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Posted by
Corey Westra
-
Mon, Jul 7, 2008
- [
GPAC
] - Viewed 311 times
 Dana to Offer Three New Varsity Sports
Dana College will add competitive dance, men's golf, and women's lacrosse to the 2009-2010 school year. The expansion will increase the number of intercollegiate varsity sports to 17.
"We are thrilled with the addition of women's lacrosse, men's golf, and competitive dance," athletic director Bill Danenhauer said. "The additional sports will also support our growing student population."
Women's lacrosse is not a championship sport in the NAIA. Dana will be looking to join one of two different associations for competition. Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing collegiate sports in the Midwest. GPAC members Northwestern and Dordt have club lacrosse teams. Creighton University along with the Universities of Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas have women's club teams participating in the United States Lacrosse Women's Division. The search for a women's lacrosse coach will commence this fall and the team will begin practicing in fall 2009. The inaugural women's lacrosse season will start in spring 2010. "Women's lacrosse is a growing sport in the nation," commented Danenhauer. "We anticipate the addition of more teams in the years ahead, and we look to be a leader in women's lacrosse in our area of the country." Competitive dance will perform at halftime during football, men's basketball, and women's basketball games. They will also compete in state and national competitions. Dance is slated to start in fall 2009. "By adding dance to the varsity level, we look to grow interest in the team and grow the squad's numbers," added Danenhauer. "The addition of dance shows the college strength in and commitment to the performing arts." Men's golf last made its appearance on Dana's campus in the early 1990's, but was dropped due to low numbers as well as the NIAC not sanctioning it as a championship sport. The GPAC and NAIA now sanction the sport as a championship sport, and Dana is pleased to bring it back to campus. Warren Kuhl, the current women's golf coach at Dana College, will add the men's golf team to his duties. Men's golf will take part in a split fall and spring season. "We feel we have the opportunity to add a quality sport to our department," said Danenhauer. "I believe Coach Warren Kuhl can build a competitive program." |
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