For the first time in its nearly fifty year history, Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland hosted its opening home men’s and women’s NJCAA college basketball games  Tuesday night in Goodland’s Max Jones Fieldhouse.

The Lady Mavericks lost the first home opener to Otero CC from La Junta, Colorado, 79 to 58. The Maverick Men avenged an earlier loss to Colby Community College from Colby, Kansas, beating the Trojans 75 to 72 to the delight of the packed house witnessing the inaugural event.

The Maverick Basketball program is led by head coaches April O’ Neal for the women and Jase Herl for the men.

Two years ago Northwest Tech created their first athletic program for competition within the NJCAA, featuring men’s and women’s wrestling,  women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, dance team and rodeo. In the spring of 2013 NW Tech will add men’s and women’s track and field and cross county to their busy athletic program.