MOUNT VERNON, IOWA - The Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, in conjunction with Upper Iowa University announced today that Upper Iowa will reclassify to NCAA Division II as of September 1, 2003.    "Upper Iowa University has had a long-standing relationship with the Iowa Conference and we wish them the very best as they move their program to another level of competition," IIAC Commissioner John T. Cochrane said. "The departure of a Conference member is never an easy process; however, we certainly anticipate a continued relationship between our institutions through non-Conference competition in a number of sports."    As a result of the reclassification, Upper Iowa will remain a member of the Iowa Conference for the 2003-04 academic year but will not compete for Conference Championships.  Upper Iowa, a charter member of the Iowa Conference, will participate in the Conference regular season schedule in all sports but those contests will be counted as non-Conference competitions and will not have an impact in the determination of Conference Champions and post-season Tournament seeding.    Upper Iowa s decision to reclassify culminates its 82-year affiliation with the Iowa Conference and ultimately initiates a new Conference  alignment for the Peacocks.  The administration and Board of Trustees evaluated its current Conference and division affiliations over the past  five months and determined that NCAA Division II gives the University and its athletics teams the best possible opportunity for success and program growth.  Upper Iowa expects to make an announcement regarding its future Conference membership in October.    "While there is a deep sense of loss in leaving the Iowa Conference, the vision for the university can be met with this move both athletically and academically," Upper Iowa Athletics Committee Chair Mike Eischeid  said.  "We look forward to the future of Upper Iowa with great anticipation and believe that this move will enhance every phase of the academic mission of the university.    The University will serve a two-year provisional membership period during which time the institution will maintain a Division II profile.  At the conclusion of the two-year period, the Peacocks will be an active member of Division II.    "Today is a great day for Upper Iowa University and the athletics program. We reflect on our past with admiration for all the former Peacock athletes who have contributed so much to this university and the Iowa Conference institutions, but now we look to the future and the greatness that can come with a new commitment to the athletics program," Upper Iowa Athletics Director Gil Cloud said.    "We look forward to this opportunity to enhance our programs at Upper Iowa University.  Division II membership will support our ongoing efforts in athletics and will motivate us to achieve an even higher standard of performance in academics and athletics programs.  We are enthusiastic about this membership in D-II and the opportunities that it will provide," Upper Iowa President Dr. Suzanne James said.    Editor's note: Wrestling is one of the sports sponsored by Upper Iowa.