Indiana University Kokomo Set to Join KIAC
The Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) has accepted Indiana University Kokomo beginning with the 2013-2014 academic year. KIAC athletic directors and presidents unanimously voted to approve the IUK application for membership. All IU Kokomo teams will be eligible immediately for conference championships, as well as automatic bids to the NAIA Championships.
"We are delighted to have IUK join the other members of the KIAC," said KIAC Commissioner Bill Melton. "IUK brings an enthusiastic approach to athletics and an understanding of the role athletics plays in the development of a well-rounded education."
"The campus is honored to join the KIAC," said Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke. "It complements our entry into the NAIA and it was the next step in our campus plan to create a competitive athletic program. I know our athletes will excel and compete in this new arena."
The KIAC, founded in 1916, will see its membership increase to 12 institutions with the addition of IU Kokomo. Those schools now include Alice Lloyd (Ky.) College, Asbury (Ky.) University, Berea (Ky.) College, Brescia (Ky.) University, Carlow (Pa.) University, Cincinnati Christian (OH) University, Indiana University East, Indiana University Kokomo, Indiana University Southeast, Midway (Ky.) College, Point Park University (Pa.) and St. Louis (Mo.) College of Pharmacy.
"The KIAC is a great fit for us considering the quality of the member schools and the stability of the conference," said Todd Gambill, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management. "We are excited about the platform that the NAIA and the KIAC provides for us to showcase our institution and our students. We look forward to developing partnerships and rivalries with our member schools."
The KIAC sponsors 15 sports, including, baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's track and field and volleyball.
"By joining the KIAC, now we will have an opportunity to compare ourselves to conference competition at the end of the season when we are in peak shape," said Jason VanAlstine, head men's and women's cross country coach. "It will be very exciting next year with many new faces, new facilities, and a new conference."
IU Kokomo makes the move to the KIAC after having been a member of the Association of Independent Institutions for the 2012-2013 season.