Peach Belt Extends Invitation To MGA For Conference Membership

Author: News Bureau
Posted: Wednesday, January 10, 2024 12:00 AM
Categories: School of Business | Students | School of Computing | Pressroom | School of Health and Natural Sciences | School of Arts and Letters | School of Education and Behavioral Sciences | School of Aviation

Augusta, GA

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AUGUSTA, GA -- The Peach Belt Conference Board of Directors voted unanimously to extend an invitation to Middle Georgia State University (MGA) to join the league pending approval of their acceptance into the NCAA Division II provisional process. MGA is expected to apply on February 1, 2025 and, if accepted, will begin the process and join the league in the fall of 2025.

"This is a great addition for the Peach Belt Conference and we could not be happier that Middle Georgia State has chosen us as their new home in NCAA Division II," said PBC commissioner David Brunk. "Our great thanks go out to president Dr. Christopher Blake for his vision and leadership. MGA is poised and ready to enter the Division II ranks and will be a great fit in the Peach Belt."

Middle Georgia State is a leading public state university in the University System of Georgia, serving 8,000 students on campuses in Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman and Warner Robins in addition to their online offerings with over 65 areas of study. MGA is also home to Georgia's flagship School of Aviation.

“This invitation to join the well-regarded Peach Belt Conference is a momentous development for Middle Georgia State’s athletics program,” said MGA President Christopher Blake. “As we move ahead toward membership in NCAA Division II, we will continue to shape Knights athletics into a program that reflects our University’s vision and values and opens doors to new collaborations, rivalries, and shared experiences.”

"Middle Georgia State University is a growing, vibrant and dynamic institution and a great fit for the Peach Belt Conference," said Dr. Richard Cosentino, president of Lander University and chair of the PBC Board of Directors. "The commitment they have demonstrated to their athletic programs along with their dedication to academic success for all students will enable them to succeed at the Division II level."

“I believe that pursuing membership in the Peach Belt Conference will not only enhance the reputation of our athletics program but also contribute to the overall growth and success of our University community,” said Michael Brown, MGA’s athletics director. “The Peach Belt Conference is renowned for its commitment to fostering student-athlete success, promoting sportsmanship, and providing a platform for spirited competition. I have full confidence that MGA will not only meet but exceed the high standards set by the conference.”

Middle Georgia State athletics currently competes in the NAIA and the Southern States Athletic Conference. The Knights will bring baseball, softball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's tennis, women's cross country and volleyball to the PBC with plans to add women's outdoor track and field (distance) starting in 2025-26. MGA athletics is housed on the Cochran campus with volleyball and tennis playing in Macon.