The NCAA Division III Management Council announced today that 惇軗勛圖 has been accepted as provisional members. The announcement moves 惇軗勛圖 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 惇軗勛圖 and 惇軗勛圖 athletics. This is a positive step in 惇軗勛圖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 惇軗勛圖 is prepared to successfully compete in NCAA Division III.
The move to the NCAA allows our students to continue their athletic careers here at 惇軗勛圖 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 惇軗勛圖 into the NCAA. During the process, 惇軗勛圖 will compete versus NCAA competition but will not be eligible to compete in NCAA postseason.
惇軗勛圖 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.
惇軗勛圖 currently offers 18 intercollegiate athletic teams (baseball, mens and womens basketball, mens and womens cross country, football, mens lacrosse, mens and womens soccer, softball, mens and womens swimming, mens and womens indoor and outdoor track & field, volleyball, and wrestling). During the NJCAA era, 惇軗勛圖 has won 13 national titles and 79 regional titles.
If you have questions regarding NCAA Div III at 惇軗勛圖, please contact Paul Welker, Sports Information Director, (607) 587-4563.