NCAA says Yes to SNU, No (or Not Yet) to NWOSU

The NCAA made its decision as to which of the 16 applicant schools will start the process in 2011 of becoming a Division II program and at least one Oklahoma school is pleased.

Southern Nazarene University announced Monday that the school had been accepted into the membership process.  This step doesn’t represent the end; in fact, it’s only the beginning of a three-year journey from NAIA to NCAA.

But it is still that first step.

Bobby Martin is SNU’s Director of Athletics and said the program is ready for the journey.

“While we have a sense of relief that preparation for application is over and the first hurdle has been cleared, we know that this is just the first step in a long process,” Martin said.  “Our administration staff and coaches are prepared for the various changes and welcome the challenges ahead. This is an exciting time for Crimson Storm athletics as we seek to raise the level of athletics and branding that accompanies this new journey.”

There were 16 schools that applied to make the move to Division II this summer.  The NCAA would accept no more than 10 and maybe none at all.  Of course, taking none was unlikely.

Northwestern Oklahoma was also one of those applicants.  The news for the Rangers was not as good.

The Rangers were informed Tuesday that candidacy for the 2011-2012 year was not granted.

Janet Cunningham, NWOSU president, said that the decision was disappointing, but the school is going to continue to seek membership in the NCAA.

“The factors that led us to seek NCAA membership are still in place and we intend to enhance our application and reapply at the next available opportunity,” Cunningham said.