
Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
X: @NPC_Nighthawks