WolfPack to move to NCAA - April 2, 2008

WolfPack to move to NCAA
After tripling its win total from a year ago, the WolfPack men’s basketball team is ready to take the next logical step.
Building on the success of their 3-20 season, the WolfPack will be applying for membership in the NCAA. NCAA Division II paved the way for Canadian schools to seek Division-II membership when it approved a 10-year pilot program at the 2008 NCAA Convention in Nashville, on January 14.
“After the success [the team] had this year, it just makes sense,” said George Aramide, a forward with the team. “We’ve shown what we can do in the CIS. I think we’re ready for the next challenge.”
The 2007-08 season marked the WolfPack’s second year in the Canada West division of the CIS. The team saw its win total rocket from one to three in its sophomore campaign.
“Obviously, as a coach you’re looking for improvement every year,” said assistant coach Sean Garvey. “But I don’t think anyone expected this kind of improvement.”
The WolfPack’s wins this year included a victory against Simon Fraser and two wins over Trinity Western. One of the wins against Trinity Western came thanks to a forfeit by the Spartans.
Garvey suggested that if the WolfPack’s growth continues at its current rate, the team will soon be in need of stronger competition.
“At this rate, we’re going to finish 9-14 next year. The year after, we’ll be 23-0. Do the math,” Garvey said. “All you have to do is multiply by three after every season. By [2009- 10] we’ll be perfect, with eight or nine teams forfeiting against us.”
Canadian institutions will be able to apply for membership to Division II on June 1 of this year. Any school that applies by June 1 may be eligible to begin the process of joining Division II by September 2008.
Garvey said that TRU will be looking to be a part of the initial group of Canadian schools to enter the NCAA.
“Instead of waiting until we’re completely dominant in the CIS, we’re looking to make the move as soon as possible,” he said.
Though there is currently no process for a Canadian team to join Division I in the NCAA, Garvey said he expects to see the WolfPack there sooner than later.
“In a couple years, I wouldn’t rule out a trip to the March Madness tournament,” he said.