Owens Community College is continuing to grow the Owens Express athletic program by reintroducing men’s soccer for the 2024 season with the assistance of the NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant. Through the NJCAA Foundation, Owens will receive a $2,000 grant.

Owens originally fielded a men’s soccer team from 1998-2015.

“Through the NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant, the NJCAA Foundation is creating opportunities for member colleges to expand and develop sports offerings,” said Brian Luckett, NJCAA Foundation executive director.

“Athletics at the two-year level continue to grow and progress, resulting in student-athletes being afforded more significant development opportunities athletically and academically.”

During its previous seasons, the Owens Express men’s soccer team advanced to the NJCAA Region 12 tournament 14 times, winning the 2005 championship. The Express won its first conference championship in 2012.

Nate Baer, an Owens Express player in the 2006 and 2007 seasons, has been hired as the Express men’s soccer head coach. Baer was a highly successful high school and club coach.

He received recognition for his coaching achievements, including the 2019 National Federal of State High Schools Coach of the Year honor, considered the highest award for a high school coach.

“We are grateful that we are receiving the Sport Opportunity Grant from the NJCAA Foundation,” Owens athletic director Shelley Whitaker said.

“We are excited that men’s soccer returns to Owens this fall. Coach Baer has done an excellent job with recruiting. We cannot wait for the first home game.”

Baer added, “We look forward to competing on the field while creating a pathway for additional opportunities at 4-year institutions. I’m excited to restore the Owens Express men’s soccer tradition.”