Fresno Pacific University received word from the NCAA this week that the university has been recommended by the Division II Membership Committee for active NCAA membership, successfully putting the finishing touches on a four-year transition process.
The final step in the process is the ratification of the membership committee's recommendation by the NCAA Division II Management Council, set to take place later this month. The Sunbirds will then be eligible to compete in NCAA Division II postseason play and enjoy full NCAA membership privileges effective September 1.
“Fresno Pacific University is justifiably proud to be recommended for active membership in the NCAA Division II,” said FPU President Richard Kriegbaum, Ph.D. “The NCAA membership process was appropriately rigorous and required changes that have helped us become an even better Christian university with a strong athletics program that represents our core academic, servant-leadership and spiritual values. The NCAA Division II supports our FPU commitment to highly competitive sports teams that develop each student-athlete as a whole person, prepared to lead and serve with excellence in all areas of life.”
Active membership status gives all 14 FPU athletic teams the ability to compete for NCAA championships beginning this fall. FPU will also officially begin participation in the National Letters of Intent (NLI) program.
The Sunbirds have competed in the NCAA Division II Pacific West Conference during the past three seasons, winning conference championships in men’s soccer and men’s track & field, and taking home the conference’s community engagement award in back-to-back years. Additionally, more than 300 FPU student-athletes received PacWest academic honors during that span.
For the full story, go to fpuathletics.com/news/2015/7/17/GEN_0717153409.aspx