C of O cuts ties with athletics organization

College of the Ozarks is ending its longtime relationship with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

The partnership is slated to end at the conclusion of the 2020-21 academic year. A news release announcing the decision did not give a reason for the move, though it indicated the school's relationship with the National Christian College Athletic Association would continue.

C of O officials could not be reached for comment by deadline.

“We are grateful for the many years of athletic play we have enjoyed with the NAIA, particularly the 20 or so years we were able to host the Men's Division II Basketball National Championship,” said Eric Bolger, vice president for academic affairs at C of O, in the release.

C of O in 2017 removed itself as host of the 2018 NAIA tournament after the organizations clashed over national anthem policies. C of O previously enacted a “no pledge, no play” policy through which the college would not play in games unless all participating players and coaches stand for the national anthem.

Springfield Business Journal reporting at the time estimated an economic impact loss of $2 million from the removal of the tournament in the Branson area.