Shorter selected for membership in National Christian College Athletic Association

July 9, 2012 - Shorter University has been accepted as a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). The NCCAA has 112 member institutions that enroll more than 14,500 student-athletes.

The NCCAA membership is an addition to the university’s athletic department resume and comes as Shorter is finishing year one of its transition to Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

“Our coaches have a wonderful Christian spirit and attitude, and the new affiliation with the NCCAA allows us to make a clear statement about Shorter Athletics’ commitment to the University’s mission as a Christ-centered institution dedicated to transforming lives through Christ,” said Shorter Athletic Director Bill Peterson. “We seek to honor God through excellence in athletic competition and are excited to join with other institutions who share that core value.”

“The relationship with the NCCAA would not be possible without the support of our President, Dr. Don Dowless, and our Board of Trustees under the leadership of past Chairman, Dr. Nelson Price, and current Chairman, Joe Frank Harris. We are grateful for them and for the tremendous support that they and the Rome community give to our coaches and student-athletes,” Peterson added.

Membership in the NCCAA will allow Shorter to compete alongside other Christ-centered institutions for national NCCAA titles. In addition to hosting championship competitions, the NCCAA maintains a clear commitment to Christian Service through athletics, provides sports ministry funding for its membership, and promotes Christian fellowship at championships and annual meetings.

“Your student-athletes will be challenged and blessed by giving of themselves to local communities and youth prior to competing (in championship events). These service projects allow us to reaffirm that the cross of Christ still has priority over any banners we may win.” wrote NCCAA Executive Director Dan Wood and Director of Member Relations Jerry Malone, in a letter announcing Shorter’s acceptance.

During the 2011-12 academic year, Shorter recorded its best athletic year ever during its last year of affiliation with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Shorter Athletics won three team national championships, had three coaches recognized as National Coach of the Year, saw student-athletes claim five individual national champion titles, and had five other top-five national finishes. Shorter ended the year ranked No. 2 in the final standings of the NACDA Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup, the highest-ever finish for any athletic program in Georgia.

Since 2008, Shorter has compiled eight team national championships – four in the NAIA and four in competitive cheerleading through NCA – and 19 individual national championships. In addition to back-to-back top three Directors’ Cup finishes, Shorter has also seen its coaches receive National Coach of the Year honors on five different occasions.