New total of 1,292 members tops previous record by nine

NCAA membership totals rose slightly from last year as a record sum of 1,292 institutions, conferences, provisional members and affiliated members were listed on Association rolls as of September 1. The 2003-04 total is nine more than last year. Active membership also reached an all-time high of 1,028 members, up four from 2002-03

By division, active membership stayed generally the same. The Division I total of 326 institutions is static from last year, though there was some subdivision movement as Division I-AA gained two institutions from I-AAA. The Division II total of 281 is up three institutions from 2002-03, while Division III increased from 420 schools to 421.

Five provisional members are scheduled to become active members during 2004-05, including two institutions in Division II and three institutions in Division III.

Among other current provisonal members, one is scheduled to become an active member in 2006-07, five in 2007-08, 10 in 2008-09 and one in 2009-10.

Seven institutions have begun exploratory years in Division II, and one of those institutions also is exploring membership in Division III.

There are no institutions reclassifying their entire athletics programs this year, and only two are reclassifying one sport this year.

STAFF CONTACT: Tammy Smith (tsmith@ncaa.org)

DIVISION III

Committee seeks enhancements of championships experience

A wide-ranging discussion of ways to improve the championships experience for student-athletes topped the Division III Championships Committee's agenda September 20-22 in Indianapolis.

The discussion resulted in a commitment to explore ways to enhance each of the 27 Division III championships.

The committee agreed to develop a list of possible enhancements, including cost estimates, for review by the Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and by Division III sports comittees.

Examples of enhancements include hosting such events as awards ceremonies with keynote speakers and creating amenities such as hospitality rooms and student-athlete lounges, among other things.

The committee ultimately expects to recommend specific actions to Division III governance groups for formal approval, and hopes to begin implementing enhancements in the next two years.

STAFF CONTACT: John Williams (jwilliams@ncaa.org)

HALL OF CHAMPIONS

Indianapolis events pay tribute to Tennessee State Tigerbelles

The NCAA Hall of Champions honored one of the most decorated women's collegiate track and field programs when it hosted former members of the Tennessee State University Tigerbelles track team at events scheduled during Circle City Classic week in Indianapolis.

The Hall of Champions hosted a reception September 30 and a public autograph session October 1, and team members rode with coach Edward Temple on a float during the Circle City Classic Parade October 2.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the Tigerbelles established themselves as one of the most dominant track and field programs in the history of the sport, earning numerous Olympic medals, trophies and honors. Thirty-five team members represented the United States in the Olympic Games, including the late Wilma Rudolph, who was the first woman to win three gold medals in one Olympiad (1960).

A Hall of Champions exhibit featuring Olympic and Tigerbelle memorabilia continues through October 16.

STAFF CONTACT: George Smith (gsmith@ncaa.org)

NCAA MEMBERSHIP GROWTH