When the next sports season begins the teams at Upper Iowa University will compete for conference titles, again. The Peacocks will begin play in the Northern Sun Conference which completes a move to division two that begin in August of 2003 when the school announced it was leaving the Iowa Conference and the division three ranks.
Athletic Director Gil Cloud says they were able to fulfill all 22 points in the model division two model of the national athletic directors association. so Cloud feels they’ll have an impact in the first year.
After a period of transition Upper Iowa was granted active membership in division two this past year. Cloud says that allowed them to participate in post-season play for the first time in several years.
Cloud says being part of a conference not only helps with scheduling and the ability to compete for championships but it also allows athletes to receive all conference honors. Cloud says when you’re independent, it’s tough to get recognition for postseason honors as there are only eight independents.
Cloud says the move to division two has taken a great commitment from the administration and a sacrifice by the athletes who have not been able to compete for championships. He says the seniors have paid the price of not being able to play in postseason play, and he says that’s a legacy that will always be with the school
Upper Iowa begins play in the Northern Sun Conference when the football team opens the 2006 season with an August 31st visit to Wayne State.