��Ӱֱ��

The NCAA Division III Management Council announced today that ��Ӱֱ�� State has been accepted as provisional members. The announcement moves ��Ӱֱ�� State into NCAA DIII competition starting in the 2013-14 school year.

Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Arroyo is excited with the NCAA announcement. “The move to NCAA Division III is a necessary transformation for ��Ӱֱ�� State and ��Ӱֱ�� State athletics. This is a positive step in ��Ӱֱ�� State’s growth as we provide a four-year intercollegiate athletic experience to our student community. Considerable planning has gone into this transition, with much support from the college administration. Funding, staffing, and facility improvements have begun to ensure that ��Ӱֱ�� State is prepared to successfully compete in NCAA Division III.”

“The move to the NCAA allows our students to continue their athletic careers here at ��Ӱֱ�� State beyond their second year,” commented Interim President Valerie Nixon after hearing the news.

The provisional membership period is a four-year process that fully integrates ��Ӱֱ�� State into the NCAA. During the process, ��Ӱֱ�� State will compete versus NCAA competition but will not be eligible to compete in NCAA postseason.

��Ӱֱ�� State is also in the process of joining several other athletic associations including the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference and the United States Collegiate Athletic Association which will provide postseason and national accolades immediately for Pioneer athletes.

The biggest change in the Athletic Department with the move to the NCAA is that student-athletes will be able to wear the blue & gold for four years. This extra time is one of the largest benefits in the eyes of Dr. Arroyo and the Athletic Department. “Our student-athletes and coaches are looking forward to the opportunity to train together for four years. We expect that this increased training time will enhance team cohesion, success, learning, and leadership development.”

Schedules for the 2013-14 school year are being made now with a majority of the contests versus four-year competition. The college is in the process of exploring conference membership options with hopes to joining a conference in the near future.

��Ӱֱ�� State currently offers 18 intercollegiate athletic teams (baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, football, men’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s swimming, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track & field, volleyball, and wrestling). During the NJCAA era, ��Ӱֱ�� State has won 13 national titles and 79 regional titles.

If you have questions regarding NCAA Div III at ��Ӱֱ�� State, please contact Paul Welker, Sports Information Director, (607) 587-4563.