March 8, 2008

For immediate release:

Staci Schottman, NAIA Director of Public Relations and Communications, 816-595-8116

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced today that Fresno Pacific University (Calif.) and the Fresno Sports Council have been awarded the 2008 and 2009 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championships. The 50th Annual event will be contested December 1-6, 2008, at Ramirez Field on the Fresno Pacific campus. The 2009 national championship tournament will take place November 30-December 5.

"The NAIA is excited to partner with Fresno Pacific University and the Fresno Sports Council to celebrate the 50th anniversary of men's soccer. This partnership is built on a commitment to create a terrific championship experience for the participants, coaches and fans," said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. "The Fresno community has embraced NAIA championships in the past and this event promises to be a fan favorite in an area that supports soccer."

The single elimination tournament will feature over 500 student-athletes and coaches from the United States and Canada. The event will showcase the top 16 teams in the NAIA including the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds who will make their sixth national championship appearance. The Sunbirds have three second-place finishes in their six-year tournament history; while Golden State Athletic Conference rival Azusa Pacific University (Calif.) took home the championship trophy in 2007.

"We are extremely pleased to be selected as the host for the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championships for the next two years. Not only will this be a great event for FPU and the community, but it will also be an opportunity for people to see soccer played at an elite level," said Dennis Janzen, Director of Athletics at Fresno Pacific University. "What makes this even more special is that 2008 will be the celebration of the 50th annual men's soccer national championship tournament for the NAIA."

Fresno Sports Council Manager/SMG Kelly Carr added, "On behalf of the city I am thrilled the NAIA is coming back to Fresno. The opportunity to host the 50th annual event is an honor and to be involved with a prestigious organization like the NAIA is just fantastic."

Located in the heart of the Golden State the city is known for its big city amenities and small town hospitality. Fresno Pacific and the Fresno Sports Council have a standing tradition of organizing prestigious national events including the NAIA volleyball (1999) and track and field (2006, 2007) championships. 

"Fresno Pacific University and the Fresno Sports Council have a proven track record of hosting successful NAIA conference, regional and national championships," said Scott McClure, NAIA Manager of Championship Sports. "This year we'll celebrate the 50th Annual NAIA Men's Soccer Championship and Fresno is committed to making it an outstanding championship for our teams and their fans."

The first national championship was played in Slippery Rock, Pa. and the hardware went to Pratt Institute (N.Y.). Today, 209 NAIA member institutions sponsor soccer. To learn more about the NAIA and the 2008 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship click here or contact Scott McClure at smcclure@naia.org.   

NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) 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.