DETROIT, April 27, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Marygrove College Mustang Athletic Program has been admitted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the oldest national athletic association with nearly 300 member institutions from the U.S. and Canada, effective with the fall 2007 semester.
The Mustang Athletic Program, comprising men's and women's basketball, has been with the 60-member United States Collegiate Athletic Association since the inception of its intercollegiate athletic program in 2002. The new affiliation with the NAIA will grant the Mustangs greater exposure nationally and align Marygrove Athletics with other in-state collegiate athletic programs such as Madonna University, Siena Heights and the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
"Having the NAIA brand behind our Mustang teams will greatly impact our program's recruiting, game scheduling and the exposure our institution will receive," said Dave Sichterman, Marygrove's Director of Athletics, Wellness & Recreation.
The Mustang Athletic Program will integrate the NAIA's "Champions of Character" initiative, designed to change the culture of sport by emphasizing five core values -- Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Servant Leadership and Sportsmanship -- that aid in character and leadership development among student-athletes.
"Marygrove College shares the Association's commitment to high standards and to the principle that participation in athletics serves as an integral part of the total education process. The NAIA looks forward to the renewed partnership and is dedicated to provide services and memorable championship experiences for NAIA institutions and student-athletes," said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr.
"Marygrove College is thrilled to join the NAIA. We are well aware of the association's commitment to all aspects of student athletes' development -- academic, leadership, character and athleticism -- and we know that the Marygrove students will benefit from and contribute to the high quality environment surrounding the NAIA," said Marygrove College President Dr. David J. Fike.
As an NAIA member, Marygrove must first complete a year under provisional status. The Mustangs plan to maintain their USCAA membership for the time being. The next step for the Mustang Athletic Program will be to research possible conference affiliations, such as the NAIA's Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference, which consists of seven in-state schools.
Marygrove College is a private liberal arts college located at 8425 W. McNichols Rd. in Detroit. More than 1,200 students attend classes in its undergraduate and graduate programs in education, business, human resource management, social justice, social work, science, theater, music, dance, the fine arts and many others. Nearly 3,000 students are enrolled in its online and distance learning Master in the Art of Teaching program as well as more than 5,000 in its non-credit programs. Call 866-313-1927 or visit www.marygrove.edu.
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