By Jim Henry
Globe Sports Editor
—
Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo., has successfully cleared the first hurdle toward a possible MIAA membership.
Officials on Monday were notified that the university has been accepted into NCAA Division II candidacy.
“This is wonderful news for our institution,” Lindenwood President James D. Evans said in a press release. “It is an exciting time. We’ve made many changes in athletics over the past year, and there are many more to come. We’re all very proud, but there is much more work yet to be done.”
Lindenwood will remain a member of the NAIA during the next two years. In 2012-13 the school will enter a provisional year in the NCAA but will not be eligible for postseason competition. If all requirements are met, Lindenwood becomes a full-fledged NCAA member in 2013-14.
John Creer, Lindenwood athletics director, said the next step is to apply for membership in the MIAA. The MIAA’s Presidents Council recently voted to consider expansion from its current 12 schools.
Central Oklahoma and Northeastern State (Okla.) from the Lone Star Conference and Nebraska-Kearney from the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference also have expressed interest in joining the MIAA.
“The MIAA is the strongest Division II conference in the country,” Creer said. “We believe Lindenwood is a good fit academically and athletically in the MIAA. It will be a challenge, but it is one we are all excited about.”
Lindenwood plans to participate in 26 sports at the NCAA level. Twenty-four of them will compete in Division II, and women’s ice hockey and men’s volleyball will compete at the National Collegiate level, which includes Division I schools.
Lincoln returns
On July 1 Lincoln officially became an MIAA member, returning after an 11-year absence.
The Blue Tigers will compete this school year for conference championships in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, softball, women’s tennis and men’s and women’s track and field.
Lincoln will begin MIAA football play in 2011.
Lincoln has won seven women’s track national championships since 2003 — five straight outdoor titles from 2003-07 and indoor titles in 2004 and 2006.
