Grand Canyon University Athletics
August 1 Marks Official NCAA Start of GCU’s Division I Journey
8/1/2013 2:03:00 PM | General
Throughout the summer of 2013, Grand Canyon University acknowledged three "first of the month" benchmarks. June 1 was the due date for GCU's NCAA Division I application for reclassification. July 1 was the date marking GCU's entry into the Western Athletic Conference. Finally, Aug. 1 now marks the official launch date for GCU's compliance with NCAA Division I rules and regulations as part of the four-year Division II to Division I reclassification journey.
On July 18, GCU President Brian Mueller received notification from the NCAA Division I Administration Cabinet acknowledging the review and acceptance of their application and strategic plan document for reclassification to Division I status. In addition, GCU administrative representatives participated in a membership reclassification orientation with NCAA and WAC representatives on Tuesday, July 30.
GCU just completed a run that saw them win the Learfield Sports Directors Cup in back-to-back years (2011-12 and 2012-13) as the top performing school in Division II.
The next steps the Antelopes will take will be on the athletic fields as the fall sports season gets underway this month. Grand Canyon's first collegiate contest as a Division I institution is a women's soccer matchup vs. St. Mary's College (CA) on Aug. 23 in Moraga, Calif. The women's volleyball squad will open home play with contests on Sept. 18 with Arizona Christian and Louisiana Monroe on Sept. 19.
GCU has released scheduling information for all its fall sports programs and can be viewed at www.GCULopes.com.
