WALNUT CREEK, Calif. -- The Presidents and Chancellors of the California Collegiate Athletic Association have formally accepted a recommendation from the CCAA Executive Council to accept the University of California, San Diego as a full-time member beginning in the 2000-01 academic year.

UC San Diego, an NCAA Division III independent, has been an allied member of the CCAA in cross country and track & field since 1991 and began its reclassification period for full NCAA Division II status in June 1998. The Tritons will compete for league championships in all 13 CCAA-sponsored sports, including women¹s volleyball, men¹s basketball, women¹s tennis and baseball, in 2000-01.

"UC San Diego¹s broad-based athletic program will add nicely to the CCAA sport offerings," said Commissioner Robert J. Hiegert. "UCSD has been a very successful Division III institution and I expect they will be a formidable member in the CCAA for years to come."

The Tritons bring a rich tradition of academic and athletic success to the CCAA. Known for its stringent academic requirements, UCSD has captured 24 national championships since 1981, finished second overall 33 times and third 30 times. In 1998, UC San Diego was recognized as the nation¹s top NCAA Division III overall sports program by earning the Sears Directors' Cup.