NJCAA levies sanctions against Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball

The NJCAA confirmed that it issued a ruling and levied sanctions against the Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball program on Tuesday. Hutchinson president Carter Fife said he will address the ruling and sanctions Wednesday.

Both NJCAA executive director Mark Krug and Jayhawk Conference commissioner Bryce Roderick said that only the school’s administration — specifically Fife — could disclose details of the ruling or sanctions.

The program was being investigated for improper benefits to players and an eligibility matter following the Blue Dragons’ third NJCAA runner-up finish in four seasons.

Fife declined to comment, only responding via e-mail that the school would send out an e-mail to media outlets on Wednesday.

Hutchinson athletic director Josh Gooch and Hutchinson women’s coach John Ontjes did not return calls seeking comment.

Roderick confirmed that the Jayhawk would also issue sanctions against the Blue Dragons, but declined to say what they were.

“Only the president of the institution can do that,” Roderick said. “I’m bound by what are bylaws say.”

Hutchinson has seven days to appeal to the NJCAA Executive Committee.

The Blue Dragons have experienced unprecedented success under Ontjes, a Nickerson native. In eight seasons as coach he is 257-26 and has won five straight Jayhawk West titles.

The Blue Dragons went 36-1 this season, losing to Chipola 54-46 in the NJCAA Division I championship game on March 22 in Salina.

This story was originally published July 14, 2015 at 5:41 PM with the headline "NJCAA levies sanctions against Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball."