The NAIA is on the verge of losing their most dominant athletics program, both in the pool and across the varsity landscape, as the NCAA’s Division II Membership Committee recommended Oklahoma Baptist University’s application this week.
The Bison will be accepted into their new status if they pass one final screening in front of the NCAA Division II Management Council at their meeting from July 21-22. Once that approval is completed, and it is expected to be primarily a “rubber stamp” affair, the membership change will take effect September 1. The school will still compete in the NAIA for the 2014-2015 season before severing ties.
That 2014-2015 transition season will be the first step in the three-year process toward full NCAA Division II membership as a part of the Great American Conference. That includes beginning to adhere to Division II rules, and will progress with greater-and-greater scrutiny.
The Great American Conference does not currently sponsor swimming for men or women.
The school’s swimming program has only been around since 2012, but the men have won every NCAA title since existing, while the women placed 2nd in their inaugural season and have won both titles since. The school has also won the last two Learfield Sports Directors’ Cups, which rank the overall success of athletics programs at each tier of college sports.
OBU’s swim program is well-positioned to transition into Division II and be immediately competitive, although they won’t be able to compete at the NCAA Championship meet until 2018. Among the stars of the team last year include Daniel Ramirez, who was a 42.53 in the 100 yard free to break the NAIA Record last season. That time would have won the Division II National Championship by a full second last year.
OBU was one of five schools recommended for membership. Among the other four, only Concordia (Irvine) currently sponsors swimming. The other three are Embry-Riddle, Concordia (Oregon), and California State – San Marcos.