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School earns full D-II membership
ODESSA -- University of Texas of the Permian Basin athletic teams can now compete at the "highest levels" because the school has earned.
by Ruth Campbell
Midland Reporter-Telegram
By Ruth Campbell
Staff Writer
ODESSA -- University of Texas of the Permian Basin athletic teams can now compete at the "highest levels" because the school has earned "full and active" NCAA Division II membership, officials announced Wednesday.
Active status in the Heartland Conference starts Sept. 1. The university was previously in the NAIA.
"It's a huge deal," UTPB President David Watts said. "It means our students can go to conference playoffs and NCAA tournaments. For the last two years because of our provisional membership, our students were barred from doing that."
Last year, teams that could go on to the playoffs with full NCAA Division II membership were women's volleyball, baseball, soccer and basketball. Two swimmers were national qualifiers as well, Watts said.
"We're very proud to be NCAA Division II members. It means potential college athletes and students can look at UTPB and know that if they're successful, they will rise to the highest level of national competition," Watts said.
"Previously in NAIA, they could rise to the level of NAIA national competition, but it's not as well known. NCAA is gold standard athletic association."
Provisional membership was announced two years ago and Watts said it usually takes four years to complete provisional membership. UTPB hired an athletic compliance officer, attorney Susan Barron, who monitored the teams and paid close attention to NCAA regulations.
Watts also credited the work of Athletic Director and volleyball coach Steve Aicinena.
Watts said the school has 11 intercollegiate sports and are considering possbily adding golf and tennis.
"Our most important goal right now is to ensure we have a quality program," Watts said. "We're primarily interested in making sure our teams are the very best they can be. We'll be looking at adding other sports as the opportunities present themselves."
Heartland Conference members
St. Edward's University (Austin)
University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio)
St. Mary's University (San Antonio)
Lincoln University (Jefferson City, Mo.)
Dallas Baptist University
Oklahoma Panhandle State University (Goodwell, Okla.)
Newman University (Wichita, Kan.)
Texas A&M International University (Laredo)
UTPB
Staff Writer
ODESSA -- University of Texas of the Permian Basin athletic teams can now compete at the "highest levels" because the school has earned "full and active" NCAA Division II membership, officials announced Wednesday.
Active status in the Heartland Conference starts Sept. 1. The university was previously in the NAIA.
"It's a huge deal," UTPB President David Watts said. "It means our students can go to conference playoffs and NCAA tournaments. For the last two years because of our provisional membership, our students were barred from doing that."
Last year, teams that could go on to the playoffs with full NCAA Division II membership were women's volleyball, baseball, soccer and basketball. Two swimmers were national qualifiers as well, Watts said.
"We're very proud to be NCAA Division II members. It means potential college athletes and students can look at UTPB and know that if they're successful, they will rise to the highest level of national competition," Watts said.
"Previously in NAIA, they could rise to the level of NAIA national competition, but it's not as well known. NCAA is gold standard athletic association."
Provisional membership was announced two years ago and Watts said it usually takes four years to complete provisional membership. UTPB hired an athletic compliance officer, attorney Susan Barron, who monitored the teams and paid close attention to NCAA regulations.
Watts also credited the work of Athletic Director and volleyball coach Steve Aicinena.
Watts said the school has 11 intercollegiate sports and are considering possbily adding golf and tennis.
"Our most important goal right now is to ensure we have a quality program," Watts said. "We're primarily interested in making sure our teams are the very best they can be. We'll be looking at adding other sports as the opportunities present themselves."
Heartland Conference members
St. Edward's University (Austin)
University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio)
St. Mary's University (San Antonio)
Lincoln University (Jefferson City, Mo.)
Dallas Baptist University
Oklahoma Panhandle State University (Goodwell, Okla.)
Newman University (Wichita, Kan.)
Texas A&M International University (Laredo)
UTPB
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| Local Sports 7/24/08 |
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