From staff reports
Newman University has accepted an invitation to become an associate member of the MIAA to compete in men’s wrestling, it was announced Monday.
Newman, located in Wichita, will participate in the MIAA’s dual meet schedule and championship tournament starting in the 2013-14 school year. The Jets will remain a member of the Heartland Conference for its other sports.
Defending national champion Nebraska-Kearney, Central Missouri, Central Oklahoma, Fort Hays State, Lindenwood and Truman State are the current MIAA schools that have wrestling programs. Truman State will continue to wrestle in the MIAA as an associate member after it leaves this year to join the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
“I am delighted that Newman has accepted the invitation from our CEO Council to become an associate member in men’s wrestling,” MIAA commissioner Bob Boerigter said in a news release. “Although wrestling is fairly new to the MIAA, our league is quickly becoming one of the most competitive and respected in all of Division II.”
“Newman is honored and excited for our wrestling team to have this opportunity to become an associate member of the MIAA,” Newman athletics director Vic Trilli said. “We are looking forward to a long working relationship with the MIAA. We appreciate the MIAA’s interest in Newman becoming an associate member.”