Presentation to seek NCAA Division III independent status
ST. PAUL – Presentation College (S.D.) has formally announced its intention to become an independent member of the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III, beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year. The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Council of Presidents was informed of this decision on Wednesday, which would conclude Presentation’s membership as part of the UMAC following the 2011-2012 academic year.
“Becoming an independent NCAA Division III member will allow us increased flexibility in growing Saints Athletics. We are confident this shift will be best for our students,” stated Dr. Margaret Huber, President of Presentation College.
Bob Schuchardt, Presentation Vice President for Student Services and Interim Athletics Director, added “We feel this decision benefits both Presentation College and the UMAC. All of the UMAC member schools continue to be very supportive of our students.”
Located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Presentation College joined the UMAC in 2002 and was part of the league’s transition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to NCAA Division III. During their time in the UMAC, the Saints have claimed regular season conference championships in women’s basketball and men’s soccer, while also winning the men’s basketball post-season tournament title in 2003.
“We recognize this was certainly a difficult decision for Presentation College. The UMAC is grateful for Presentation’s contributions to the conference during its decade of being part of the league,” said UMAC Commissioner Corey Borchardt.
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The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference is comprised of eight full and five associate members located throughout the midwest. Originally formed in 1972 as the Twin Rivers Conference, the league was renamed in 1983. The UMAC is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. The conference provides its member institutions the opportunity to be recognized in the areas of academic excellence and athletic competitiveness. The UMAC awards conference championships in 17 sports.
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