Malone University athletics, under the direction of Athletic Director Charlie Grimes, and Walsh University athletics, under the guidance of Vice President and Athletic Director Dale Howard, both received word earlier this morning that their respective institutions are one step closer to becoming full NCAA Division II members. On Monday morning, Grimes and Howard received official word from the NCAA Div. II Membership Committee that Malone and Walsh were both granted approval to advance from Year One Candidacy into Year Two Candidacy for NCAA Div. II membership. The transition process for an institution is a three-year one in which schools pass through Year One Candidacy, Year Two Candidacy and Provisional Membership stages prior to becoming a full member at the beginning of the fourth year.

“This is a significant step in the membership transition process for Malone and Walsh,” said Grimes. “I am very proud of the work our staff has accomplished to lay the foundation for NCAA Div. II membership. Our goal this year will be to function in every way as an NCAA institution.”

Walsh is equally as pleased with its notice of approval. “We are ecstatic to move into the second year of the process,” exclaimed Howard. “This past year has been extremely busy, with everyone in our department contributing. I am thankful to our people at Walsh for their hard work and dedication.”

Last July, Malone and Walsh were granted approval to transition into Year One Candidacy for NCAA Div. II. The 2010-11 year was also the final year of a 50-plus year era for Pioneer athletics as a member of the NAIA. Additionally, the '10-'11 campaign was the last year of American Mideast Conference membership for Malone. Walsh will continue its 40-year association with the NAIA and 36-year membership with the AMC. The Pioneers will also continue their longtime affiliation with the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA).

After meeting certain criteria to advance to Year Two Candidacy, Malone and Walsh will now be asked to implement and address additional items in order to advance to Provisional status next July. Through various communications, including site visits, the NCAA monitors transitioning institutions over a 12-month period before approving or denying advancement each July. Provided they continue to meet the NCAA requirements, Malone and Walsh would become full NCAA Div. II members for the 2013-14 year.

Six colleges and universities in the state of Ohio -- Ashland, Central State, Findlay, Lake Erie, Tiffin, and Urbana -- are active NCAA Div. II members. Ohio Dominican just completed the three-year transition process and will become a full member for the 2011-12 year. Three other schools from the state in the NCAA membership process include Cedarville, Notre Dame and Ursuline.