INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Cal Lutheran is one of 448 Division III institutions around the country. During the week of April 7-13, all members will host Division III Week, aimed at celebrating what those schools have to offer student-athletes in the classroom, in the field of play and in the community during the 40th year of the NCAA.
There are currently 183,500 DIII student-athletes as compared to 287,510 at the Division I and II levels combined from coast to coast. Division III, however, represents the largest tier in the NCAA at 40 percent of the total membership.
In 2013-14 CLU had 506 roster spots with more than 400 individuals who don the Violet and Gold as numerous Kingsmen and Regals are two-sport competitors.
The NCAA sponsors 28 Division III Championship events with 14 for men and 14 for women. There are also eight National Collegiate Championships. Overall, CLU sponsors 20 intercollegiate athletic programs, which is above the average (18) of like institutions.
Cal Lutheran is one of the 80 percent of active institutions that is private with 20 percent of DIII schools on public campuses. Across the board the average enrollment of Division III schools is 2,620.
All of the schools that fall in the Division III category are expected to promote the model of discover, develop and dedicate. CLU is right on track with that mantra by succeeding academically and athletically while giving back to the community.
“We are excited to be hosting Division III Week again,” Director of Athletics Dan Kuntz said. “This campaign is aimed at promoting Division III and the successes of our student-athletes academically, athletically and in other aspects of their student experiences. We are fortunate to have so many outstanding student-athletes, programs, coaches and support staff at Cal Lutheran and are glad to be part of this unique campaign.”
In 2013 there were 147 student-athletes inducted into the CLU Scholar Athlete Society by holding a 3.40 or higher cumulative grade point average. The number was higher than any other induction class and the 2014 class is expected to surpass that number. Additionally, numerous student-athletes throughout the season have earned both Academic All-SCIAC and other sport specific academic accolades.
CLU teams have been just as successful on the field, court, course and in the pool with 10 teams earning national rankings in 2013-14. CLU teams have claimed two Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) titles thus far with five squads earning spots in the SCIAC Post Season Tournament for their respective sport and three teams advancing to NCAA Division III Championship competition. CLU has also sent individuals to both NCAA Regional and National competition in the fall and winter. The spring sports have much hope to increase those numbers with multiple programs in the hunt for league titles.
Beyond those two areas, CLU students have also taken time to give back. One example is the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) that is headed in 2013-14 by Chris Cabrera. He and the other SAAC members have put together a community service project in conjunction with DIII Week. The group is scheduled to do a Military Thank You station by the flagpole during the week.
Throughout the week there will be a series of giveaways on campus including a Chick-Fil-A station first 150 students in attendance at the 2:00 p.m. women’s tennis match on Friday afternoon at the Poulson Tennis Center.
Finally, the dining commons will be offering sports themed meals and snacks throughout the week in continuation of the tradition implemented in 2013.
During the course of the week also be on the lookout for student-athlete features on www.clusports.com.
CLU Twitter: https://twitter.com/clusports
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clusports
CLU Instagram: http://instagram.com/clusports#