Urbana University to join D-II this fall

The Blue Knights become full-fledged member; Cedarville U. on track.

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Staff Reports Updated 12:53 AM Saturday, July 10, 2010

Urbana University received word Friday, July 9, from the National Collegiate Athletic Association Membership Committee that the Blue Knights will compete as a full-fledged member of NCAA Division II starting this coming fall.

The good news ended the arduous process that began in March of 2007 when the school first announced its intent to apply to become an NCAA Division II member. Since that time, the Blue Knights underwent a mandatory two-year candidacy phase and a one-year provisional membership in 2009.

Also, Cedarville University was approved for Candidacy Year Two in the membership process on Friday.

Last year’s provisional membership acted as a full “dress rehearsal” for Urbana, allowing the NCAA to closely monitor the school’s progress in several important criteria, including academic compliance, recruiting and scholarship procedures.

“We have spent the last three years proving without a doubt that Urbana University is a capable fit for Division II,” Athletic Director Doug Young said in an e-mail to the News-Sun. “Going forward, it is our goal to carry on the role of a quality NCAA Division II member.”

The Blue Knights are still looking for a conference home for most of their teams. Urbana’s football team will play in the Great Lakes Football Conference for the 2010 season.

Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets are off to a good start.

“We are one year closer to Division II,” exclaimed Cedarville Athletic Director Alan Geis. “We are breathing a sigh of relief that we made it. It’s a pat on the back that we are going the right direction.”

During the Candidacy Year One, two positions were created to help the Yellow Jackets moved to the Year Two Candidacy. Cedarville also dropped the faculty loads of coaches, put together a detailed budget plan, assembled a compliance handbook and made a required visit to an NCAA Division II institution at the University of Indianapolis.

Urbana even helped Cedarville in its process.

“Doug Young has been a tremendous help to us. He has helped us with the paperwork and talked to our coaches on what we need to do to comply,” said Geis.

Provided it continues to meet NCAA obligations, Cedarville would become a full D-II member for the 2012-13 academic year.

The Yellow Jackets plan to continue their affiliation with the National Christian College Athletic Association while also seeking NCAA conference affiliation.

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