South Dakota State approved for early Division I status in wrestling and volleyball

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Ronald Lenz (South Dakota State Sports Information)
09/16/2004


BROOKINGS, S.D. - Two sports at South Dakota State University have been granted fast-track authority to compete in NCAA postseason competition at the Division I level.    The NCAA Membership Subcommittee on Friday approved SDSU's request to fully reclassify its women's volleyball and men's wrestling programs to Division I status beginning in the 2006-07 academic year. SDSU is currently in the second year of a five-year process of reclassifying   from NCAA Division II to Division I. All other Jackrabbit teams will become eligible for NCAA postseason competition in the 2008-09 school year.    SDSU received notification from the NCAA on Aug. 12 that institutions reclassifying their entire athletic programs to Division I could have the option of selecting one male and one female sport other than football or basketball for fast-track reclassification. SDSU officials then completed the necessary paperwork and included the proposal in its strategic plan prior to the Sept. 1 deadline.