Jafus (Thinker)
Well-Known Member
GAZETTE
Volume 66, No. 3
September 24, 2004
Langston Lions poised to join the NCAA
Langston University
Langston, OK 73050
By Kent Floyd
Langston University may soon join the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division II level. LU is currently a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
According to President Holloway, the move is set for fall of 2005.
"All paperwork needed for making the transition is in order and has been filed. Langston is curretly waiting on the approval letter, which should be received in the next couple of months," he said.
Moving to the NCAA will benefit all sports at the university, although most of the sports programs are ready up to par with Division II competition level. However, beloning to the NCAA means LU is more likely to get media coverage, and the attention of highly rated recruits and professional scouts. Also, the NCAA allows 36 football scholarships, while the NAIA only gives 24.
Just as important, joining the NCAA will also allow Langston to become a part of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), a powerhouse in Division II sports.
"Changing to the SIAC ill benefit the school as far as recognition," said Head Football Coach Greg Johnson. "The exposure will surely increase enrollment and the total atmosphere that is concenred with playing sports at a higher level,"
Many other HBCUs belong to the SIAC and students may be more likely to attend games against other historically balck colleges. Another distinct advantage includes being able to participate in nationally televised games called "Classics" that will bring in more revenue to the school.
Travel will be a major concern after making the move. The shortest trip will be 2 hours. The SIAC has eleven members from five different states, which include Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Colleges the Lions may line up agains next fall include: Albany State University, Benedict College, Clark-Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, Lemoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Paine College, and Tuskegee University. Along with Langston Univiersity, Lincoln University, and Central State University of Ohio will also be making the move to the SIAC.
SIAC athletes and teams are known for being very tough competitors and also for excelling on the national level. Langston University will be no exception. The conference has claimed over 50 cteam and individual national championships. The SIAC also has over 300 former and current professional football players.
LU has only one former player in the NFL, Matt Hatchette of the Jacksonville Jaguars. LU's move into the NCAA should change that, giving the Lions more exposure on a national arena.
Volume 66, No. 3
September 24, 2004
Langston Lions poised to join the NCAA
Langston University
Langston, OK 73050
By Kent Floyd
Langston University may soon join the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division II level. LU is currently a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
According to President Holloway, the move is set for fall of 2005.
"All paperwork needed for making the transition is in order and has been filed. Langston is curretly waiting on the approval letter, which should be received in the next couple of months," he said.
Moving to the NCAA will benefit all sports at the university, although most of the sports programs are ready up to par with Division II competition level. However, beloning to the NCAA means LU is more likely to get media coverage, and the attention of highly rated recruits and professional scouts. Also, the NCAA allows 36 football scholarships, while the NAIA only gives 24.
Just as important, joining the NCAA will also allow Langston to become a part of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), a powerhouse in Division II sports.
"Changing to the SIAC ill benefit the school as far as recognition," said Head Football Coach Greg Johnson. "The exposure will surely increase enrollment and the total atmosphere that is concenred with playing sports at a higher level,"
Many other HBCUs belong to the SIAC and students may be more likely to attend games against other historically balck colleges. Another distinct advantage includes being able to participate in nationally televised games called "Classics" that will bring in more revenue to the school.
Travel will be a major concern after making the move. The shortest trip will be 2 hours. The SIAC has eleven members from five different states, which include Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Colleges the Lions may line up agains next fall include: Albany State University, Benedict College, Clark-Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, Lemoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Paine College, and Tuskegee University. Along with Langston Univiersity, Lincoln University, and Central State University of Ohio will also be making the move to the SIAC.
SIAC athletes and teams are known for being very tough competitors and also for excelling on the national level. Langston University will be no exception. The conference has claimed over 50 cteam and individual national championships. The SIAC also has over 300 former and current professional football players.
LU has only one former player in the NFL, Matt Hatchette of the Jacksonville Jaguars. LU's move into the NCAA should change that, giving the Lions more exposure on a national arena.