Transition to Division II Information
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —The addition of the University of New Orleans to the Gulf South Conference jumped its final hurdle today when the Board of GSC Presidents unanimously approved the Privateers' membership request.
The vote was the highlight of the Conference's annual summer meetings which concluded official business on Tuesday at the Hilton Birmingham Perimeter Park Hotel in Birmingham, AL.
The school's admittance to the league was praised by both parties as a perfect fit for the GSC and UNO.
"We are delighted to welcome the University of New Orleans into the Gulf South Conference," said GSC Board Chair Dr. William Cale, President of the University of North Alabama. "Their strong history of academic and athletic excellence, combined with the addition of one of America's destination cities, makes UNO a perfect fit as we expand the conference."
GSC Commissioner Nate Salant also recognized the importance of adding the institution to its ranks.
"This is something we've worked on for a long time and it is a pleasure to welcome the Privateers into the Gulf South Conference," said Salant. "UNO brings outstanding facilities, a commitment to growth that includes football by 2015 and a great city for future events."
"We believe UNO will be a Division II power, and a great addition to our league."
For UNO Athletic Director Amy Champion, the official decision is a key piece to the future growth of the school's athletic department.
"Our documented efforts to establish membership with the Gulf South Conference have been very beneficial as our coaches recruit student-athletes," said Champion. "Today's announcement provides definitive answers on what conference we will be competing in and how we can get in the postseason."
"This league has a tremendous reputation for athletic and academic success at the Division II level. The track record of this conference clearly shows that competing for a GSC championship puts your institution in the conversation for national titles, which is where we want to be."
While UNO will not be official members of the GSC until 2012-13, the Privateers will be added to the league schedules for 2011-12 in volleyball, baseball and men's and women's tennis, but will not be eligible for post-season play. UNO will also compete in the 2011 GSC Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships and the 2012 GSC Men's and Women's Golf Tournaments.
The addition of the Privateers to the league expands the GSC's footprint back into Louisiana for the first time since 1979 when Southeastern Louisiana changed its NCAA classification.
