CLAREMORE, Okla. - A task force assembled to review Rogers State University's national athletic affiliation has unanimously recommended that the school consider making application for membership to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
 

The 21-member task force comprised of RSU students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members, spent a month researching the institution's potential options and determined NCAA Division II as the best fit for the future of both the university and its athletic programs.
 

"We appreciate the many hours of research and analysis put in by this task force," said RSU President Dr. Larry Rice. "Our board of regents will review this recommendation carefully before making a determination as to the next step for the university in this process."
 

After a thorough review of NCAA Division II, the task force cited numerous membership advantages in comparison with its current affiliation, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Benefits of NCAA membership include:  increased academic and recruiting standards for coaches and student-athletes, attaching the university to the NCAA's global brand and image, the opportunity to increase ties with other state regional institutions, monetary savings through membership dues, revenue sharing and full reimbursement for all postseason games, and the overall stability of the NCAA as a governing body.
 

"With the overwhelming growth of RSU and its athletics programs over the last few years we felt it was imperative that we take this opportunity to evaluate our athletics affiliation both for the present and the future," said RSU Athletics Director Wren Baker. "We greatly appreciate our time and affiliation with the Sooner Athletic Conference and the NAIA. However, after months of discussion and careful examination, we believe that it's in our best interest to pursue a relationship with the NCAA in order to ensure that our programs continue to grow and flourish for many years to come."
 

The task force's recommendation suggested the university consider making application for NCAA Division II membership as early as December 2010. Should the university move forward with that timeline, the NCAA would review and evaluate the institution's candidacy by June 2011. If accepted, RSU would begin a three-year candidacy process beginning in Fall 2011. The Hillcats would maintain competitive status as an NAIA member for both the 2010-11 and 2011-12 academic years before transitioning to NCAA full-time in 2012-2013.