Union Applies for NCAA status
Union cross county coach Gary Johnson said it best – people recognize the blue circle – referring to the NCAA logo. Today Union University officials announced the school‘s decision to apply to NCAA Division II. Union has already received tentative acceptance into the Gulf South Conference. An official invitation won’t be extended until Union gains approval by the NCAA – which is expected to happen this summer. That isn’t stopping Union women’s basketball head coach Mark Campbell from sizing up the competition now. “Delta State has been ranked number one in the country the last two years in Division II women‘s basketball,” said Campbell. “We‘ve played non-conference games with Vanderbilt and UT in the past and they (Delta State) have done the same and have been very competitive. This will provide new excitement,” said Campbell. Union would have to add a compliance officer to keep the coaches aware of NCAA rules as there is not as much freedom in recruiting in NCAA compared to the NAIA. Union will likely add women’s golf as it is a major sport in the GSC. The transition to NCAA is a 3 year process. Union’s teams can compete for NAIA titles the first transition year, but schools that are in the transition process are unable to compete in the post season during the last two years of the process. “NCAA Division II promotes community service,” said Tim Ellsworth – Director of News and Media Relations at Union University. “That fits well with our mission,” said Ellsworth.
