(August 23, 2014)

Centenary completes shift to Division III

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College of Louisiana has achieved full membership status in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)'s Division III. The milestone takes effect September 1st for sixteen sports at the college.

"We are proud of our continued focus on an integrated and comprehensive student experience as the newest NCAA Division III member," said Centenary President David Rowe. "Division III membership represents the achievement of a strategic objective of our Board of Trustees from 2009 to align competitive athletics with other intentional developmental, co-curricular opportunities for our students."

Full Division III membership opens new opportunities for richly-deserved national recognition for Centenary student-athletes. Centenary teams and individual athletes begin their 2014-2015 seasons in competition for Division III national titles and awards, and the College is eligible to host regional and national tournaments in its athletic facilities.

"I am delighted to welcome Centenary to active membership in Division III," said Dan Dutcher, Vice President for NCAA Division III. "The Division III model provides student-athletes with a unique opportunity to grow and succeed in the classroom, on the playing field, and on campus and in the surrounding community. Centenary's decision to join Division III reflects a remarkable understanding of and commitment to that vision."

Centenary completed the four-year reclassification process to join 439 other institutions in NCAA Division III. The college begins its third season as members of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) this fall, facing conference competition with other elite liberal arts colleges such as Trinity University and Colorado College

"Achieving Division III membership happens at a great time as we invest in the overall student experience at Centenary," said Ronda Seagraves, Director of Athletics and Wellness at Centenary. "This summer, we were able to resurface the floor in the Gold Dome and upgrade surfaces at the tennis courts and softball facility. These improvements help Centenary help our student-athletes succeed in competition even as they benefit from the rigorous education Centenary offers."

The Maroon and White take to the field for the first time as full NCAA Division III members on August 29th when the men's and women's soccer programs take to the pitch at LeTourneau University and the volleyball team participates in the Austin College Invitational. Centenary's first home contest of the 2014-15 season is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 2nd as women's soccer faces Wiley College. Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m. at Mayo Field.

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