SNU Approved For NCAA Division II Membership Process

News9.com

BETHANY, Oklahoma -- After competing in the NAIA for nearly 50 years, Southern Nazarene University has been accepted into the NCAA Division II membership process, the school announced Monday.

The Crimson Storm will now immediately enter the first year of candidacy for the 2011-2012 season, while still competing in the NAIA. If enough votes are garnered by the NCAA after the first season, SNU will enter the second year of candidacy and will no longer compete in the NAIA or the Sooner Athletic Conference. However, they will be eligible to play a full NCAA and a Greater Athletic Conference schedule.

If Southern Nazarene advances to the third year of candidacy, the 2013-2014 academic year, it will serve as a provisional member of the NCAA Division II, but will not be eligible for postseason play.

SNU began competing athletics in 1964 as a one-sport school, competing in basketball, before expanding to 18 currently. In its 47 years of competition, the Crimson Storm has claimed 12 team national championships, including seven in women's basketball.