BREAKING NEWS - Central Oklahoma accepts offer to join MIAA

EDMOND, Okla. (July 29) – The University of Central Oklahoma has accepted an invitation to join the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), it was announced Thursday.

UCO and fellow Lone Star Conference member Northeastern State were both extended invitations by the MIAA, with the league also considering an application submitted by Lindenwood (Mo.).   A timeline for when UCO becomes an official MIAA member will be decided in the coming weeks, though it’s expected to be for the 2012-13 academic year.

“The University of Central Oklahoma has had a very good relationship with the member schools in the Lone Star Conference,” said UCO President W. Roger Webb.  “However, we believe that going forward, the MIAA provides the best opportunity for Central and our athletic teams.”

The MIAA currently has 12 member institutions – Central Missouri, Emporia State (Kan.), Fort Hays State (Kan.), Lincoln (Mo.), Missouri Southern, Missouri Western, Nebraska-Omaha, Northwest Missouri State, Pittsburg State (Kan.), Southwest Baptist (Mo.), Truman State (Mo.) and Washburn (Kan.).

“UCO’s goal is to be an elite Division II program, both competitively and academically,” said Athletic Director Joe Muller. “Our core values and goals are closely aligned with the MIAA, which makes this a great fit.  We are certainly excited about the opportunity.”

UCO, which offers 14 sports, has been a member of the LSC since 1987.