Tuesday, January 22, 2013

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Great Northwest Athletic Conference has approved the addition of South Dakota School of Mines as an affiliate member for men’s soccer.  The school will begin play in the GNAC this fall.

The agreement between South Dakota Mines and the GNAC is for one year.

“We are excited to add South Dakota Mines to the GNAC for men’s soccer in 2013,” GNAC Commissioner Dave Haglund said.   “South Dakota Mines is a logical addition as a travel partner for our other affiliate, University of Mary, and we look forward to incorporating the Hardrockers into our schedule this coming season.”

“On behalf of interim President (Duane C.) Hrncir and all the Hardrocker community, we are extremely excited about the opportunity to gain an affiliate membership for our men’s soccer team with the GNAC, ” Dr. Dick Kaiser, South Dakota Mines athletic director, said.

South Dakota Mines, which has an enrollment of 2,300, currently competes in all sports as an NCAA Division II independent.

“Being the only independent west of the Mississippi has made scheduling very difficult.  This opportunity with the GNAC comes at absolutely the perfect time for our new men’s soccer program to gain credibility,” Dr. Kaiser said.

“We are sincerely indebted to the leadership of the GNAC for providing our student-athletes this wonderful opportunity to gain a conference and championship experience. We hope the confidence the GNAC is showing in extending our institution an invitation can be the beginning of a long term relationship.”

South Dakota Mines, which is located in Rapid City, S.D., replaces the University of Sioux Falls which was a GNAC affiliate member last season, but recently accepted affiliate membership for men’s soccer with the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).

SD Mines is currently in its final year as a provisional NCAA Division II member and it is anticipated will gain full membership in the NCAA this summer.

Last year the Hardrockers soccer team finished with a 2-11 won-loss record.

South Dakota Mines will join the University of Mary, Montana State University Billings, Northwest Nazarene University, Saint Martin’s University, Seattle Pacific University, Simon Fraser University and Western Washington in the GNAC’s men’s soccer lineup.

Simon Fraser and Seattle Pacific competed in the NCAA Division II national tournament last season.  The Clan advanced to the NCAA national semifinals before being eliminated by Saginaw Valley State 3-1.