ST. GEORGE, Utah-Per a statement released late Friday afternoon, the Dixie State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the cancellation of its remaining 2020 (2019-20) conference and non-conference spring athletic events and travel.

This has officially ended Dixie State’s history in competing at the NCAA Division II level.

As of July 1, Dixie State will commence in its transition to becoming an NCAA Division I institution and athletic department.

They will join fellow Beehive State school Utah Valley University in the Western Athletic Conference and compete as an independent in football.

On Twitter, Dixie State athletic director Jason Boothe confirmed his disappointment in this having to be done, but said “it’s the right call, but a [very] difficult one.”

Dixie State’s announcement is aligned with the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference’s call to cancel all spring championship competitions and travel because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Colorado Springs, Colo.-based RMAC, with which Dixie State is affiliated, made this determination after the Indianapolis-based NCAA canceled the 2020 men’s and women’s basketball tournaments at the Division I, II and III levels.