At its annual Presidents/Chancellors’ Group meeting, California Collegiate Athletic Association Presidents unanimously approved membership of California State University, East Bay to the conference beginning with the 2009-10 athletics season. The conference is currently comprised of 10 California State University institutions and UC San Diego.
The membership of the Division II CCAA includes Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State L.A., Cal State San Bernardino, Cal State Monterey Bay, Cal State Stanislaus, Chico State, Humboldt State, Sonoma State, San Francisco State and UC San Diego.
“To say the campus is excited about this opportunity is an understatement. There has been a big buzz around campus about moving to Division II and joining the CCAA,” Cal State East Bay President Dr. Mohammad Qayoumi said. “Our goal is to develop a vibrant university village that the entire community is proud of. Athletics plays a major role in this effort. Moving to Division II was initiated by our students and I am glad to say the faculty and staff stood behind this move. It is an exciting time for Cal State East Bay.”
With the formal approval, Cal State East Bay, which is currently in the ‘exploratory” stage of becoming a Division II member, will begin competition in the CCAA as a “scheduling partner” for the 2009-2010 athletic year, with eligibility for conference championships when the NCAA approves its “active status.”
“This is a monumental day for Cal State East Bay, its athletic department, student-athletes and entire University community,” Cal State East Bay Athletics Director Debbie De Angelis said. “We are excited to be moving to Division II and joining the CCAA. This move will benefit the entire University and its student-athletes while bringing added exposure to the institution.”
The Pioneer teams are in their final year with dual membership in NCAA Division III and NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).
Cal State East Bay’s men’s and women’s basketball, cross country and golf teams have been participating in the California Pacific Conference for the right to participate in post-season playoffs through the NAIA. Other Pioneer teams, including women’s volleyball and softball and men’s baseball, have been competing as NCAA Division III independents, with no league or conference affiliation.
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