(LEBANON, Ill., June 2)—McKendree University director of athletics Chuck Brueggemann announced on Friday that the University's fencing program will move its classification to NCAA varsity status beginning with the 2017-18 academic year. With this move, the Bearcats will be able to compete amongst NCAA Division I programs at the national championship level.
 
"This is a great moment for our fencing program," said Brueggemann. "Coach Hossam Hassan has done a masterful job of building our program to prepare for this move, and I have no doubt he will continue to lead us on this successful path. Our student-athletes have helped McKendree become a very visible program among NCAA circles in just a short period of time. I look forward to the day when they represent McKendree in an NCAA Championship event."
 
The McKendree fencing program made its debut during the 2014-15 academic year. Over the last three years, the Bearcats have faced off against many of the top NCAA programs in the country, including Northwestern University, Ohio State University, Penn State University and the University of Michigan. In 2016-17, McKendree competed in six tournaments, five of which were hosted by NCAA Division I institutions. The Bearcats recorded a third-place finish at the Purdue University Fencing Open in early November.
 
"I feel really good about this move for our program," said Hassan, who recently completed his second season as the head coach of the Bearcats' fencing team. "We have a great group of student-athletes who have helped get us to this level and will help us make this next step. Our NCAA status will help our program grow (as) we continue attract high-caliber student-athletes capable of success at the NCAA level. I know it will create greater interest within the area programs, which will aid in recruiting as well."
 
In addition to its move to NCAA status, the McKendree fencing program will maintain its membership in the Midwest Fencing Conference. The Bearcats have competed as league members since their debut in 2014-15. As members of the MFC, McKendree competes alongside NCAA Division I powers Ohio State, Michigan and Northwestern as well as Michigan State University, Cleveland State University, the University of Detroit, Indiana University and the University of Illinois.
 
In NCAA fencing, teams generally compete from the early fall through the winter. The 2017 NCAA Fencing Championship was held in March in Indianapolis, Ind.
 
"McKendree is well-prepared for this move to NCAA status in fencing," said Brueggemann. "This is a moment we have building toward since the program's inception, and we will watch with pride as Coach Hassan and the student-athletes take this step into a new era."