Cedarville University athletics moving to NCAA Division II

Cedarville University was formally accepted as a provisional NCAA Division II school in athletics this morning, July 10, and hopes to be a full member of the organization and division in 2012-13.

The school has been a member of the NAIA for nearly 60 years, but began a process in March that would allow it to change affiliations with the ultimate goal of establishing an Ohio-based athletics league.

Currently, there are five NCAA Division II schools in Ohio, including Ashland, Central State, Findlay, Lake Erie and Tiffin.

Urbana was approved for an NCAA Division II provisional membership on Thursday and Malone, Mount Vernon Nazarene, Notre Dame (Cleveland), Walsh and Ursuline (women only) were awaiting word on being accepted into the NCAA today along with Cedarville.

The process includes two provisional years and a compliance year before Cedarville can become a full NCAA Division II member in 2012.

There are about 300 schools in the NAIA and a similar number in NCAA Division II.

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