Oct. 1, 2010

NAMPA, Id. - Northwest Nazarene University released a statement Friday confirming its plans to remain as a member of NCAA Division II and the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

The university recently conducted an internal assessment of its position in intercollegiate athletics.

NNU has competed at the NCAA Division II level since moving from the NAIA in 1999. It has also been a member of the GNAC since the conference was formed in 2001.

"NNU has proven its ability to field competitive teams, attract student-athletes who complement our commitment to academic and athletic excellence and staff our athletic program with coaches committed to our institutional mission and values," the statement read.

"As members of the GNAC, we are committed to excellence on the field and in the classroom. This is readily apparent in the fact that NNU student-athletes have, for the third year in a row, won the GNAC Academic All-Sports award."

"As NNU reaffirms its membership in NCAA Division II, we commit to continuously improve our intercollegiate athletic program," NNU President Dr. David Alexander said.

"Our trustees, faculty, coaching staff, student-athletes and fans all aspire to provide the resources and exercise the discipline necessary to be the best we can be in our academic pursuits and on the field of competition," Alexander said.

"The internal review of our athletic program has been a very productive exercise," NNU athletic director Rich Sanders said. "We look forward to a bright future in the GNAC."

That feeling was also articulated by GNAC Commissioner Richard Hannan.

"We are really pleased with their decision," Hannan said."They have been an outstanding member of our conference and we are looking forward to continuing the relationship we've enjoyed over the past several years with the university and with President Dr. David Alexander, athletic director Rich Sanders and all the quality student-athletes and coaches at NNU."