CIAA and Chowan usher in New Era in College
Athletics
July 1, 2009
HAMPTON, VA - After playing one season as a football-only member of
the country's oldest historically black athletic league, Chowan
University and ten of its athletic programs enter the Central
Intercollegiate Athletic Association as a full member today. The
announcement signifies a new era in college athletics as Chowan is
the first-ever non-HBCU to play as a member of the CIAA.
"Chowan University's history contains many firsts," stated Dennis
Helsel, Director of Athletics at Chowan. "This is another example
that was created by visionary conference and University
leaders."
Chowan University and ten of their total twelve athletic programs
are set to embark on a new playing season in 2009-10, committing to
a vision that both the CIAA and Chowan University are happy to see
into fruition.
"Today I am very excited to embark on this visionary journey with
Chowan to further the expansion of this great conference," stated
CIAA Commissioner Leon G. Kerry. "From a competitive stand
point, Chowan offers a natural rivalry for our existing
institutions."
Sharing the same sentiments as Commissioner Kerry, Chowan
University President, Dr. Chris White, is equally as excited.
Kerry and White envisioned a plan well over a year ago and worked
together to help create a path in which it would succeed.
"The marriage of Chowan University to the CIAA holds historical
significance that we all are proud of," stated White. "Equally as
important is the opportunity afforded to our student-athletes and
coaches to compete in a conference and potentially gain recognition
for their successes on their respective fields of play."
The Hawks will play in the Western Division of the CIAA which
includes Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith
University, Livingstone University, Saint Augustine's College, and
Shaw University. The league has a total of 12 member institutions
with six schools also in the Eastern Division. They include Bowie
State University, Elizabeth City State University, Lincoln
University (PA), Saint Paul's College, Virginia State University,
and Virginia Union University.
"Today is an historic day for Chowan University. After playing as a
football-only member last year we created some friendly rivalries
with existing CIAA institutions. I am very much looking forward to
seeing the rest of our athletic teams in competition in the CIAA in
2009-10," stated White.
In an effort to comply with CIAA sport requirements, Chowan
announced in February the addition of a women's bowling program
that will compete in the league this winter. With a new coach
already in place, the team will begin practice in it's inaugural
season in October of this year.
In the coming years Chowan will be required to revamp their men's
and women's cross country teams, raising their number of teams
competing in the CIAA to twelve.
"Chowan is excited to add sports to the existing program. It
defines our commitment to the CIAA and to athletics as well as the
growth of Chowan University," said Helsel.
Chowan is located in Northeast North Carolina, with close proximity
to the greater Tidewater area of Virginia. This location has been
and continues to be a stomping ground for CIAA past and present.
Chowan will no doubt offer great rivalries to intuitions in this
area as well as across the CIAA.
The Hawks will begin competition as a full-member in August of this
year with volleyball and football. They will compete in women's
bowling and men's and women's basketball in the winter season and
baseball, golf, softball, and men's and women's tennis in the
spring season.
For more information on Chowan University, log onto www.chowan.edu.
