St. Augustine’s University’s struggles have been well documented in recent years and Friday afternoon, the CIAA announced that SAU will be suspended from athletic competition for the remainder of this academic and athletic year.
“While it is disheartening to make a decision of this magnitude that impacts one of our member institutions, the decision was guided through a fair, deliberate, and thoughtful process in efforts to determine what was best for the conference while also protecting the wellbeing and holistic experience of the student-athletes,” CIAA Board of Directors Chair Dr. Aminta Breaux said in a statement released by the conference.
St. Augustine’s canceled football earlier this year after barely finishing the 2023 season, firing head coach Howard Feggins midway through the year. Feggins accused the university of intimidating him into silence regarding conditions within the athletic program.
SAU was required to sponsor 10 sports to remain in compliance with NCAA Division II standards. The CIAA was concerned that St. Augustine’s would not be able to meet compliance requirements and deadlines, leading to Friday’s decision. The university can continue to compete in sports should they choose, but they will not be eligible for conference championships this season.
“Saint Augustine’s University has been a member of this conference for over 80 years. Their administrators, coaches, students, student-athletes, alumni, and the SAU community are important and valued as part of the CIAA legacy,” CIAA commission Jacqie McWilliams Parker said. “The CIAA will continue to support and rally around the Falcon family and President Burgess as they prepare to return for the 2025-26 season.”
