The long wait is almost over.
Thursday, Claflin University will hold an 11 a.m. press conference in the Jonas T. Kennedy Center to announce the NCAA’s decision on the school’s athletic status. The Panthers have been under revision for inclusion in the NCAA for four years, and according to sports information director Lionell Sabb, the school will either be admitted to the NCAA as a full member, a member with conditions, be put into another year of provisionary status or have its revisionary status revoked.
Calflin’s press conference was originally scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday, but Sabb said the school’s conference call with the NCAA could take place late that evening or early Thursday morning. Claflin is among 13 schools vying for inclusion into the NCAA.
“We are on pins and needles waiting on that phone call,” Sabb said. “There’s always optimism. We are feeling optimistic, but you never know until the NCAA gives you their stamp of approval.”
T&D Sports Editor Brian Linder can be reached via e-mail at blinder@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5553. Check out his blog, Welcome to Linderland, at www.thetandd.com.