ATLANTA – The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (S-I-A-C) and its Presidents Council voted unanimously to admit Central State University as a full member of the SIAC effective July 1, 2015, with competition to begin in all sports for the 2015-16 academic year.
SIAC Presidents Council Chairman and Miles College President Dr. George T. French commented, “Central State’s participation in the conference is exciting because it will not only add to the competitive spirit that already exists among conference members but will strengthen our conference as a leader within NCAA ranks”.
CSU became an associate member of the SIAC for football only in 2013 when it became a charter member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference in 2012, which did not sponsor football.
“We (SIAC) are very pleased to welcome Central State University as a full member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference,” said SIAC Commissioner Gregory Moore. “Central State is an outstanding academic institution with a rich athletic tradition. We look forward to working with President Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond and her staff as they make the transition to full membership.”
In 2015, CSU will be eligible for SIAC postseason tournaments, awards, as well as the conference’s automatic bid to compete in the NCAA postseason competition.
In addition to football, CSU, located in Wilberforce, Ohio, currently competes in NCAA Division II. Men’s sports include: basketball, cross country, tennis and track and field while also sponsoring women’s basketball, cross country, tennis and track and field, and volleyball. The Marauders hold 14 NAIA National championships and were NCAA Division II runner-up in football in 1983. CSU participates in every sport sponsored by the SIAC except men’s golf, baseball, and softball.
ADDITIONAL QUOTES
Central State University / President – Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond
“Joining the SIAC is a great opportunity for Central State University. The SIAC provides additional exposure for Central State and enhances the collegiate and academic experience. We look forward to the camaraderie and athletic competition with some of the best universities in the country.”
Central State University / Athletic Director – Jahan Culbreath
“Joining the SIAC is an investment into our program. It shows our commitment to enhancing our brand and broadening our fan base. We are excited to start this new era of Marauder sports as a part of the SIAC family.”
Courtesy: SIAC
