17 Sep 2025 Nighthawk Men’s Soccer enters top 20

HOT SPRINGS — The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s soccer team (3-2) ascended into the Top 20 of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II rankings this week, placing 18th in Monday’s poll. 

After opening the season with a loss to then-nationally-ranked St. Charles Community College, NPC entered the win column with a 7-1 win over Dallas College-Mountain View. Three days later, NPC stunned then-top-ranked Northeast Community College with a 2-1 victory at Hot Springs World Class High School, shining a bright spotlight on the Nighthawks’ growth this fall and resulting in the team receiving votes to be nationally ranked.

Since knocking off the defending Division II national champions, NPC rebounded from a 2-0 defeat at No. 12 Jones College with a dominant 4-0 decision over Northwest Mississippi Community College on Saturday to enter the Top 20.

“It’s great for the boys to get the recognition they deserve nationally, but we are far from satisfied,” NPC Head Coach Corey Irvine said. “I am happy with how we are progressing and there is plenty more to come from our group.”

The Nighthawks’ hot start has been fueled offensively by three goals apiece from sophomore team captain Osagie Omoregie (London, England), sophomore striker Louis Learoyd (Aix-les-Baines, France) and freshman striker Alexander Reiche (Bad Kösen, Germany). Defensively, the Nighthawks are led by freshman goalkeeper Joseph Jones (Hyde, England), who has amassed 31 saves over five matches and is quickly approaching NPC’s all-time mark. 

National Park College travels to Hill College Tuesday, September 16 at 4 p.m. The Nighthawks play host to Crowder College at Hot Springs World Class High School Saturday, September 20 at 4 p.m. Saturday’s match will be streamed live on the Nighthawk Network.