FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2012
Courtesy of Adelphi Athletics Communications
GARDEN CITY, N.Y. - Adelphi University Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Robert E. Hartwell (pictured) announced today that the Adelphi University men's soccer team will reclassify its program and begin the 2013-14 academic year as a full member of the Division II Northeast-10 Conference, with hopes of being immediately eligible to compete in post-season competition, including the Division II NCAA National Championships. The Panthers received approval for reclassification from the NCAA on August 3, 2012.
Today's announcement represents the university's commitment to its student-athletes and having all of its highly regarded athletic programs compete at the NCAA Division II level. Since 1976, the men's soccer program has competed at the Division I level in various conferences, most recently has been an independent. For the Fall of 2012, the Panthers will continue to participate as an independent at the Division I level, moving to Division II for the 2013 season.
Typically, when a NCAA member institution such as Adelphi University wishes to reclassify a single sport from Division I to Division II, the program must complete a two-year reclassification period. During that period, institutions are prohibited from competing in NCAA post-season championships. However, Adelphi is pursuing an NCAA waiver to the two-year probationary period and anticipates a decision from the NCAA in the spring of 2013.
"We made this decision after carefully considering the best interest of our student-athletes and the University. Having all our teams competing on a Division II platform is completely in line with our University mission of emphasizing the importance of an education and a well-rounded collegiate experience," explained Hartwell. "We are enthusiastic about playing a full Division II schedule, as part of the prestigious Northeast-10 Conference beginning in the fall of 2013."
Adelphi's men's soccer program has a strong history of success at the Division II level, competing as a Division II member after its inception in 1954 and through the 1975 season. Beginning with the 2013-14 academic year, the men's soccer program will join the Northeast-10 Conference with a full 15-game league schedule. The NE-10 has long been recognized as one of the premier Division II conferences in the country, as evidence by its success at the national level.
