Millersville, Pa. - In order to provide a better student-athlete experience, Millersville University of Pennsylvania announced today that it is reclassifying the wrestling program from Division l to Division II.  Wrestling was the only sport of the 22 at Millersville that competed in Division I – all other sports are members of the NCAA Division II.

“This reclassification will align the wrestling program with our major objectives in athletics: athletic achievement, the overall student-athlete experience and academic excellence,” explained Peg Kauffman, director of athletics at Millersville.

The NCAA Division I East Regional, which Millersville belonged to, recently disbanded when several of the teams left the region. As a result, Millersville needed to find a league in which to compete. By reclassifying to Division II, Millersville becomes the sixth institution sponsoring Division II wrestling program in the PSAC, the critical sponsorship level needed to form a Division II-only league.

"There is no doubt that this is a significant change for the Marauder wrestling program and for the future of Division II wrestling in the PSAC. I believe it is a positive move,” said PSAC Commissioner Steve Murray. “With six Division II wrestling programs, it allows the PSAC to look at scheduling and championship options that we otherwise have not been able to do. In these tough economic times, I'm pleased the University looked at this option for the program rather than doing what so many institutions have done around the country - dropped the sport.  I see it as a further commitment of Millersville to preserve the ideals of Division II with broad-based programming and opportunities for student-athletes."

“Moving to Division II will provide an enriching student-athlete experience,” said Kauffman.  “Our resources--scholarships, staffing and travel dollars, do not compare to the Division I schools. We are much more aligned with Division II wrestling programs, such as Shippensburg, East Stroudsburg, Kutztown, Gannon and Mercyhurst.”

“When we heard about the changes in our league, we looked at our options and what would work best for our students and provide them with the best student-athlete experience,” said Dr. Aminta Hawkins Breaux, vice president of student affairs. “To provide a rich environment for our students and allow them to be more competitive–we determined that moving wrestling to Division II is the right decision.”

The reclassification affects 29 wrestlers. Any student currently receiving a wrestling scholarship will continue to receive the money under the Division II program.  Wrestling will compete at the Division I level for the 2011-12 school year.  The University is working with the NCAA and PSAC on reclassifying wrestling to Division II for the 2012-13 school year.

To compete for an NCAA Division II Championship, the NCAA requires a two-year waiting period, however, they may waive that requirement should Millersville meet three stipulations: the number of scholarships given must not exceed Division II levels; certification of students as amateurs at the Division II level; exhibiting a Division II schedule.

Millersville has wrestled as a Division I program since 1985, and prior to that, it competed in Division III. At Division I Millersville produced one All-American (1991) but had six NCAA Division III champions from 1976-80. In the current PSAC Championships format, no team other than Edinboro, Lock Haven, Clarion or Bloomsburg (all Division I programs) have won a team championship since 1975. The best finish by a Division II team in the last decade was fifth.

Reclassification Question & Answer

1. Why was wrestling reclassified?

• Millersville reclassified the program in order to provide a better student-athlete experience, increase competitive opportunities and keep in line with major objectives in athletics, which includes athletic achievement.

• With the dissolution of the NCAA East Regional, the Millersville wrestling program must find a new conference in which to compete.

2. How many student-athletes will be affected by the reclassification?

• The reclassification affects 29 wrestlers on the 2011-12 roster. Each wrestler eligible for competition can compete in Division I in the 2011-12 season.

3. Will Millersville honor athletic scholarships to the wrestling team?

• Yes. The NCAA requires a program be at or under the Division II scholarship limits. Millersville does not need to cut scholarships to be at the Division II limits. Therefore, student-athletes currently receiving scholarships will continue to receive aid.

4. When will the reclassification take effect?

• Millersville will compete in Division I during the 2011-12 season and is working with the NCAA and the PSAC to begin competing in Division II for the 2012-13 season.

5. Can student-athletes transfer to other institutions?

• Yes. Millersville hopes the student-athletes will continue to compete at Millersville, however, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will assist athletes who choose to transfer to another institution. Millersville will take all possible measures to ensure a smooth transition for the students and their families.

6. Will other sports be reclassified?

• Any other announcements will be made after looking at all athletic programs during these difficult budget times.  The University continues to look at greater efficiencies across the campus, and that includes the athletic programs.