Oklahoma Christian, Rogers State Announce Move To NCAA DII

Rogers State University and Oklahoma Christian University announced major athletics moves on Friday. Both institutions have been accepted into the NCAA Division II membership program. The three-year program will transition both schools' athletics programs into the Heartland Conference at the Division II level.

RSU President Dr. Larry Rice called the announcement a major milestone for the university.

"The move allows RSU to better serve both our student-athletes and the university, while also increasing the national exposure for both the university and the communities we serve."

Oklahoma Christian President John deSteiguer said he is also looking forward to the move.

"We look forward to developing positive relationships with new competitors as we strive to earn full NCAA membership."

OC Athletic Director Curtis Janz echoed deSteiguer's views.

"Oklahoma Christian is proud and excited to be associated with an organization like the NCAA that stands for excellence, competitive equality and diversity. We see this as a new beginning and a chance to establish new, great athletic traditions."

The NCAA is the most recognized brand in college sports, administering 88 championships in 23 sports for its member institutions. More than 40,600 men and women student-athletes annually compete in these championship events for national titles. Division II is home to 302 of the association's 1,079 members. Fifty-two percent of Division II members are public institutions. The division serves more than 93,700 student-athletes and host 25 national championship events each year.