Portland’s only DII athletic program enhances competition, opportunities for student-athletes
PORTLAND, Ore. – July 14, 2017 – Concordia University in Portland has been approved for full National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II membership, the final step of a three-year process. As the university has expanded, so have its student athletics programs and facilities.
“Concordia University is proud to be a full member of the NCAA Division II,” said Concordia President Charles Schlimpert. “The dedication of our athletic staff, coaches, and student-athletes is evident both on and off the field as they embody servant leadership and a desire to make the world a better place.”
Beginning this 2017-18 academic year, the 15 Cavalier teams are now eligible for NCAA post-season competition. The Cavaliers will be able to earn automatic or at-large bids into NCAA Division II tournaments and meets.
During the past two years, Concordia participated in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) post-season tournament with impressive results. In 2015-16, three Concordia teams – women’s soccer, men’s golf, and softball – finished as runners-up in their conference debuts. This past academic year, men’s golf finished in second place while men’s basketball advanced to the quarterfinals and men’s outdoor track and field placed third.
Concordia University Interim Athletic Director Lauren Eads said the successful move to NCAA Division II status required the participation of the entire Concordia community.
“The achievement of full NCAA Division II membership is shared across campus,” noted Eads. “The entire Concordia community has embraced the transition and participated fully in the membership process. Special recognition should be paid to our coaches and student-athletes for their sacrifices and dedication to the goal of becoming NCAA Division II members. This is not just a culmination of three years of hard work, but the start of a new era in Cavalier history. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to build upon the foundation of success established by our Cavalier alumni as we embark on this new journey.”
Since 1995, Concordia’s athletic teams have won more than 60 conference championships with at least one national title from each of the 15 sports. The Cavs were approved for membership in the GNAC in fall of 2013. Prior to NCAA DII, the Cavaliers competed in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ (NAIA) Cascade Collegiate Athletic Conference. Their last year in the NAIA was the 2014-15 season.
The university’s recently expanded facilities include a new Hilken Community Stadium, gymnasium enhancements, and weight room renovations.
This past year, Concordia won the GNAC’s 2016-17 Academic All-Sports Championship, meaning that the Cavaliers compiled the highest total number of points (180) in the annual survey of cumulative grade point averages for each school in the GNAC program. In addition, 45 Concordia student-athletes received All-GNAC honors, and 76 were named to the GNAC All-Academic Team.
“Being a Cavalier means not only striving for sustained excellence in competition, but also dedicating oneself to rigorous study in the classroom,” said Eads. “I know I join the entire Concordia community in expressing how proud we are of both the athletic and academic achievements of our student-athletes.”
ABOUT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY
Concordia University in Portland is Oregon’s largest private, nonprofit university. Located in northeast Portland, Concordia is a Lutheran, liberal arts university with the mission of preparing leaders for the transformation of society. Founded in 1905, Concordia serves approximately 5,000 students on its campuses and online, through its College of Education, College of Health & Human Services, College of Arts & Sciences, School of Management, and Concordia University School of Law in Boise, Idaho. For more about Concordia University, visit www.cu-portland.edu and www.concordialaw.com.