A major reason schools go Division I is to receive more exposure for their athletic programs and, in turn, their institutions. Among the benefits is increased enrollment.
"Coming out of the 1980s, we could win a national championship in Division II with very fine athletes, very fine coaches and very fine programs, but the visibility that comes with those championships would have been very limited," said Troy University chancellor Jack Hawkins, whose school moved to Division I in 1990.
Efforts have been made to create more exposure for Division II.
Cable network CSTV is televising regular-season football and basketball games this year.
A first-of-its-kind Division II sports festival was held last spring in Orlando, Fla., where national championships in lacrosse, tennis, softball and golf were contested.
Ambrose said he thinks some of those schools will return to Division II once they realize they can't bear the high costs associated with Division I.
"We'll become a destination division as institutions find appropriate balance," he said.
Nebraska-Omaha Chancellor John Christensen, whose school decided to remain Division II, said he'll be curious to see how new Division I members are faring in four or five years.
"I think some people are making the jump without all the financials in order. That story is yet to be told," he said.
- Associated Press
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