The NCAA announced Friday that Rogers State has successfully completed the second year in the process of becoming an active NCAA member.
The Hillcats will operate in 2015-2016 as a Provisional Member, following all of the guidelines of the NCAA, but will not be eligible for postseason competition until full completion of the final year of the process.
Director of Athletics, Ryan Erwin, said he was excited about the announcement and talked about the journey.
“Going into it we knew it was a three-year process and so we’re just treading water and getting through the process and we gear up and look forward to full active membership,”Erwin said. “We’re looking forward to Year Three and we did a lot of work and it took a lot of people to make it happen and get us through Years One and Two.”
Erwin also pointed out that it took the effort of many people to get to this point.
“Overall, we’ve had great support on campus. From (RSU president) Dr. Rice all the way down to the faculty and staff and the students and student athletes and the coaches. It takes everybody. It’s a full university commitment to make the transition to NCAA Division II.
“I’m not sure that everyone knew that when the university first made the decision, but it’s definitely become evident over time. And we have the full support of everyone and that helps make everything else fall into place. From rewriting policies and procedures to following NCAA compliance – just the whole package.
“It’s a full university decision. Even the community has gotten behind us and really supported and helped us along the way. It’s been a fun journey to be a part of.”
RSU is a member of the Heartland Conference in its athletics. League commissioner Tony Stigliano also praised the work that was done.
“We are very excited for Rogers State University,” Stigliano said.
“They have one more year to be eligible in ’16-’17 and I have no doubt that everything will go well for them. We’re really happy for them.”
As the process unfolds, Erwin said things are becoming more encouraging throughout the athletic program.
“Absolutely,” Erwin said. “It makes recruiting easier. Now, we have been telling recruits that if you come and play a year for us, and then the following year, we’re going to be eligible for the NCAA postseason.
“And actually, our recruiting is pretty much done for this year. So now, for all the kids we’re recruiting, we don’t have that hold up.
“It’s really exciting. Come fall of 2016, we’re going to be rockin’ and rollin’ and ready to go to compete for Heartland Conference championships, regional championships and the NCAA postseason.”