On September 1st, Penn State Harrisburg will become a member of the NCAA Division III, joining four other Penn State Commonwealth Campuses. The NCAA Division III Management Council accepted its Membership Committee’s recommendation that Penn State Harrisburg be admitted as an active member on July 20th.

Harrisburg joins Penn State Erie, Penn State Altoona, and Penn State Berks as active members of Division III. Penn State Abington is also part of Division III, but as a second year provisional member.

Harrisburg has 12 athletic programs, all of which will be able to qualify for NCAA championship events starting in the 2010-2011 season. Along with postseason play, other benefits of the move include: individuals being eligible for recognition on the national level, and the college being allowed to vote on NCAA legislation.

The 12 programs making the leap to Division III are: men’s baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, golf, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s softball, men’s and women’s tennis, and women’s volleyball.

With fall sports season right around the corner, it will be interesting to see if Penn State Harrisburg can become successful at a higher level, and make it to the postseason.

[Photo Credit: Penn State Harrisburg Public Information Office]