The University of Findlay announced today that it will join the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) effective July 1, 2017. Findlay has been a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Association (GLIAC).

“We closely weighed the opportunities and challenges regarding the transition to G-MAC,” explained Katherine Fell, Ph.D., University of Findlay president. “Ultimately, this move will help us enhance our collective student experience, and align our institution with other institutions who have similar missions, enrollments and athletic offerings.”

The relatively new G-MAC is a NCAA Division II athletic conference with member institutions in Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee.

“The GLIAC has been a good partner with The University of Findlay since 1997, and the conference has served our students well,” added Fell. “We look forward to the new G-MAC relationships we will establish and to helping lead the young conference as it develops into a strong, independent Division II Conference.”

The University of Findlay offers 24 sports and will begin a full schedule of G-MAC competition in its first year in the league. During the next two years, The University of Findlay will continue as a full participant in the GLIAC.

“We are looking forward to establishing new rivalries and widening the footprint of Oiler Athletics,” said Brandi Laurita, newly appointed athletic director for The University of Findlay. “Playing a role in the growth and strength of the G-MAC is an exciting opportunity for all of our student-athletes.”

Headquartered in Indianapolis, the G-MAC’s current member institutions include Alderson Broaddus University, Cedarville University, Davis & Elkins College, Kentucky Wesleyan University, Ohio Valley University, Salem International University, Trevecca Nazarene University and Ursuline College. Malone University will join the conference effective for the 2016-17 academic year.