Editor’s Note: This is the eighth in a series of the top 10 news stories of 2011 as chosen by TimesDaily newsroom balloting.


One topic dominated much of the talk concerning the University of North Alabama’s athletics program in 2011, and it had nothing to do with on-field accomplishments.

Instead, it dealt with the NCAA level on which the Lions would compete.

After years of study, in June the board of trustees voted 6-3 to pursue NCAA Division I membership. UNA presently competes in Division II.

In voting to move up, the board also committed to raising the cost of doing business on the athletic landscape. Despite opposition from students, faculty and staff and the hefty price tag, UNA officials set about raising the necessary money to make the move.

UNA’s athletic budget is approximately $4 million per year to compete in the Gulf South Conference of Division II. Studies conducted by the university indicate it will take approximately $3.5 million more per year to operate the athletics department.

Board members said that difference can be recouped mostly through student fees, private donations, corporate partnerships and by playing guaranteed payout games by the football and men’s and women’s basketball teams.

“This is an exciting time in the history of UNA,” university President William G. Cale said after the vote. “As we move forward with the board’s decision ..., I am excited about our future. We have a plan to move ahead strategically and to build upon our very successful athletics program.”

Once the board voted to make the move, university officials began fundraising and exploring conference affiliation. In order to move to Division I, the university must first have a conference invitation and pay a $1.42 million application fee.

Officials were hopeful of receiving an invitation from the Ohio Valley Conference, a league that is the most geographically logical for the Lions. But in November, OVC presidents voted against immediate expansion, leaving UNA looking for other conference options.

School officials said at their December meeting they had secured pledges for approximately $1.5 million toward the move. They also said they will continue to pursue Division I status despite not having a conference invitation.

Contact Gregg Dewalt at 256-740-5748 or gregg.dewalt@TimesDaily.com.