ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Roberts Wesleyan College has officially been approved for active membership at the Division II level by the NCAA's Management Committee.
This news means that starting Sep. 1, Roberts Wesleyan is eligible for both East Coast Conference and NCAA post-season competition. All student-athletes on the 16 intercollegiate programs will also become eligible for regional and national teams such as All-American teams.
Roberts Wesleyan decided to pursue NCAA Division II membership in 2011, in an effort to advance athletics to a higher level of competition. Earning full membership to NCAA Division II is the result of a collaborative effort by many people over the last four years.
"On behalf of all our coaches and student-athletes, I am very excited to see our teams have the chance to compete at this level and play for championships in the ECC and NCAA," said Athletic Director
Mike Faro. "They have put in such hard work the last two years and now they can finally play for titles."
After participating in the East Coast Conference the last two academic years, the Redhawks have seen tremendous success with several programs finishing near the top of their sport's standings. This past year alone Women's Basketball, Men's Tennis, and Women's Tennis would have qualified for their respective ECC Championship tournament. Both the Men's and Women's Cross Country teams would have lifted the conference banner after winning the ECC Championship meet. The Women's Track & Field team also would have won the ECC's Indoor and Outdoor titles.
In 2012-13, Volleyball, Men's Soccer, Women's Basketball, Women's Tennis, and Men's Tennis would have all earned a spot in their conference tournaments.
Over the last two years competing in the ECC, Roberts Wesleyan boasts four athletes earning ECC Rookie of the Year honors, a Preseason Player of the Year (Marissa Sell – Women's Basketball), and one three-time men's Runner of the Year (Enock Bor – Men's Cross Country, Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field).
Additionally, Roberts Wesleyan becomes the only Division II institution in the Rochester region.
"This is a time of growth and hope at the College, and we are thrilled to be the only school representing Division II in the region," said Dr. Deana L Porterfield, Roberts Wesleyan College President. "We look forward to continuing to develop athletics into a highly competitive Division II program that is successful in transforming the lives of our student-athletes, providing them with a positive Christian educational experience, and helping them graduate with a high-quality degree."
Back on July 11, the NCAA's Membership Committee had approved Roberts Wesleyan along with seven other institutions across the country to become active members. The nod from the Management Council is the last hurdle the College had to go through to advance to active membership. Â
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