In honor of North Central Missouri College’s centennial, NCMC will spotlight 100 inspiring stories throughout the academic year. These narratives will showcase the voices and journeys of our alumni, students, faculty, staff, donors, and the communities that have shaped TJC/NCMC’s legacy. Each story is a tribute to the people throughout history who make NCMC extraordinary.
Anthony Herrington
1983-1985
In 1983, I left Anchorage, Alaska, fresh off a high school state championship, to attend Trenton Junior College (TJC) which is now North Central Missouri Community (NCMC) . While I was blessed to be there with two high school teammates, the transition to rural Missouri was not always easy. But what I discovered at TJC was transformative: lessons in discipline, accountability, leadership, and the power of community that I still lean on today.
On the court, being a team captain meant more than just knowing the plays, it meant being accountable for where every teammate should be, and sometimes even for their mistakes. That level of responsibility shaped how I approach leadership in every part of my life. I also learned that success came from preparation, conditioning, and an unwillingness to quit. One of my favorite memories is when we faced nationally ranked Moberly Junior College, a team stacked with size and talent, including future Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond. On paper, they had every advantage. But our relentless competitiveness led their coach to call us “Mean and Evil.” We took it as the highest compliment, proof of our intensity, togetherness, and will to win. To this day, I view it as a badge of honor.
Off the court, the people of Trenton made a lasting impact on me. As a young Black man far from home, members of the community served as surrogate family for me and many of my teammates, keeping a watchful eye and making sure we were cared for. That courage, generosity and humanity taught me the value of deep friendships and authentic connections, something I carry into my career and personal life today.
Decades later, after the passing of our teammate and TJC alum Geno Morgan, I reconnected with many former TJC student athletes and community members through the work of the Geno Morgan Foundation. The outpouring of support from Trenton nearly 40 years later says everything about the bonds we built during those years. I am proud to have been part of that team, that community, and the NCMC tradition – and grateful for the role it played in shaping who I am today.
The centennial celebration will continue throughout the academic year, and NCMC invites alumni, students, faculty, staff, and our communities to be part of the story. We would love to hear your story about Trenton Junior College/North Central Missouri College. Visit the Centennial Website to submit your own story, memory, or reflection. Whether you walked the halls decades ago or are just beginning your journey, your story is a vital thread in the college’s tapestry, and we want to hear it.
Visit the Centennial Website to explore Trenton Junior College/North Central Missouri College stories, rich history, and discover upcoming events.
Photo: Anthony Herrington