A Lubbock university has been accepted into the NCAA Division II category.

Lubbock Christian University got notice from the National Collegiate Athletic Association on their acceptance into the Division II candidacy.

The Chaparrals make the transition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, which will be a three year process.

According to a press release, LCU will remain a member of the NAIA and the Sooner Athletic Conference for the 2012-13 season, which will be followed by a two-year provisional period before officially being granted Division II status.

All 11 of LCU’s varsity athletics programs will be transitioning to compete at the Division II level. LCU will participate as a member of the Heartland Conference, whose member presidents recently gave unanimous support to approve LCU as one of 12 conference members, beginning in the 2013-14 academic year.

Other schools in NCAA Division II include Arkansas-Fort Smith, Dallas Baptist, McMurry in Abilene, Newman in Kansas, Oklahoma Panhandle State, St. Edwards of Texas, St. Mary’s in San Antonio, Texas A&M International, and Texas Permian Basin.

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