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NCAA Division II expanding into Mexico
The NCAA is extending its reach.
After a weekend vote, the NCAA’s Division II will now allow Mexican colleges to apply for membership, effective immediately. The new legislation was approved Saturday by a 253-45 vote.
Division II previously voted to include Canadian schools back in 2008 and Simon Fraser University, located in Vancouver, British Columbia, became the NCAA’s first international member in 2012-13.
Though none have applied yet, Mexican schools could follow suit as long as they meet Division II’s standards. Additionally, schools that apply would have to complete a three-year provisional period before becoming a full member.
The dearth of football programs in the western part of the U.S. played a big part in the move.
Division II officials hope Mexico brings more than just diversity to the playing fields. Only five schools in the West field football teams and those schools would like to schedule more games closer to campus. Some, in fact, already have scheduled Mexican opponents and found them to be competitive.
“We believe it would help in the vast Western region and would create a valuable cultural experience for the global world we are preparing our students to live in,” said Bill LaForge, president of Delta State in Mississippi.
So in a few years we could potentially see a Division II college football game between teams from Mexico and Canada. Pretty cool, huh?
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
