KIAC Approves Two Schools for Membership
The Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has unanimously approved Ohio Christian University (contingent upon NAIA approval) and West Virginia University Institute of Technology for membership beginning with the 2015-16 school year.
"We are delighted that the AD's and Council of Presidents have unanimously approved OCU and WVU Tech for membership in the KIAC for the 2015-2016 season." KIAC Commissioner Bill Melton wrote in an email. "Both schools enhance our sports programs and make us a more competitive conference. The addition of OCU and WVU Tech will bring our membership to a total of thirteen schools across five states."
Ohio Christian will offer 12 scholarship sports – baseball, softball, volleyball, men's and women's basketball, men's golf, cross country, soccer and track and field. West Virginia Tech will offer will offer 10 scholarship sports – baseball, softball, volleyball, men's and women's basketball, men's golf, cross country, and soccer.
"Ohio Christian is very excited about the opportunity to Join the KIAC," Ohio Christian University Athletic Director Ben Belleman said. "We have had our eye on this conference and feel we are a good match for it both in competition and in mission. We look forward to building strong relationships within the Conference and can't wait to begin the 2015-2016 season."
"The ability to join the KIAC has enormous benefit for WVU Tech," WVU Tech Athletic Director Kenny Howell said. "Competing against regional opponents who have similar resources will be great for us and will help our programs have full schedules, play road contests in closer proximity, and create natural rivalries with surrounding institutions. The unanimous vote in our favor reaffirms our institutional progress and continued commitment to provide student-athletes with a quality experience at WVU Tech."
Beginning in 2015-16, the KIAC will feature 13 schools in five states. Alice Lloyd College, Asbury University, Brescia University and Midway College are located in Kentucky. Indiana has Indiana University-East, Indiana University-Southeast and Indiana University-Kokomo. Pennsylvania features Carlow University and Point Park University. Cincinnati Christian University, Rio Grande and Ohio Christian University represent Ohio. West Virginia has West Virginia University Tech.