Midlands University Bringing Ice Hockey to Fremont

Nebraska’s largest and fastest growing athletic department is growing again. Midland University officials announced Tuesday the addition of Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey programs, pushing the number of varsity sports on the campus to 27.

The record growth that has defined the past three years for Midland is now stretching to the farthest reaches of the Fremont campus where the Sidner Ice Arena will serve as the home for both programs in practice and in competition.

“We are excited to bring quality college hockey to Fremont,” said Midland President Ben Sasse, “We aren’t content to field a team. We want to establish a championship program that embodies the discipline and sacrifice necessary to attain excellence in competition and in life.”

With an agreement reached to make the Sidner Ice Arena the program’s permanent home, University officials have already begun securing scholarship support for future student athletes. With recruiting of the first teams set to get underway this fall, an announcement of a coaching search is expected in the near future.

Since 2009, the University has invested in expanding programs while elevating expectations and quality within extant sports. In the past year alone, the University has enjoyed a trip to the NAIA Men’s Basketball elite eight, a Dance National Championship, a top ranked volleyball program, and a trip to the NAIA National Baseball Tournament.

Though no official decisions have been made regarding alignment, Midland aims to leverage a state of the art facility to quickly build another championship caliber varsity program.

“Very few colleges are fortunate enough to have such a high quality venue located within walking distance of campus,” said newly named athletic director Dave Gillespie. “These students will have everything they need to succeed close at hand and readily accessible.”

As part of the University’s commitment to creating opportunities for students to pursue their passions, and develop skills for life, Midland has added 11 varsity sports in the past three years. The commitment to expanded opportunities to compete and become involved within a residential campus has driven record enrollment growth and resulted in an Athletic Department comprised of more than 600 student-athletes.

In that time enrollment on the Fremont campus has increased more than 86% and is now at record levels.

The unique combination of a very large athletic program existing within a small, tight-knit community has been at the heart of rising attendance levels and enhanced game day atmospheres across the campus.

“The evidence is overwhelming that being engaged, and having a sense of purpose is a key determinant in student success,” said President Ben Sasse. “We are focused on opportunities for students to compete and learn. Hockey is a growing sport with vibrant youth leagues springing up in communities across the state. This is a great thing for the future.”

Midland is working with an exploratory committee to examine opportunities to help grow hockey programs in the region, evaluate leagues where Midland would best fit, and determine a coaching selection process.

While some details remain to be finalized, varsity college hockey is coming to Fremont in 2014.