Oklahoma Christian University began a new era for its athletics program as full membership into the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II was finalized on Tuesday.
Full membership in NCAA Division II affects much of the university’s athletic landscape, Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations Murray Evans said.
“We are now fully and completely eligible for Heartland Conference and NCAA postseasons,” Evans said. “If we qualify, we can play in conference – and NCAA-sponsored postseason events now – something we haven’t been able to do in the past.”
Evans said the chance for Oklahoma Christian athletic teams to compete in these postseason events is a huge step for the university.
All programs are eligible for Heartland Conference postseason events except track and field, which is not sponsored by the conference. But each sport, including track and field, has the opportunity to qualify for NCAA postseason.
According to Evans, many of the Oklahoma Christian programs have a chance to qualify for the postseason.
“I have no doubt that some of our teams will reach the NCAA postseason during 2015-2016,” Evans said.
The complete transition into NCAA Division II means that Oklahoma Christian is no longer a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association. Evans said that being a member of the NCCAA was very helpful to the university during this period of growth.
“Our membership in the NCCAA the past three years served a valuable purpose as a bridge for us between NAIA and NCAA,” Evans said.
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