Category | Sports

Transition complete! End of reclassification

Published on April 28, 2009 by Brian C. Bell

Ever since the NCAA decided to allow KSU to transition from division II to division I four years ago, the Owls’ various teams have been going through a mandatory reclassification period.

The 2008-2009 seasons marked the final seasons before KSU receives the full-fledged status of being a D-I school. This is a status that comes with a few perks KSU has not been privy to during this time of transition.

The one thing that KSU has missed during the transitional period is the ability to participate in the postseason. The loss of postseason participation was a hard sacrifice to make when you look at KSU’s success at the D-II level, including national championships in baseball, softball and basketball. While the successful Owls’ programs have felt somewhat out of place without postseason play, the sacrifice is well worth the rewards in the future.

“Being eligible for the postseason will serve as motivation for every athlete and coach at KSU.  Having such a rich tradition of postseason success while in Division II, the past four years of ineligibility for the post season has been very difficult to handle.  I’m sure that all of us will be chomping-at-the-bit to get back into the championship business,” said head softball coach Scott Whitlock, who also serves as senior associate athletic director.

As the Owls begin possible postseason play in the major sports next season, the incentives are falling into place that could aid in luring more recruits to KSU. It has been tough to convince some players to come play at KSU because of the inability to play for championships, but with the end of reclassification, new doors could be opening for recruiting.

“It’s simple math, athletes want a chance to go to the playoffs.  It has been a tough sell for us to recruit top tier athletes to KSU during reclassification; and we as coaches are grateful for those who came here and stuck with us during the transition period.  We now look forward to having a better shot at providing them with a higher caliber of teammates,” said Whitlock.

KSU’s newfound ability to appear in postseason tournaments can also pay off in other fields that can serve to improve the university as a whole. “Having our school being looked at, and referred to, as Division I enhances everything athletically about KSU.  I also feel that it will actually boost the overall student pride around campus.  It might even, to some extent in the general public’s eyes, add a bit of ‘extra zip’ to a KSU degree,” said Whitlock.

Ultimately, the move to division I shows KSU’s commitment to success and development both in and out of the athletic arena.

According to Whitlock, “[The move] means that we as an institution and athletic department can take pride in going through the process, enduring and were found, by the NCAA, to be ready to be called an NCAA division I university. It’s a great source of pride.”