The Northwestern Oklahoma State University athletic department completed the three-year transitional process from the NAIA to the NCAA, it was announced on Friday.
The NCAA Membership Committee recommended NWOSU for full membership. It’s not actually official until after word from the Management Council, which meets July 27-28, but there doesn’t seem to be any reason not to show gratitude and celebrate.
“(It) is truly a landmark day in the long history of Northwestern and its athletics programs,” Northwestern president Dr. Janet Cunningham said in a release. “We began this process realizing the challenges presented by moving to Division II, but also understanding the opportunities awaiting our student-athletes, coaches and fans.
“I am grateful to Andy Carter (Director of Athletics) and his staff for their work in leading us through the process, and also to the staff members of many other departments such as registry, financial aid and student services, who played an integral role in adapting our processes to comply with NCAA regulations.”
It’s been a six-year process for the Rangers, with a long stretch of postseason purgatory, but Dr. Cunningham commended those athletes who have endured through it with the school.
“We have spent four seasons unable to compete for championships during this transition, and I know that was difficult for our teams,” Cunningham said.
“I am proud and thankful for the hundreds of student-athletes and coaches who represented us during this time. They competed hard every day for the true love of the game. They were trailblazers, and this day is as much about them as it is about the future.”
Great American Conference commissioner Will Prewitt also congratulated NWOSU on clearing that final hurdle and talked about how difficult it is to get to that point and past.
“They have a great feel in of accomplishment and pride, and maybe even more than that relief, in Alva,” Prewitt said. “There were no worries that they would make it through the process. President Cunningham, Andy Carter, and the entire athletic staff have done such a great job at Northwestern.
“But it is such a grueling process. Three years to get NCAA membership with hundreds of hours and thousands of pages. We’re thrilled to have them in active membership. They’re No. 11 that will be active for our championships next year.
“We’re thrilled for the people of Alva.”
Northwestern will play host to a community picnic to show its gratitude to the community for its support. The picnic will be on Tuesday, July 21, beginning at 5:30 p.m, on the north lawn of campus near “The Ranger” and will feature hot dogs and drinks and a brief program beginning at 6 p.m.