Why D3?
In October of 2017 Berea College Athletic Director made the following statement in an article posted to Berea’s website in a article about Berea’s move to NCAA Division III “In many ways, this is a new era for Berea College athletics, but, it’s also a return to what we believe is most important in intercollegiate athletics… campus pride, a tradition of success and a commitment to academics, first and foremost. Berea has a long and storied history in athletics and we look forward to forging new friendships and renewing some old ones with NCAA Division III schools.”
I had a couple questions about Berea’s decision to reclassify: Did Berea’s on the field success justify a move to the NCAA? Could the move really provide a new sense of campus pride and successful athletic programs?
Berea’s last year in the NAIA was 2014. The men’s and women’s Track and Field teams won the KIAC conference championships, with four athletes qualifying for the NAIA National Championships. The women’s and men’s basketball teams both notched winning seasons but both fell short in their conference championships. Softball made the winner’s bracket in the conference championship but fell short. Baseball did not make the postseason.
So the answer to the on the field competition was a no. What about campus pride? Are fans going crazy for their teams? Is support up? Are students, townies, and businesses painting the town Berea blue?
Of all the sports that have competed in the 2017-18 season only men’s and women’s basketball keep track of attendance. In 2015 the average attendance for a women’s basketball game was 135 while the average is now 122. In 2015 men’s basketball averaged 385 fans a game now they are averaging just over 100. The Seabury Center holds over 1.700 for athletic events.
So we have a no at least in numbers, but here is where I don’t think that the stats tell the full story.
Games in Seabury have caused the loudest, most rowdy environment the gym has seen in years. I spent time at NCAA Division I Morehead State University as a student and I never experienced an environment at a women’s basketball game like I have at the recent game against USA South Conference member Covenant College. Berea was riding an 8th game winning streak and sitting atop of their division. Fans were yelling to cheer on the team and protest bad calls. The team was laughing and smiling as they came out after the half and took the lead from the Scots. It was impossible not to get into the game.
So it provides a good atmosphere? There has to be more of an explanation. While DIII is the lowest division in the NCAA it still means something to play for a NCAA school. Men’s basketball freshmen Torell Carter, who is shooting a team high 50 percent of his field goals and averaging 17.6 points a game, would not be at Berea now if it wasn’t for the NCAA designation. He told news station WYMT “I just wanted to play at least Division III. Berea worked good for me.” There is reason to believe others will follow suit.
Why D3? For a fun atmosphere and a recruiting edge. If Berea students and fans can suffer through a few more 0-17 soccer seasons they might just be rewarded with a winning team, a great atmosphere, and a freshman phenom on the field. Just ask the USA South Conference Champion Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams or the tournament bound Women’s Basketball team.
