SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Community College Athletic Association Men's and Women's Basketball Championships will return to Ventura College in 2018 and 2019 it was announced by the organization. The championships return to the Ventura where it was last held in 2011. Home to four men's and seven women's championship banners, the VC Athletic Event Center is one of the premier venues in the state, hosting the men's championships in 1972 and 1973, the women's championships in 1993, and the 2011 combined championships.
Next year's event will run from Mar. 8-11 at the Athletic Event Center with the women's quarterfinals on the first day and the men's following the next. The semifinals and championships for both the men and the women will occur over the next two days. In 2019, the tournament will be held Mar. 7-10 with the men starting the first day and the women beginning on the second.
"The CCCAA is proud to return its marquee basketball event to Ventura College," said Carlyle Carter, CCCAA Executive Director & CEO/President. "It'll be exciting to showcase not only some of the best basketball talent in California but also one of its most beautiful locations."
Ventura College Athletic Director Will Cowen said the Pirates are excited to again host and indicated preparations for next year's CCCAA Championships will begin soon.
"For over 70 years, Ventura has been regarded as one of, if not the greatest basketball communities in California," he said. "Our community supports basketball at every level and has demonstrated that loyalty on a consistent basis over the years. On behalf of the department of intercollegiate athletics, we are proud to once again host this great event for two years. Our staff and business partners in the community will begin preparations immediately following this announcement."
"I think that everyone at Ventura College is honored to host the CCCAA State Basketball Championships again," said 27-year head coach Ned Mircetic, who has led the Pirates to all seven of its women's state championships. "Basketball runs deep in the Ventura community, and the state championships continue the long tradition of basketball in Ventura. We are honored to be a part of it."
Former Pirates player and sixth-year head coach Joey Ramirez offered similar sentiments.
"Ventura is one of the most beautiful areas in California and we are honored to be hosting again."
This year's CCCAA Championships are scheduled for Mar. 9-12 at Las Positas College in Livermore.