Nov. 25, 2008

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Earlier this afternoon, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national office was notified by Northwestern Oklahoma State University officials that three of its football players competed while ineligible last week (Nov. 22) in their Football Championship Series (FCS) First Round win against Friends (Kan.) University. In consultation with administration of Friends University, Carroll College and the NAIA national office staff, the Executive Committee of the National Administrative Council decided that the elimination of Northwestern Oklahoma State University resulted in Carroll College's advancement to the Football Championship Semifinals (Dec. 6). 

"It is an unfortunate situation for all involved, but the decision of the NAC was the best resolution given the difficult circumstances," stated Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO.

Three games are scheduled in the FCS Quarterfinal round on Nov. 29: Sioux Falls (S.D.) hosting Langston (Okla.) at 12 p.m. CST, Saint Francis (Ind.) hosting Cumberlands (Ky.) at 12 p.m. CST and Morningside (Iowa) hosting Lindenwood (Mo.) at 1 p.m. CST.

According to the NAIA Official Policy Handbook, the result on the field will stand as a 42-7 win for Northwestern Oklahoma State. NWOSU will vacate its position in the Football Championship Series and not advance to the Quarterfinal round. Refer to page 144 (XXI, A, 11) in the NAIA Official Policy Handbook: "In the case of team/individual student-athletes forfeitures at NAIA National Championships, honors and placings will be vacated by the offending team/athlete and final results will not be adjusted."

The Football Championship Series Semifinals are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6 on campus sites. The 53^rd Annual Russell Athletic-NAIA Football National Championship is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 20 at Rome, Ga. Rome-Floyd County and Shorter (Ga.) College will host the event at Barron Stadium. The event will be televised live on CBS College Sports Network with kick-off slated for 12 p.m. EST. For ticket information, call (706) 233-7288 or click here to download the order form.

For more information on the violation, click here.

For more information on the 2008 National Championship, click here.

For scores and stats from the Football Championship Series Opening Round, click here.

Football Championship Series Quarterfinal Pairings | Saturday, Nov. 29

Game 1:	Carroll (Mont.) advances to Semifinals
Game 2:	Sioux Falls (S.D.) hosts Langston (Okla.), 12 p.m. CST
Game 3:	Saint Francis (Ind.) hosts Cumberlands (Ky.), 12 p.m. EST
Game 4:	Morningside (Iowa) hosts Lindenwood (Mo.), 1 p.m. CST

About the NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The Association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association's innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves. To learn more visit www.naia.org.