Director of Athletics Letter: Why Division III?

WHY Division III?

April 8th – April 14th is a national celebration of NCAA Division III Week. Concordia University Wisconsin is a proud member of NCAA Division III and we embrace all the many positive benefits that participation at this level brings to bear. Division III student-athletes attend CUW with the dual purposes of obtaining an excellent education and vigorously competing in the sport(s) of their choice.

In the classroom or in practice and competition, the Falcon student-athlete is actively learning academic, social and sport related lessons in a Christian environment that will become an integral part of their personal foundations as they transition into professional life.

NCAA Division III represents intercollegiate athletics in its purest form. Division III student-athletes passionately compete in athletics for pure love of the game and perform admirably in their roles as positive ambassadors for CUW. Devoid of athletic scholarships, student-athletes in Division III assume the responsibilities of off season training, practices and competition without the benefit of financial compensation provided to their Division I and Division II counterparts.

The spirit of competition at this level is as intense as any other and often free of the problems associated with the business of intercollegiate sport. In a time where the academic, social and financial demands on college students are great Division III student-athletes make the time and necessary commitment to be engaged citizens, competent students and highly skilled athletes.

NCAA DIII membership represents almost 450 colleges and universities and nearly 175,000 true student-athletes across the country. This critical mass indeed comprises the largest of all the NCAA's divisions at 42 percent of the entire NCAA membership. The purpose of intercollegiate athletics in higher education is to provide opportunities for students, help create and foster community while serving as a central rallying and connection point for faculty, staff, student body and alumni.

Division III athletes satisfy these objectives while also pursuing their many other interests outside of sports. Integration and inclusion among the many areas of the general student body is a significant benefit of the Division III student-athlete experience. Falcon athletes and their Division III colleagues have the opportunity to pursue athletic excellence while maintaining balance in their lives and focus on their futures.