MARCH 25, 2025 | composed by STEVE ULRICH

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TOP STORY
1. BREAKING: Saint Francis to Transition From DI to DIII

“Saint Francis University’s Board of Trustees is announcing the University's plans to re-classify from NCAA Division I to NCAA Division III and join the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) as the league's 13th full-time member. Saint Francis will become a full-time PAC member with voting and membership rights effective on July 1, 2025, with competition beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.

“Saint Francis University is honored to announce our transition to the Presidents' Athletic Conference and our reclassification as a Division III institution,” said Father Malachi Van Tassell T.O.R, Ph.D, President of Saint Francis University. “This strategic and mission-aligned decision reflects our enduring commitment to the holistic development of our student-athletes — supporting their academic pursuits, athletic excellence, and personal growth within a values-based educational environment.

“The PAC comprises peer institutions that share our faith-based foundations and educational philosophy,” continued Father Van Tassel. “Its geographic proximity—consisting of member schools located within a three-hour radius of Loretto—will enable us to cultivate stronger regional rivalries, enhance community engagement, and significantly reduce the travel demands placed on our students.

“This transition marks a pivotal step forward—one embraced with optimism and a clear vision for the continued growth and excellence of Saint Francis University,” added Father Van Tassel. “This new chapter affirms our dedication to providing a transformational collegiate experience—on the field, in the classroom, and throughout campus life—guided always by our Catholic, Franciscan mission and values.”

Saint Francis fields 22 varsity athletic teams, including nine men's and 13 women's. The University will retain its current affiliation as a full-time member of the Northeast Conference (NEC) until June 30, 2026, when it will begin transitioning to Division III.

As Saint Francis transitions to Division III, a process which will take three years to complete, the Red Flash will have full schedules in all applicable PAC sports. Saint Francis will not be eligible for PAC Championships or compete in Conference Championship Tournaments in basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, baseball & softball until they are approved for active Division III membership by the NCAA. Red Flash programs in sports such as cross country, golf, swimming and diving and indoor and outdoor track and field will be able to compete at PAC Championships starting in 2026-27 but will not be eligible for all-conference recognition.”

» What They’re Saying. “On behalf of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference and our Presidents Council, it is my distinct honor to officially welcome Saint Francis University of Pennsylvania as they reclassify their athletic department to NCAA Division III and full PAC membership," said PAC Commissioner Joe Onderko, now in his 19th year leading the conference. "The oldest Catholic-Franciscan college in the United States, Saint Francis is a tremendous fit, both geographically and culturally, as the newest PAC member. In addition, the Red Flash athletic department shares our unique vision that academic and athletic excellence are not mutually exclusive. We are excited to welcome them as the league’s 13th full member and believe they will be a tremendous partner as the PAC continues to grow.

"This is another key step towards our vision of the PAC continuing to build its foundation as one of the elite NCAA Division III conferences in the nation," added Onderko. "With the addition of four new full members in the past six years, as well as recent additional varsity sport offerings, I believe the PAC has never been stronger at any point in its 70-year history.”

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