NCAA Release


IRVINE, Calif. – Two PacWest schools advanced in the NCAA Division II Membership process, announced by the NCAA Membership Committee on Friday. Concordia University Irvine became an active NCAA Division II member, making the Eagles eligible for NCAA Championship competition in 2017-18. Biola University advanced to its second provisional year and becomes an official member of the PacWest Conference.
 
“Congratulations to Concordia and Biola for achieving these exciting milestones in their Division II journeys. Today is a testament to the hard work and dedication of their student-athletes, administrations and faculties,” said PacWest Commissioner Bob Hogue. “The PacWest continues to solidify its presence in Division II and the West Region with the growth of these strong athletic departments.”
 
Concordia successfully completed its NCAA membership process in three years and maintains the PacWest’s level of eligible schools at 13. The PacWest has had a school join the Division II ranks in each of the last five years. The Division II membership reached 308 schools with the acceptance of five schools on Friday – Concordia, Cal State San Marcos (CCAA), Concordia University Portland (GNAC), Embry Riddle (SSC), Oklahoma Baptist (GAC).
 
Biola will play its first Division II schedule in 2017-18, and is eligible for PacWest Championships. The Eagles will not become eligible for NCAA Championship competition until 2019-20, if they complete the remainder of the membership process. Biola will compete in National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) postseason for the next two years.