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Jan 12th, 2024 - 11:23:38 |
This past fall, Middle Georgia State University announced their intention to transfer from NAIA and the Southern States Athletic Conference to NCAA Division II and the Peach Belt Conference. This week, the PBC Board of Directors unanimously voted to extend an invitation for MGA to join.
Recently hired Middle Georgia State athletic director Michael Brown has experience in helping schools transition from NAIA to NCAA. He oversaw the move of Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida from NAIA to NCAA D-II during his time there from 2007-21. Brown spoke about MGA’s move in an email interview.
Middle Georgia State won’t make their official membership request to the NCAA until February 2025. The decision on whether the university has been accepted as a provisional member comes in July of that year. With provisional NCAA approval, MGA would be a provisional Peach Belt Conference member in Fall 2025.
They would become a full member in 2028. While a provisional member, Middle Georgia State would not be eligible for postseason play. Brown said a reason why the transition process is lengthy is “due to the organizations involved wanting to make sure universities are fully committed to the necessary organizational changes that it requires.”
As an NAIA member, Middle Georgia State often has long road trips to places such as Mississippi. Brown mentioned less travel which equals less time away from the classroom for student athletes as one of the advantages of moving to the NCAA and the Peach Belt Conference.
“Our current conference schedule in most sports stretches from New Orleans to Tennessee and throughout the states of Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. The Peach Belt Conference will align us with other University System of Georgia (USG) Universities such as Georgia College and State, Columbus State, Georgia Southwestern, Clayton State, Augusta, and the University of North Georgia. Our out of state travel within the conference schedule will be limited to three institutions on the South Carolina border (USC Beaufort, USC Aiken, and Lander University) and one institution in north Florida (Flagler College). This will provide our student-athletes and supporters more regional rivalries and less time in buses and hotels on the road and away from the classroom. I believe this to be a great student experience enhancement for MGA student-athletes.”
When asked about feedback from coaches about the move, Brown said while there’s always hesitancy about a big change, feedback had been overall positive and believed the coaches and staff were ready to do what was needed.
“Overall the coaches have embraced what we believe will be a major step forward for the University and our athletic programs. We have much work to do to be prepared for making our application and the subsequent steps necessary to achieve full member status, but I believe our coaches and staff are prepared and excited for the opportunities that remain ahead.”
Brown believes that having more games against in-state schools such as Georgia Southwestern, Columbus State, and Georgia College will increase attendance. He also believes it will be a “huge benefit to our student-athletes, their parents and our alumni who may have relocated to other parts of the region.”
Middle Georgia State offers 10 varsity sports. The only addition to come from the move will be women’s track (distance events) which will take place on the Macon campus.
In closing, Brown equated MGA athletics to what a minor league sport would offer and invited people to come out to an event on either the Cochran or Macon campuses/
“I encourage our local community to view MGA Athletics similar to what minor league sports offer various communities which is family-friendly and a low cost entertainment option. Competition at the NAIA or NCAA Division II levels are very high and an exciting event to witness. Not only that, but our student-athletes are actively engaged in our local communities and are dedicated students in the classroom. I encourage anyone looking for more information to reach out directly to me and I would be happy to host them for a game on our Cochran or Macon campuses. Go Knights!”
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by BleckleyProgess.com
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