Brooklyn Pickle Owners Partner with Sandhills Community College Athletics for Season and Now in New York for the National Tournament for Men’s Basketball 

 

Maybe the Sandhills Community College Flyers have pickles to thank for their success on the court this year as they head into NJCAA National Championship Tournament play. The talented and dominant team has been pushing its way to nationals and on March 13 at 3 p.m. will face the winner of #5-ranked Herkimer College (host team) and #12-ranked Dallas Mountain View. Throughout the season their team meals have been provided by Brooklyn Pickle, headquartered in in Syracuse, New York with a shop here in Pinehurst, partnered by Craig Kowadla and Stephen Ziff. 

“When we got the call that they won district regionals and were advancing, we were more than happy to offer food while they are on the road at our Utica location,” said Kowadla. “We take a special order for each player so it’s sort of tradition now and we want to keep the momentum going!” 

The delicious pickles must be bringing some good luck and nutrients to the team. “We enjoy feeding the Flyers because food makes people happy and we love to make people happy!” said Kowadla.  

The partners opened November of 2023 in Pinehurst after loving the area and the community while knowing there was nothing like a Brooklyn Pickle in the area. In addition to the Pinehurst location, together they own four stores in New York including the Utica shop and stores in Raleigh and Charlotte ran by licensees. Brooklyn Pickle was founded in 1975 on Burnet Avenue in New York. 

Both of the men were athletes in high school and appreciate the fuel it takes to ramp up for pre or post-game. “In high school I played soccer and basketball and Steve played soccer and golf,” said Kowadla. 

To celebrate and support the Flyers, a WATCH PARTY in The Hangar in Dempsey Student Center on the Sandhills Community College campus will be held on March 13 at 3 p.m. to cheer on the Flyers! Light refreshments will be provided and the public is invited to bring their energy and show your school spirit.  

Sandhills Athletics is a gold standard in NJCAA athletics through the dedication of coaches, administrators, donors, and most importantly, student-athletes. Their passion and commitment continue to elevate Flyers Athletics to new heights in NJCAA Division III athletics. Each year, approximately 50-70 student-athletes join teams in basketball, golf, volleyball and beach volleyball. Their cumulative Athletics GPA is 3.02. 

Men’s Basketball team is: 

  • A high-energy, fast-paced program with two National Championships 
  • Won the district championship on a 14-game winning streak 
  • Entering the National Tournament in Utica, NY (March 12-15) as the #4 seed 
  • This marks the 7th consecutive trip to the National Tournament, and the team is focused on bringing home another championship
  • Logged  510 academic hours 

 

Follow the Flyers: 

Facebook –  Sandhills Community College 

Sandhills Community College Flyers Athletics 

Instagram –  

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Follow the Pickles: 

Facebook - Brooklyn Pickle and Brooklyn Pickle Sandwich Shop 

Instagram - Brooklyn Pickle 315 and Brooklyn Pickle NC