National Collegiate Athletic Association
NCAA News Archive - 2010
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American Southwest to add Centenary (Louisiana)
Apr 13, 2010 9:31:53 AM The NCAA News
The American Southwest Conference announced Monday that Centenary (Louisiana) has accepted its invitation of membership to the NCAA Division III conference. Centenary, currently competing as a Division I institution in The Summit League, announced in July 2009 that it would seek reclassification as a Division III member. The school plans to submit its application to the Division III Membership Committee in May. The start date for membership in the American Southwest Conference will be determined after Centenary's selection into the Division III membership education program. American Southwest Conference Commissioner Amy Carlton said the league is pleased to support Centenary's transition Division III. "Centenary College brings to the ASC a strong academic profile and a commitment to athletics as part of the student's overall collegiate experience – both cornerstones in Division III and the American Southwest Conference," she said. With the addition of Centenary, the ASC will return to a 16-member level for the first time since 2006-07. "This is great day for Centenary and the ASC," said Centenary President David Rowe. "We are thrilled to join this conference and look forward to the new rivalries and increased spirit that it will bring to all of our schools." Centenary fields teams in 13 ASC championship sports, including baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's tennis, and women's volleyball. Additionally, Centenary competes in women's gymnastics, and men's and women's swimming and diving. "The addition of Centenary will strengthen the competitive profile of the ASC championship sports," Carlton said. "In the broader picture, Centenary's Division III membership benefits not only the ASC, but Division III institutions and conferences across the south and southwest." Founded May 23, 1996, with eight members, the American Southwest Conference has members in four southern states – Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Current members are:
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