DETROIT, Oct. 26, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marygrove College, a fourth year National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) institution, was recently named an official member of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC). The conference welcomes Marygrove as the 11th member and only school in the City of Detroit to be part of one of the NAIA's most prominent conferences.
The announcement was made official after a unanimous vote by the WHAC's Council of Presidents. With the announcement, Marygrove will join the conference beginning Fall 2012 and will compete in 13 conference-sponsored sports.
While known as an athletics transition, academics played a vital role in Marygrove's decision to apply to the WHAC. With a commitment to urban leadership and academic excellence, Marygrove College is pleased to be a member of a conference that is home to many fine institutions throughout the Great Lakes region. The student-focused approach is echoed by Marygrove College's President, Dr. David J. Fike.
"Marygrove's acceptance into the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference is an important milestone for our growing athletics program," said Fike. "It is a testament to the dedication, determination and impact of embracing the tenants of the NAIA's Champions of Character program by our student-athletes and coaches. Membership in the WHAC will provide new opportunities for our student-athletes and is an additional source of pride for the entire Marygrove College community. We are very excited and look forward to continued success."
Dave Sichterman, Marygrove College's Director of Athletics, Wellness and Recreation, is pleased to see the program's admission into the WHAC.
"Joining the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference has always been a part of our vision as we've grown athletics on our campus," said Sichterman. "We are honored to become a member of one of the NAIA's premier conferences. This move provides so many positives for Marygrove in terms of recruiting and scheduling. We're looking forward to competing for conference championships with the other great members of the WHAC."
WHAC membership comes at an important time in Marygrove's athletics history. In 2000, the College added men's and women's basketball as the first sports on its intercollegiate slate. In 2009, Sichterman led an expansion in athletics at the institution that welcomed seven sports to the campus on Detroit's northwest side. Now in its 11th year, the athletics program will soon sponsor 14 sports and boasts a national championship in women's soccer.
By joining the WHAC, Marygrove will now compete regularly against fellow members: Aquinas College, Concordia University-Ann Arbor, Cornerstone University, Davenport University, Indiana Institute of Technology, Lawrence Technological University, Lourdes University, Madonna University, Siena Heights University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, and University of Northwestern Ohio.
The WHAC will also offer Marygrove student-athletes the ability to achieve conference accolades, to compete in conference championships, and allow for increased national championship opportunities.
Despite its new membership, Marygrove will continue to compete in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). The dual-affiliation will provide Marygrove student-athletes a unique experience that is currently unparalleled by institutions in the immediate area.
Please visit www.marygrovemustangs.com or contact Tim Johnston, Sports Information Director, at 313-927-1419 for more information on athletics at Marygrove College.
ABOUT MARYGROVE COLLEGE
Founded by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) in 1905, Marygrove College is an independent liberal arts college and a Catholic institution of higher learning committed to developing leaders for the new global society. The main campus is situated on 53 wooded acres in northwest Detroit.
8425 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit, MI 48221
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