IUPUC just made history, wrapping up its first year with intercollegiate athletics, and recently earning full NAIA membership for the 2023-2024 school year as part of the River States Conference.
Here’s a quick look at the 2022-2023 numbers:
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Year: 1
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Sports: 3
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Coaches: 6
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Student-athletes: 55
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Cross country meets: 5
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Softball games: 29
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Baseball games: 46
While the numbers are impressive, they don’t do justice to the immense effort and collaboration it took to get the program off the ground, from recruiting, securing community sponsorships, getting practice and game facilities, equipment, uniforms, transportation, marketing, and so much more.
“I can’t tell you how much we appreciate the support we’ve received from everyone who has joined our journey,” said Zach McClellan, IUPUC Director of Athletics. “We made the dream a reality this year.”
Highlights from the 2022-2023 season include 38 stolen bases by Wyatt Sutton, hosting the first home game at Ceraland Park for softball on Feb. 23, and Brett Kleber placing 14th at the Kokomo Cross Country Invitational.
And there’s a lot to look forward to in the 2023-2024 season, as IUPUC is adding women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer teams. As a result, in addition to the 55 NAIA-eligible student-athletes who participated in this inaugural year, the athletics department has recruited 80 additional student-athletes who’ve verbally committed to join IUPUC this fall.
“Next year, we’re adding three teams and welcoming numerous athletes to our program,” McClellan said. “What a great time to be part of the Crimson Pride!”
Schedules are already being put in place for the fall season. You can find them on the IUPUC athletics site.