Lincoln (MO) and Langston choose not to
join SIAC
March 24, 2005
Lincoln (MO) University and Langston University have informed
the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference that they
will not be joining the conference. Financial and geographical
issues contributed to the decision.
Langston University, located in Langston, Oklahoma was in
their first year of provisional membership in both the NCAA
and the SIAC. The University sponsors four men’s sports
and three women’s sports including football, basketball,
cross country/track & field, and golf. Langston will remain
a member of the NAIA competing in the Red River Athletic Conference.
Lincoln University, located in Jefferson City, MO, is currently
a NCAA Division II member competing as an independent. The
University currently sponsors five men’s sports and five
women’s sports including, basketball, baseball, cross
country, football, golf, softball, tennis and track & field.
Lincoln was also in their first year as a provisional member
of the SIAC.
Discussions about the two schools withdrawing from the the
conference were held at the SIAC Council of Presidents Meeting
on March 3, 2006 however formal notice of withdrawal from the
two institutions was received in the conference office earlier
this week.
“Location proximity and financial obligations throughout
their tenure in the SIAC was a concern of both institutions
and after further review, both found it not to be in their
best interest to join the conference at this time, said SIAC
Commissioner William Lide in a press release from the conference
office. "The decision to withdraw from the conference
was completely the decision of Lincoln University (MO) and
Langston University. We are sorry to receive their notice of
withdrawal; however we are happy to have had such stupendous
institutions as Lincoln University (MO) and Langston University
display their interest in the SIAC as it continues to grow.”
The withdrawal of Lincoln and Langston University leaves the
conference membership at twelve. Claflin University is still
a provisional member of the SIAC and is eligible to become
the thirteenth full member beginning Spring 2007.
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