General 4/14/2015 2:00:00 PM

Daemen Announces Addition Of Two Intercollegiate Sports

Wildcat Athletics To Sponsor Women's Triathlon & Bowling

AMHERST, N.Y. - Daemen College Director of Athletics Bridget Niland announced today that the College will expand its intercollegiate sport sponsorship to include women's triathlon and bowling with both teams set to begin competition in the 2015-16 academic year.

The addition of these programs brings the total number of intercollegiate sport offerings at Daemen to 16, further exemplifying the College's quest to become a regional leader within the ranks of NCAA Division II. Since embarking upon its transition to NCAA membership in 2011, Daemen has added six varsity sports. Going back further, 14 intercollegiate athletics programs have been added to Daemen's arsenal since 1997.

"Adding sports is in line with the strategic plan that has been developed over the course of our NCAA Division II membership initiative," Niland said. "We are certainly excited to be in this position, offering additional intercollegiate athletic opportunities to the young women on our campus, and in the Western New York community as a whole."

The addition of a women's triathlon program is especially groundbreaking as Daemen becomes one of the first NCAA Division II schools east of the Rocky Mountains to sponsor the sport at the varsity level. Triathlon, a combined swimming, cycling and running race, has gained momentum at the NCAA level recently after being named an emerging sport for women at the NCAA National Convention held in Washington, D.C. in January. Currently, less than a handful of NCAA triathlon programs exist, including NCAA Division II programs at Adams State University (Colo.) and University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

Daemen is in the process of working with USA Triathlon, the sport's national governing body, to build the finances necessary to start an NCAA-sponsored program.

Niland also announced the hiring of Dr. Jon Metz as the Head Women's Triathlon Coach. Metz, who is well-known in triathlon circles locally, played an integral role in the planning stages of implementing the program here at Daemen. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position; Metz is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach, Youth and Junior Certified Coach as well as serving as the organization's Regional Youth Coordinator in the Northeast Region.

The addition of a women's bowling team is equally as exciting given Daemen's location in Western New York, traditionally one of the best regions for the sport in the country. It is strategic as well with the team's addition coming at a time when Daemen's league - the East Coast Conference - is exploring the possibility of sponsoring a championship in the sport, perhaps jointly with another NCAA Division II conference. Daemen will join Molloy College as the first ECC schools to field a women's bowling team.

Niland reported that a national search for a head coach will begin immediately, although she is hopeful to draw numerous qualified applicants from the talent-rich Western New York area. Also, a search for a home venue to hold practices and competitions is underway.

If you would like to inquire about ways that you can be involved with or provide support to either the women's triathlon or bowling programs at Daemen, contact Director of Athletics Bridget Niland at bniland@daemen.edu or (716) 839-8587.

Daemen is currently in the Provisional Year of the NCAA Division II membership process with full membership status planned for the 2015-16 academic year.

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