SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The NCAA Division I Strategic Vision and Planning Committee advanced the University of the Incarnate Word into Year Four of the reclassification process at a meeting last week.

Sandy Hatfield Clubb, chair of the NCAA Division I Strategic Vision and Planning Committee, informed university president Dr. Louis J. Agnese Jr. that the UIW strategic plan had been reviewed and it was decided that the university should be advanced into the final year of the reclassification process.

"We are extremely excited to have received the news that we have advanced to the final year of the Division I reclassification process," said UIW director of athletics John Williams.  "The University as a whole has worked very hard to make sure we meet all the necessary requirements to fulfill this major task.  Our athletic staff, coaches and student-athletes are looking forward to the final year of the process."

UIW finished ninth out of 13 schools in the 2015-16 Southland Conference Commissioner's Cup.  The men's basketball team tied for third place in the league while football finished in fourth.  On the women's side, the cross country team was fourth while the indoor and outdoor track and field teams each finished in fifth place.

Following the 2016-17 season, if UIW is passed through to full membership in Division I, the Cardinals will be fully eligible in every sport for conference and NCAA post-season play beginning with the 2017-18 season.
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