Campbell Univ. again takes stand against Sunday athletic competition

BUIES CREEK, N.C. (BP)--A North Carolina Baptist college once again is taking a stand against competing on Sundays.

Campbell University President Norman A. Wiggins is requesting an override vote of NCAA Proposal 98-32, approved by the NCAA Division 1 board of directors April 23 to eliminate the requirement that NCAA championship schedules be adjusted to accommodate a school's policy against Sunday competition.

Campbell University, in Buies Creek, N.C., left the Big South Conference several years ago over the issue of Sunday competition.

Proposal 98-32, which went into effect immediately, also permits Sunday competition to begin prior to noon, local time.

The changes, according to the NCAA, will allow for "increased promotional opportunities," or as Wiggins and others have said, added TV revenue.

Written requests for an override from at least 30 Division 1 chief executive officers (such as university or college presidents) must be received in the national NCAA office within 60 days in order to achieve an override vote. If 100 requests are received, the affected legislation is suspended until a final vote by Division 1 membership.

Wiggins has forwarded a letter to all NCAA Division 1 CEOs requesting their support of an override and for a return to the previous regulation, Bylaw 31.1.4.1.

In his letter, Wiggins wrote it is "disappointing" the NCAA, which received more than $191 million in television rights fees in 1996-97, "would sacrifice its traditional respect of religious principles in exchange for a few more additional television dollars."

The proposal to eliminate Bylaw 31.1.4.1 originated with the NCAA golf committee. The bylaw has often been referred to as the "BYU rule" (Brigham Young University) since its adoption more than 30 years ago.

Campbell's women's golf team currently is ranked seventh nationally and first in its district by Golfstat. Last year, Campbell finished 14th in the 18-team field at the NCAA women's golf championship.

Campbell joined the NCAA Division 1 ranks in the 1977-78 academic year. In the 1990s, various Fighting Camel teams have advanced to NCAA postseason competition in baseball, men's basketball, women's golf, softball and wrestling.

Wiggins noted in his letter to other Division 1 CEOs: "From its beginning on January 5, 1887, Campbell University has taken the position that athletics are necessary for the education of the well-rounded person and that intercollegiate athletics help promote good, wholesome, competitive relationships with sister institutions. At that time, it was decided that our athletic programs would be conducted within the week, and that Sunday would be reserved for worship, family, visiting, study and rest."

Wiggins noted, "In a day when family break-up is so predominate, it is odd that the NCAA board of directors would take action to further separate student-athletes, coaches and support staff from their families. We feel strongly that the practice of setting a day apart from the rest of the work week serves to strengthen the individual, the family, and ultimately, our nation as a whole."

BYU President Merrill J. Bateman said after the Division 1 change: "There will be times where we'll have championship-caliber teams. If their sport elects to play on Sunday, we won't be there."