Le Moyne College, a private Jesuit college in Syracuse, New York, has announced that it will move all its sports programs to Division I after accepting an invitation to join the Northeast Conference (NEC). The jump from Division II to Division I will formally take effect on July 1, 2023, and has been approved by the school’s Board of Trustees. Le Moyne College will join an NEC that features eight other schools: Central Connecticut, Fairleigh Dickinson, Long Island University, Merrimack, Sacred Heart, Saint Francis University, Stonehill, and Wagner.
While the college’s sports teams will begin competition in the NEC this fall, they won’t be eligible to compete in the conference’s postseason championships until the 2025-26 school year, which is part of the NCAA’s reclassification process. The Dolphins will be eligible to compete for NCAA Division I championships beginning in 2027-28.
The move to Division I will bring a significant change to Le Moyne’s athletic program. The college’s athletic director, Tim Fenton, said that the transition is an exciting opportunity for the student-athletes, coaches, and staff. He also stated that the move would provide a more comprehensive athletic experience and allow Le Moyne to attract and recruit high-level athletes from across the country.
Le Moyne President Linda LeMura expressed her excitement about the college’s move to Division I and its inclusion in the NEC. She said that the move would enhance Le Moyne’s visibility and reputation as a top-tier academic institution.
In conclusion, the move to Division I is a significant milestone for Le Moyne College and its athletic program. The transition will bring new challenges and opportunities, but the college is confident that it will thrive in its new environment.
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