MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.-- Wednesday, September 1 the North Central University Athletics Department, along with the University Relations Department, held a press conference to officially announce its move to active NCAA Division III member status. The press conference was held in the The Chapel at NCU and was emceed by Vice President of University Relations and Enrollment Nate Ruch. Joining Ruch on stage were; Director of Athletics Jon High, former AD and current Faculty Athletic Representative Greg Hayton, NCU President Dr. Gordon Anderson, V.P. of Student Development Mike Nosser, along with current NCU athletes and Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Co-Directors Bethany Burkman (Women’s Soccer) and Jesse Richards (Men’s Cross Country).
Following Ruch’s welcoming High and Hayton spoke about NCU’s process to obtaining NCAA DIII membership and highlighted the numerous reasons why DIII is a good fit for NCU Athletics. Dr. Anderson spoke of being convinced and inspired after listening to the late, former NCAA President Myles Brand, speak on the mission of the NCAA DIII at a conference he and Hayton attended in the fall of 2006. The Athletics Department at NCU falls under the supervision of the Student Development Office and V.P. Nosser. He noted how vital the support and work of an Institutions President is in obtaining NCAA DIII membership and Nosser thanked Dr. Anderson for his efforts and vision.
FULL VIDEO
NCU Athletics Press Conference from North Central University on Vimeo.
Ruch asked a series of questions to Burkman and Richards, who are captains of their respective teams, and each took a turn answering the questions. They highlighted the increased exposure and pride that comes along with being affiliated with such a well known organization like the NCAA.
NCU is now the 20th school in the state of Minnesota to join the DIII ranks and September 1 marked the first official day of NCU Athletics being a NCAA DIII member. The Rams opened the DIII Era in style with both the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams running to victory that evening in the Bassett Creek Early Bird Invitational held in Crystal, Minn. The Rams defeated long time rivals and fellow DIII members Northwestern College (St. Paul, Minn.) and Crown College (St. Bonifacius, Minn.).
