By: Matt Goehner Photo by: Staff
Rumors have recently spread about Milligan’s potential move from the NAIA to the NCAA, but they have been denied.
“Milligan is always trying to take the next step to better the institution in any way possible,” said Mark Fox, vice president for student development, who oversees the athletic department. “At this time there is no truth to the rumor about Milligan exploring the option of moving to the NCAA.”
Milligan would have to meet certain qualifications to join the NCAA. Those include: hiring for positions that don’t exist now, paying a $33,000 application fee and undergoing a two- to three-year evaluation period to see if the college fits NCAA requirements.
Coaches would also see a strong increase in rules compared to the NAIA, and the recruiting rules would be much stricter. Milligan would also have to receive more and larger sponsorships from companies.
Competition, a better-known brand name and the potential to bring in more money to Milligan athletics are reasons why students want the move. It would also attract more recruiting.
Nathan Meeuwenberg, a junior cross country runner, is interested in the idea.
“I think the move to the NCAA would be a great move,” he said. “It would offer better competition and force Milligan to upgrade its athletic facilities.”
But Joel Martin, a junior soccer player, doesn’t agree.
“I would rather stay in the NAIA than move to the NCAA because the competition is better in soccer in the NAIA than NCAA Division II.”
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