Saint Francis Red Flash dropping to Division III after NCAA tournament appearance
Just one week after an appearance in the men's basketball NCAA tournament, the Saint Francis Red Flash are significantly moving down.
The men's and women's athletics programs will reclassify from Division I to Division III for the 2026-2027 academic year and fall 2026 athletic competition, with the Red Flash participating in the Presidents' Athletic Conference, the school announced Tuesday.
The teams will continue to participate in Division I as part of the Northeast Conference through the summer 2026 competition.
"This was not an easy nor a quick decision for the Board of Trustees," said chairman Rev. Joseph Lehman in a statement. "The governance associated with intercollegiate athletics has always been complicated and is only growing in complexity based on realities like the transfer portal, pay-for-play, and other shifts that move athletics away from love of the game. For that reason, as a Board, we aim to best provide resources and support to our student-athletes in this changing environment that aligns with our mission, Catholic institution, and our community's expectations."
The move comes just weeks before the college sports world is expected to undergo a seismic shift, as on April 7, final approval is expected for the landmark, $2.8 billion lawsuit settlement that lays the foundation for players to receive money directly from their schools.
"All of the university's offerings that are a core part of the Saint Francis identity and student experience are reviewed by the Board on an ongoing basis, including intercollegiate athletics," Lehman said in the statement. "Based on the changes in athletics nationally, it would be a disservice to our student-athletes and athletic department staff not to review and assess how we can best provide the resources necessary for them to be competitive."
On March 19, the Saint Francis men's basketball team played in a First Four game against Alabama State after pulling off an improbable run to the NEC conference title. The Red Flash lost on a last-second layup, and it would appear they will not get a chance at redemption any time soon.
"The Board and I have been concerned about the student-athlete experience for many years," president Rev. Malachi Van Tassell said in a statement. "The geography of our conference is huge. Our students travel either to Chicago or to Boston or to points in between. That's a lot of time not spent on campus, developing friendships or in the classroom. This change allows our students to be present on campus and lets their friends attend more of their home and away games. This decision is about creating and maintaining community and allowing our student-athletes to thrive in the classroom and their chosen sport. ...
"I want to be clear-we are very proud of our Division I history and success, and our student-athletes. We know this transition may be stressful. We will do everything possible to support our student-athletes, their families, our coaches, and our staff and do right by you."
First Published: March 25, 2025, 12:06 p.m.
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