KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association CEO Council approved the associate membership of Augustana University (S.D.) to compete in the MIAA/GAC Men's Tennis North Division for the 2021-22 academic year. The Vikings are a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, however the NSIC currently does not sponsor men's tennis.

"Augustana University has a long history of sponsoring men's tennis, the institution has outstanding facilities and it is committed to providing its student-athletes a first class experience," said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. "The MIAA is excited to welcome the Vikings to the MIAA-GAC Men's Tennis Conference, a partnership designed to help protect the sport of NCAA Division II Men's Tennis in the Midwest."

The Vikings will join the MIAA North Division which features Washburn, Northwest Missouri, Newman and Emporia State. The Bearcats of Northwest Missouri advanced to the NCAA National Quarterfinals last season.

"I'm thrilled for our student-athletes today and tomorrow who will get the chance to compete for a championship," said Augustana Director of Athletics Josh Morton. "The geographic alignment with the MIAA makes sense on so many levels and we can't wait to compete."

Augustana is no stranger to MIAA competition, having faced off against the Ichabods, Bearcats and Hornets in each of the past three seasons.