Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/19/09
Penn State Abington will begin competing in the Division III North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) in both men’s and women’s lacrosse in the spring of 2010.
The college was extended a formal membership to compete at the Division III level last week to PS Abington chancellor Karen Wiley Sandler.
The NCAA’s offer culminates a four-year process in which Penn State Abington grew from a program with seven sports to a varsity program with 13 sports.
In 2009 Penn State had teams play men’s and women’s lacrosse for the first time. The men’s team went 1-12 and the women went 2-9; each played independent schedules.
“This is an important step in our efforts to provide a strong athletic experience and enhanced opportunities for our students here at Penn State Abington.” said Sandler. “We’re right where we want to be in our long term planning and on schedule to achieve full NCAA Division III within a few short years.”
Penn State Abington will undergo a provisional membership process of up to four years before it becomes eligible for NCAA championship play. However, the college intends to extend its post-season opportunities through participation in the NEAC conference championships as well as the ECAC Championships, available to teams in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the country.
“Our coaching staff and student athletes are very excited about this news,” said Penn State Abington Director of Athletics Karen Weaver, who has overseen the growth. “NCAA membership further positions the college as a great choice academically, athletically and financially in these difficult times.
“With 13 sports to choose from, we believe we can be an alternative for those who want a Penn State education but may not want to compete in Division I.”
