WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE - The University of New Orleans is making its pitch to its governing board to reclassify its athletic standing, to move to Division II.

The LSU Board of Supervisors considers the request at its Friday afternoon meeting.

UNO had received formal NCAA approval in July to downgrade its athletic programs from Division I to Division III. But now it wants to backtrack slightly, to find a conference home.

The Birmingham, Ala., based Gulf South Conference has invited UNO to apply for membership in the league upon its acceptance into Division II. The league's membership features Alabama-Huntsville, Christian Brothers, Delta State, North Alabama, Valdosta State and West Florida.

UNO leaders cited declining attendance at sports events, shrinking revenue since Hurricane Katrina and ever-rising costs when they sought the move away from Division I.