RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — St. Augustine’s University will not have athletics sponsored by the Central Athletic Association for the remainder of the 2024-25 academic year.
On Friday, the CIAA announced the suspension of all sports competition for St. Augustine’s through the end of 2024-25. The CIAA says the suspension is due to the school not meeting conference compliance requirements, concerns regarding the school’s challenges to meet NCAA sports sponsorship, and scheduling requirements for the 2024-25.
If athletics continue at St. Augustine’s, the competitions will not count toward CIAA standings and seedings and will not be eligible for championship participation.
“While it is disheartening to make a decision of this magnitude that impacts one of our member institutions, the decision was guided through a fair, deliberate, and thoughtful process in efforts to determine what was best for the conference, while also protecting the wellbeing and holistic experience of the student-athletes,” CIAA board chair Aminta Breaux said in a statement.
According to the CIAA, NCAA Division II members are required to sponsor and complete at least 10 sports each academic year to meet NCAA Division II compliance standards. St. Augustine’s had only the minimum requirement of 10 sports after electing not to sponsor softball in spring 2024 and football and volleyball in fall 2024.
The CIAA says there is uncertainty over St. Augustine’s ability to complete the men’s and women’s cross-country seasons and to meet other compliance requirements and deadlines for the remaining sports programs to ensure eligibility and participation.
“Saint Augustine’s University has been a member of this conference for over 80 years. Their administrators, coaches, students, student-athletes, alumni, and the SAU community are important and valued as part of the CIAA legacy,” CIAA commissioner McWilliams Parker said in a statement. “The CIAA will continue to support and rally around the Falcon family and President [Marcus] Burgess as they prepare to return for the 2025-26 season.”
CBS 17 has reached out to St. Augustine’s and is waiting to hear back.
