Lincoln excited to be an official Division II member

LOWER OXFORD, PA — The milestones keep coming for Lincoln University football. Dormant for 47 seasons, the program was reinstituted in 2008. Last fall, the Lions notched their first shutout since 1957, and it came against Livingstone, a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

When Lincoln opens the 2010 campaign on Sept. 5 against cross-county rival Cheyney, it will mark it's first as an active NCAA Division II program. And less then two weeks later, head coach O.J. Abanishe's squad will make its return as a full fledged member of the CIAA for the first time since dropping football in 1960.

"Now that we are Division II, we will be able to play for a conference championship and the guys will be able to play for weekly and postseason honors," said Abanishe, who sports a 4-16 mark through two seasons. "Our guys are really pleased about it.


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Coaches poll puts Lincoln University last in CIAA

The Lions, having transitioned to NCAA Division II, will begin their football season Sept. 5.

Lincoln University is projected to become the new cellar dweller of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. In their first season back as full CIAA members, the Lions were picked to finish seventh in the seven-team Northern Division in the conference coaches' preseason poll. They also were picked to finish last overall in the 13-team league.

Fayetteville State was picked to win the conference championship and Southern Division title during Thursday's CIAA Media Day at Virginia State. Bowie State was selected to win the Northern title. In addition to being picked last, Lincoln didn't have a player named to the all-CIAA preseason team that was selected by the conference's coaches and sports information directors.

But . . . "We should definitely be able to compete with the majority of the teams in the conference," said Lincoln coach O.J. Abanishe, whose squad returns 19 starters - 10 defensive and nine offensive - from last season's 3-7 squad. This season has special meaning for the Lions.

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Lincoln University (PA) is moving up to Division II‎

Lincoln University approved for full NCAA Division II membership

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. — Lincoln University of Pennsylvania has been approved for active National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II membership effective September 1, 2010.

As a Division II member, Lincoln will be able to subscribe to the National Letter of Intent, apply for enhancement funds, and earn the right to compete for national championships. Additionally, the University becomes a voting member at the 2011 NCAA Convention.

Lincoln’s administration was notified of the move Friday, July 9, 2010 with a formal announcement expected from the NCAA on Tuesday once the NCAA liaisons return to the National Office.

“Developing our athletic program has been an extensive yet rewarding journey, and is an important component in achieving our institutional objectives for the academic and social development of our students,” said University President Ivory V. Nelson.

“With the University receiving full active membership as Division II coupled with our plans to upgrade our athletic facilities, our students can take advantage of a top tier athletic program. The requirements of the Division II Life in the Balance focus, where student athletes must excel in the classroom, on the field and in the community, exemplifies the primary reason for Lincoln University seeking Division II status. The Membership Committee’s approval has allowed us to achieve another momentous milestone in our history.”

The acceptance culminates Lincoln’s three-year transition from Division III to Division II. As active members, the Lions are able to petition the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (which Lincoln helped found in 1912) for membership. The CIAA is the nation's oldest Black athletic conference. The CIAA is entering its 99th year of existence.

“The conference is excited to welcome home one of our founding institutions,” said CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry. “Lincoln (PA) has a rich history, dedicated fan base and a prominent athletic program that will undoubtedly add to the continued success of the CIAA.”

The CIAA, which Lincoln has competed in heavily since the 2007-08 year, has 12 member schools as far north as Bowie State in Bowie, Md., and as far south as Fayetteville State in Fayetteville, N.C. With the

additions of Lincoln University and Winston-Salem State for the 2010-11 year, the conference split into northern and southern divisions in each of its sports except for baseball.

Lincoln Director of Athletics Dianthia Ford-Kee welcomes a full return to the conference she was familiar with for so long. She played basketball and softball at Fayetteville State and spent 18 years as a coach and administrator at Shaw University, located in Raleigh, N.C. She arrived at Lincoln prior to the 2008-09 season and is eager to begin her third year at the helm of the department.

“This is a great moment in Lincoln University’s rich athletic history,” said Ford-Kee. “I am proud to have played a part in this transition. My staff and I are excited about the opportunities that our student-athletes will embark upon as an active NCAA Division II member and as well as the official return to the CIAA. Many thanks to the NCAA DII Membership Committee and its representatives for the guidance and support provided throughout the transition.”

The conference affiliation is the Lions’ first since 1992-93 when they were a part of the Eastern States Athletic Conference in Division III, which included institutions such as Salisbury (Md.), Allentown (now DeSales), Frostburg State (Md.) and Shenandoah (Va.).

Men and women’s soccer will compete in Division II as an independent, as the CIAA does not sponsor those sports.

Office of Sports Information
Lincoln University ∙ 15710 Baltimore Pike ∙ Lincoln University, PA 19352

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Lincoln University Lions 2010 Football Schedule

LU football schedule released

Sep. 5 Cheyney University of Pa. Philadelphia, Pa. 3 p.m.
Sep. 11 University of New Haven New Haven, Conn. 1 p.m.
Sep. 18 Virginia Union University Richmond, Va. 1 p.m.
Sep. 25 Saint Augustine’s College West Grove, Pa. 1 p.m.
Oct. 2 Howard University (Division I-AA) Washington, D.C. 1 p.m.
Oct. 9 Chowan University Murfreesboro, N.C. 6 p.m.
Oct. 16 Bowie State University Bowie, Md. 1 p.m.
Oct. 23 Virginia State University Petersburg, Va. 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 30 Saint Paul’s College West Grove, Pa. 1 p.m.
Nov. 6 Elizabeth City State West Grove, Pa. 1 p.m.