The UNBC Timberwolves earned a huge stamp of approval from Canada West on Tuesday.
Canada West Universities Athletic Association members voted in favour of UNBC moving from a probationary member to full membership status at their annual meeting Tuesday in Harrison, B.C.
"Receiving a positive vote today is extremely exciting for UNBC and the Timberwolves program," said UNBC interim president Mark Dale in a press release. "Academically UNBC is recognized as one of the top research intensive institutions in the country. Now, as members of Canada West, we will compete both academically and athletically with some of the top schools in Canada."
The T-wolves submitted their first application to join Canada West in 2008. It wasn't until 2010 that the Timberwolves received a majority vote bringing them on as a probationary member to start competition during the 2012-13 season.
"This move is the product of the support of numerous people and demonstrates the growth of the university's athletic department," said Loralyn Murdoch, UNBC's director of athletics and recreation. "The hard work of so many people over the past seven years has finally paid off."
Canada West policy requires a minimum three-quarters majority vote to grant full membership to a probationary school. Calgary's Mount Royal University joins UNBC to become the 15th and 16th institutions to join schools from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba in Canada West.
The final step for the Timberwolves will be at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport annual meeting June 9 to 11 in Vancouver. The meeting will determine whether UNBC will be accepted as a full member of the CIS, rather than its current position as a probationary member.
