SAN DIEGO -- Point Loma Nazarene University has been accepted as a full member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) beginning in the fall of the 2012-13 season. This affiliation comes at a time when the Sea Lions are also heading into its first season as a member of the Pacific West Conference, while also continuing in the NCAA Division II candidacy process.
 
The NCCAA serves approximately 100 Christ-centered collegiate institutions throughout the United States and offers 23 national championship events. The association's mission is to use athletic competition as an integral component of education, evangelism and encouragement.
 
On Thursday, NCCAA Executive Director Dan Wood notified Sea Lion Athletic Director Ethan Hamilton that Point Loma's application for membership had been accepted.

“We are excited to be joining the National Christian College Athletic Association,” said Hamilton. “The NCCAA's commitment to Christ and to student-athletes matches our mission.”
 
Point Loma will have the opportunity to participate in NCCAA championships in the sports of men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's basketball, baseball, men's and women's tennis and men's and women's track & field.  Each of PLNU's 14 intercollegiate teams is eligible but will need to qualify for NCCAA regional and national championships.
 
PLNU is a former member of the NCCAA, winning three national championships in men's basketball (1985-87) before withdrawing from the association in the late 1980's.
 
"The NCCAA is excited to welcome Point Loma Nazarene University into its membership,” said Wood. “As outstanding members of the NCCAA from 1975-1987, PLNU once again brings an outstanding intercollegiate athletics program complimented by great Christian mentors as coaches.  This combination is what excites the NCCAA as we seek to partner with PLNU to serve the Great Commission of Christ."
 
Point Loma will be joining the NCCAA Division I as a member of the West Region that encompasses institutions in Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington.  The 10-team region will feature Arizona Christian University, Azusa Pacific University (Calif.), Bethesda Christian University (Calif.), California Baptist University, Corban University (Ore.), Hope International University (Calif.), Fresno Pacific University (Calif.), Point Loma Nazarene University (Calif.), Simpson University (Calif.) and Trinity Lutheran College (Wash.).
 
The Sea Lion athletic program is currently in transition to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as a member of the Pacific West Conference. Point Loma, which is not eligible for NCAA postseason play until the 2014-15 athletic year, will retain affiliation with both associations.
 
“The time was appropriate to re-connect with the NCCAA and be a part of its renewed growth,” noted Hamilton.” We are pleased to have the opportunity to join Christian colleges throughout the nation in competing for athletic championships. We look forward to great competition and ministry opportunities.”
 
For more information on the NCCAA, which has its headquarters in Greenville, S.C., visit www.thenccaa.org.