The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) has announced the University of Jamestown (UJ) as the newest member of the league.

The announcement was made in Jamestown, North Dakota, during a press conference at the Foss Wellness Center on the University of Jamestown campus.

The University of Jamestown Jimmies will officially join the GPAC beginning with the 2018-19 academic year after being approved at the October 11, 2016 meeting of the GPAC Council of Presidents.

“We are excited to have the University of Jamestown join the GPAC,” said Corey Westra, GPAC Commissioner.  “The University of Jamestown is an outstanding faith-based institution that aligns well with the current members of the GPAC. In addition, they have a robust offering of sports.”

The University of Jamestown expands the reach of the GPAC into another state.  “This was an opportunity to strengthen the GPAC as one of the top conferences in the NAIA,” added Westra.  “The University of Jamestown fits our conference not only athletically, but academically, and that is what we are about, academic and athletic excellence.”

 

UJ offers 18 varsity sports and fully meets the sport offering requirements of the GPAC.  A handful of the University of Jamestown teams (Cheer, Dance and Wrestling) will participate as affiliate members of the conference in the 2017-18 academic year. The Jimmies will become the 12th member of the GPAC which was founded in 2000-2001.  Currently the University of Jamestown is a member of the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA).