NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The College of New Rochelle (CNR) has been accepted for full membership into the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), it was announced Monday following a vote by the ECAC Board of Directors. CNR will be eligible for ECAC Championships, awards, officiating services and other benefits effective immediately.
“We are extremely excited about joining a conference as prestigious and historic as the ECAC,” said Harold Crocker, Director of Athletics at The College of New Rochelle. “Membership in the ECAC provides extensive benefits to all of the student-athletes, coaches, and administrators at the College.”
“Membership in the ECAC is an important step during this transformative strategic phase for our Department of Athletics,” said Elaine T. White, Vice President for Student Services at The College of New Rochelle. “The opportunities for increased competition, recognition and growth for our student-athletes are aligned with our institutional priorities, and broadens and strengthens the CNR brand.”
“We are extremely excited to have The College of New Rochelle join the ECAC,” said ECAC Commissioner Dr. Kevin T. McGinniss. “The College of New Rochelle is an up-and-coming athletic program that can benefit greatly from the recognition opportunities and increased exposure the ECAC provides. In joining the ECAC, The College of New Rochelle has made a strong commitment to the continued success and prosperity of its student-athletes.”
The nation’s largest conference, the ECAC boasts over 300 member schools across all three NCAA Divisions, including nearly 200 in Division III.
The College of New Rochelle’s six NCAA Division III programs; basketball, cross country, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball, have achieved a tremendous amount of success recently. The volleyball team has won its conference tournament in three of the last five season, and is coming off a record-breaking 22-win season, while the basketball team captured the conference tournament championship last season.
CNR student-athletes received a total of 34 conference weekly honors, which included Player of the Week, Rookie of the Week and Pitcher of the Week recognition. In end of season accolades, the Blue Angels received 27 All-Conference awards.
The College of New Rochelle student-athletes also excelled in the classroom, as 32 All-Academic awards were handed out to Blue Angels in 2013-14.