Number/Jersey Retirement Procedure
Retiring the number/jersey of a former McLennan Community College (MCC) student-athlete should be considered the highest honor which can be bestowed upon an MCC former athlete and should be done only in rare instances and following in-depth consideration as it relates to this procedure. Under no circumstances can an administrator, coach, or any other individual unilaterally make the decision to retire a number.
Once a number/jersey is retired, it is not to be worn again by any MCC student-athlete except in extreme circumstances and with the approval of the individual whose number is retired and/or the individual’s family.
Evaluation of a nomination begins with vetting by the Sports Information Specialist, followed by input from a sport-specific subcommittee appointed and convened by the Director of Athletics. The committee will be comprised of the Athletic Director, Executive Director of the MCC Foundation, current or former sport-specific coach, former team members, or other individuals with relevant knowledge of the nominee. The AD or his/her designate shall prepare a subcommittee report for review by the College President. The College President will make the final determination to retire a number/jersey.
The College reserves the authority to reconsider a retired number/jersey if the individual recognized, by subsequent actions, presents a significant negative reflection on themselves and/or the College.
Nomination Process
- Any individual can nominate a former student-athlete's number to be retired. The timing of the nomination can be at the discretion of the individual, but it is preferred that the nomination occur at least six months prior to the competitive season of the sport that the nominated individual played.
- To nominate a jersey/number for retirement, the individual submitting the nomination will complete the online nomination form.
- Timeline for consideration of retiring a number/jersey begins ten (10) years after competitive eligibility is completed. Exceptions are made in extraordinary circumstances as determined by the Athletic Director with approval by the College President.
Criteria
The following is a list of criteria that should be taken into consideration as it relates to retiring the number of a former MCC student-athlete. To qualify for consideration, the individual must meet the following criteria:
- Named to an All-American or All-Region team.
- Holder (past or present) of at least one and preferably multiple school single game, season, or career records.
- Earned a national award recognized by the NJCAA (e.g. National Player of the Year Award).
- Participated with outstanding lifetime accomplishments at the professional level or have made significant contributions to his/her sport (e.g. represented his/her country as an Olympian or National Team member).
- Earned a degree (two- or four-year) from MCC or another institution or left MCC in good academic standing.
- Demonstrated good character and exhibited commendable citizenship while at MCC and since leaving MCC.
- Demonstrated tangible or intangible factors that may be unique to an individual.
Display of Retired Number
An established location, within athletic facilities and buildings, for display of retired numbers will be determined. Retired numbers will also be listed as part of the McLennan Community College Alumni Foundation Database.
Non-Number Sports
In the sports which do not have numbers (e.g. tennis, dance, and men’s and women’s golf), which do not have numbers to retire, another way to display that individual's name will be determined.
For more information, contact Athletic Director Shawn Trochim at strochim@mclennan.edu.
