November 7, 2008 (Preque Ilse, ME) – The University of Maine at Presque Isle has finally been recognized as an affiliated member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The University is excited about its new membership because it provides greater opportunities for student-athletes to pursue excellence in both the classroom and on the playing field.

Throughout the past four years, the UMPI men’s and women’s cross-country ski teams have been competing within USCSA winning twelve medals at their championships. At the same time, the Owl team competes at the Division I NCAA level and has been working hard toward becoming competitive within the EISA conference.

In regards to building their Nordic ski program, the University has hired new ski coach Petr Jakl. Jakl, who is in his second year at UMPI, has brought with him over 20 years of international coaching experience from Europe and North America. He is also involved in developing a Cross Country Ski Coaching program, the first of its kind at the undergraduate level, and he hopes to play an important role in the future of the University’s Education curriculum.

For more information, please visit www.umpi.edu or contact Petr Jakl (207)768-9689, petr.jakl@umpi.edu.