The University of Winnipeg is pleased to announce that it has been officially accepted as a single sport (Baseball) member of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) effective August 1st , 2014. The decision to accept the University of Winnipeg was made at the annual NAIA National Convention held this past week in Kansas City, Missouri.
Ultimately this decision will allow the externally funded University of Winnipeg Wesmen Baseball program to find a home conference to compete in and challenge for championships. Since its inception three years ago the team has assembled a schedule of games against schools from the NAIA, NCAA Division 2 and Junior Colleges in the United States, as well as its yearly game versus the Winnipeg Goldeyes professional team.
“Everyone involved with the baseball program is excited about the future of the program. This decision will help us deliver the full student-athlete experience. Every athlete wants to be able to strive for that championship. Now we can reach our goal of offering a quality education alongside the full athletic experience in the sport of baseball”, said Athletic Director Doran Reid
The next step in the process is to make an application to one of the twenty three conferences for inclusion. The most logical conference is the Northstar Athletic Association, which includes Dakota State University, University of Jamestown, Mayville State University, Presentation College, and Valley City State University.
Head Coach Mike Krykewich comments, “This path was our goal from the outset. We hope that we can now provide that quality option for Canadian student athletes to play college baseball. We hope to add more successes and awards to the great academic and athletic history at the University of Winnipeg while we showcase the local baseball talent”.
The Wesmen have 15 games remaining this season and close out their 2014 schedule on May 14 against South Dakota State. There are seven home games left, including their match against the Goldeyes on May 4.
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Sheldon Appelle
Sports Information Coordinator
University of Winnipeg
(204) 786-9823
s.appelle@uwinnipeg.ca
www.wesmen.ca
