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Mississippi College Clears Another Hurdle in NCAA Division II Transition


To keep up with the Mississippi College Choctaws, visit http://www.gochoctaws.com/

Mississippi College received approval to continue steps toward a full return to NCAA Division II status.

On Friday, the NCTTA Membership Committee gave their OK for Mississippi College to go to its second year candidacy period.

The panel reviewed lengthy university reports on financial aid, student-athlete eligibility, academic progress, graduation rates, governance and other topics during the school’s first-year candidacy period. NCAA officials also examined a report on the Christian university’s overall health.

Their recommendation heads to the NCAA Management Committee for a vote July 22.

“This is a great day for MC athletics,” said Athletic Director Mike Jones. “This is a true testament of the quality of the people we have working at this fine institution.”

Jones and Assistant Athletic Director Susan Musselwhite handled the bulk of the work as the studies were compiled. Coaches and administrators supplied detailed notes and records to go with the package of paperwork going to the NCAA.

President Lee Royce was delighted to learn of the university’s progress to return to NCAA Division II and the Gulf South Conference.

“It’s a big step forward as MC advances to the 2nd year candidacy period that brings us closer to NCAA Division II and the Gulf South Conference,” Dr. Royce said. “The entire MC family is excited as we compete in the GSC starting this fall. We believe the conference’s future looks bright and we are happy to be part of it.”

Mississippi College will compete in the Gulf South Conference starting this fall in such sports as soccer, cross country, and football. The first GSC football contest at Robinson-Hale Stadium will see the Choctaws face No. 7-ranked University of North Alabama on September 13. Later on, MC basketball, track, volleyball, baseball, golf, softball and tennis teams, among others, will face GSC teams.

Mississippi College was a member of the Birmingham-based Gulf South Conference from 1972 through 1996. MC athletic teams competed in NCAA Division III and the American Southwest Conference from 1997 through 2014. The ASC is headquartered in Texas.

Playing GSC schools in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Florida will greatly reduce travel time for MC student-athletes. In addition, Mississippi College is permitted to offer athletic scholarships in NCAA Division II.