FPU accepts invitation to NCAA

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno Pacific University is leaving the NAIA and bolting for the more competitive and lucrative NCAA.

Today the Sunbirds received the invitation they had long been hoping for. FPU will soon play all its sports in the NCAA's Division II. The private university will compete one final year in the NAIA's Golden State Athletic Conference, before moving on to the Pacific West Conference, beginning the 2012-2013 academic calendar.

"To be accepted by the NCAA is a real honor," said Athletic Director Dennis Janzen. "It's a reflection of the entire university. It is a university-wide effort and a lot of thanks here to a lot of people here at Fresno Pacific."

FPU now begins a three-year candidacy period beginning with the upcoming 2011-12 season. They will not be eligible for NCAA championships until fall of 2014, but will be able to compete for Pac-West Conference titles starting next year.

"We get to go from the best in the NAIA to what will be become the best in the NCAA division II," Janzen said. "That said, Ii think our competitive level will just go with that. So we expect to be successful."

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