Nov. 3, 2003

Rensselaer Vows To Challenge Proposed Scholarship Ban at January NCAA Convention

Rensselaer officials vowed to take the university's case to preserve scholarships for hockey players to the full NCAA convention in January, after the NCAA Division III President’s Council declined to withdraw the proposal from a larger package of reforms during an Oct. 30 meeting.

The proposal to prohibit Division III schools from offering athletic grants-in-aid to athletes competing at the Division I level is part of a sweeping package of reforms aimed at Division III athletics departments. The reform package, announced in August, is scheduled for a vote by the 424 Division III institutions at an NCAA Convention on Jan. 12 in Nashville, Tenn. The package includes proposals to adjust playing seasons, financial aid, and recruiting. Rensselaer officials support many of the proposed reforms, but have voiced strong opposition to the proposal that would eliminate scholarships for its Division I men’s hockey program.

“We strongly oppose the NCAA proposal on scholarship aid because it ignores the outstanding academic tradition of our athletics program here at Rensselaer,” Ralph said. “Over the next several weeks leading up to the January NCAA convention, we fully intend to work vigorously, in conjunction with the other seven affected universities, to tell our story of Rensselaer’s great hockey tradition. We remain committed to offer hockey at the highest level.”