Spearfish, S.D. – Black Hills State University will be classified as a provisional member of Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association effective Sept. 1, 2012.
University officials were notified today that Black Hills State University has been approved for provisional membership status as the final phase of a three-year membership candidacy period. Upon successful completion of the provisional year in 2012-2013, Black Hills State University is expected to begin full active membership in the NCAA Division II during 2013-2014.
"This has been a total team effort. The leadership of the university and all other areas of campus have been extremely supportive and embraced their roles in this transition," said Director of Athletics Jhett Albers. "The athletic department administrative team and compliance committee have put in countless hours to ensure that BHSU has the systems and procedures in place to implement and enforce the rules and regulations as they apply to NCAA DII. The university and athletic advancement personnel along with alumni, boosters, parents, and supporters have stepped up and understand the financial commitment needed to support our student-athletes through additional scholarship opportunities."
The NCAA Division-II transition process for an academic institution is a three-year process in which schools pass through year one candidacy, year two candidacy and provisional membership stages prior to becoming a full member at the beginning of the fourth year.
"Most importantly we commend our student-athletes. Change brings with it challenges and our student-athletes have remained committed to our transition and have supported the vision of the future for BHSU and Yellow Jacket Athletics," Albers added.
Black Hills State University found a home in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and will compete in their first season of conference play this year, but will not qualify for any NCAA post-season tournaments.
"We are extremely excited to hear this news today and we are looking forward to a successful provisional year, our first full year as members of the RMAC, and our continued transition to NCAA DII. We thank everyone involved for their continued support," Albers concluded.
For more information on Black Hills State Athletics, visit www.BHSUAthletics.com.
