The Dakota Athletic Conference has had more than a month to review a report from league athletic directors on the pros and cons of moving from the NAIA to NCAA Division II.
Now it's time to see where everyone stands.
DAC commissioner LaVern Jessen said schools will be asked to "show their hands" during a meeting of league presidents and athletic directors Nov. 9-10 in Dickinson, N.D.
"We will see where we stand and go from there," Jessen said.
The DAC began gathering information on a possible move after Si Tanka-Huron closed due to financial difficulties and the University of Mary left for Division II this year. The league now has eight members, with the possibility that some may choose to defect to Division II if the DAC decides to stay in the NAIA.
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Minot State, which has been in contact with the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and the NCAA, has put together a task force to do an in-depth study. Minot State will also hold open forum meetings in the next few months to gauge the interest of students, faculty, staff and boosters.
"It think it's a matter of each school studying this on each campus and deciding what is best for their campus," Minot State athletic director Rick Hedberg said.
The DAC's public stance is that members are committed to staying together.
However, it looks like it will be difficult in the NAIA because of scheduling problems within the region. NAIA President Steve Baker will discuss those concerns at the November meeting.
Jessen said it is unlikely a DAC school will ask for an NCAA exploratory year for next season. The deadline for a school to declare is June 1, around the same time the league has its next scheduled meeting.
But decision day is nearing.
"I don't think this will be the end of the DAC contemplating its future," Jessen said.
Odd and ends
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Readers can reach Forum reporter Heath Hotzler at (701) 241-5562 or hhotzler@forumcomm.com
