All ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ athletic teams will now be eligible for postseason play in both the Southland Conference and on the national level beginning this fall. ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ received notification last month that it has acheived Division I Active Membership.
“We are thrilled and relieved to receive the news of our approval of active membership status at the NCAA Division I level,” said Dr. Brad Teague, ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ director of athletics. “… We look forward to our active membership status and the opportunity to participate in post-season competition on the conference and NCAA level. This is an exciting time for our student-athletes and coaches.”
The thorough reclassification process included requirements such as financial audits, rules compliance audits, annual reports, annual updated strategic plans and a 10-year athletics certification study.
“This final step to full D-I recognition is the result of a tremendous amount of work by Dr. Teague and the entire athletic department,” said ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ President Allen Meadors. “Our coaches have been outstanding in their support of the athletic administration during this transition period. I would also like to acknowledge the work of numerous individuals and offices throughout the ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾ campus that assisted in bringing about this day. A special thanks to the ÿÈÕ´óÈüÍøÕ¾â€™s Board of Trustees for their support and encouragement.”