Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst University STUNT team has been accepted into the GMAC with competition beginning in the 2023-24 school year.
"Just days after the Division II Membership voted in support of STUNT as an emerging sport, we are thrilled to announce our conference membership for STUNT," said Assistant Vice President for Athletics Brad Davis. "We are excited that the first-ever STUNT team in school history can compete for a conference championship. Thank you to Great Midwest Commissioner Tom Daeger and the Board of Directors for their partnership in one of the fastest-growing sports in the country."
The Lakers, also an associate member in the Great Midwest in the sport of men's lacrosse, will join Malone University, Trevecca Nazarene University, and Walsh University next season to expand league teams competing in STUNT to eight. Hiram College was also announced as a new member of the conference.
"The ability to partner with Hiram and Mercyhurst in these early stages of STUNT's rapid growth and development will enhance the experience for our student-athletes and provide additional competition opportunities. We are thankful to Hiram's Scott Pohlman and Mercyhurst's Brad Davis for their interest in the Great Midwest STUNT Championships and welcome them to associate membership in the sport," stated Great Midwest Commissioner Tom Daeger.
"The addition of these two outstanding institutions, coupled with the recent announcements by three current members planning to sponsor the sport in 2023-24 illustrates the strong interest in STUNT. These developments along with the great opportunity to support the female student-athlete demand for this emerging sport made the recent decision to sponsor STUNT an easy one," added Daeger. "We couldn't imagine failing to bring this championship online considering this demand and substantial growth in high school and college STUNT sponsorship.
Mercyhurst alum, Ruthanne Mineo, will serve as the first Head Coach of the program.
Coach Mineo noted, "I am so excited to be back at Mercyhurst! It is an honor to be a part of history in the making here on campus! STUNT is providing incredible new opportunities for female athletes! Now with NCAA recognition and being accepted into the GMAC, our inaugural season is going to be truly groundbreaking! "
On January 14, the NCAA Division II membership added STUNT as an emerging sport for women and established legislation relating to membership, playing and practice seasons, and financial aid, effective August 1, 2023.
Join Mineo at Mercyhurst's first-ever recruitment clinic on February 25! Register HERE.
Want to compete on the first-ever STUNT team at Mercyhurst?: Click HERE to fill out a recruiting form.
