Classification: The University of South Dakota announced October 2 that it will remain in Division II rather than reclassify to Division I. The decision was different from that of two fellow members of the North Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference -- North Dakota State University and the University of Northern Colorado, both of which earlier announced plans to pursue Division I membership. South Dakota State University also is reported to be studying the feasibility of a move to Division I status. According to acting South Dakota President Donald C. Dahlin, the university concluded that the students' and university's best interests are served by maintaining Division II membership. Dahlin said the university currently is competitive at the Division II level, having won many conference and national titles and awards over the years. He said a move to Division I would force South Dakota's athletics teams to compete against schools with larger budgets and established programs, possibly sacrificing its competitive edge for many years to come.

Sports sponsorship: Florida Institute of Technology announced the addition of women's soccer, men's and women's tennis, and men's and women's golf for 2003.

Milestones: Zaundra Bina, women's volleyball coach at North Dakota State University, received a memorable birthday present September 7 when her team defeated the University of Alabama, Huntsville, for her 200th win as coach of the Bison. With the win, Bina's record at North Dakota State stood at 200-49. She has guided her team to seven consecutive NCAA playoff appearances, three North Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles and a pair of trips to the round of eight in the NCAA championship. Her overall record, which includes five years at Augustana College (South Dakota) was 333-103 through September 9 ... Todd Dyer, women's soccer coach at Longwood University, won his 100th career match at Longwood September 7 with a 6-0 victory over Mount Olive College. After the victory, Dyers' record stood at 100-43-6 in his ninth year as coach. Dyer also coaches the Longwood men's soccer team.

Miscellaneous: The California Collegiate Athletic Association will conduct the 2003 conference track and field championships in conjunction with the Coca-Cola Modesto Relays Track and Field Festival on May 8-9. The CCAA Executive Council approved a one-year agreement with the Modesto Relays, which has been a fixture in American track and field since 1942 and annually attracts some of the world's top athletes. "The Relays is a prestigious event that has featured world-class athletes throughout its history," CCAA Commissioner Robert J. Hiegert said. "The opportunity to showcase our athletes by opening the Relays will make our championship event even better" ... Bentley College's Barbara Stevens, one of six women's basketball coaches with at least 600 career wins, has been selected as part of the inaugural class for the New England Basketball Hall of Fame ... Bowie State University offensive coordinator Otis Covington knows just what to do when backed up on his own 1-yard line: Throw a 99-yard pass. He was a wide receiver at Morgan State University in 1995 when he caught a 99-yard pass, a feat that had been accomplished only nine times previously in Division I. On September 21, he was offensive coordinator as Bulldogs quarterback Maurice Hill, from his own 1-yard line, hit receiver James Johnson at the 50. Johnson sprinted the rest of the way for a 99-yard touchdown -- the 23th such play in Division II history.

-- Compiled by David Pickle