SUNY Canton has grown a lot in the past few years, increased enrollment numbers, built a new dorm and a new athletic center. Now, the college is looking to become a member of the NCAA. Our Rachael Paradis has more on what the college hopes to accomplish.

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CANTON, N.Y. -- They may not be a part of any future changes, but today's athletes at SUNY Canton could help build the school's sports program for years to come. The college has entered into an exploratory period with the NCAA.

"On behalf of myself and all the other athletes, it's a huge achievement to be a part of the NCAA," SUNY Canton hockey player John Payne said.

SUNY Canton isn't part of the NCAA yet, but the exploration is the first step toward the college having a Division III membership.

In the next year, the NCAA will look to see how Canton runs its athletic department, the strength of the department and the level of its competition

Athletes say joining The NCAA is exactly what they need to move their growing teams forward.

"Competing against a higher level of talent, especially against teams closer to Canton, we can make bigger rivalries," Payne said.

"More well known schools, a lot more invitationals and competitions to choose from and more recognizable," cross country runner Tyler Morse said.

Currently, SUNY Canton has 12 sports teams that are parts of the United Small Colleges Athletic Association. Moving into the NCAA isn't just good news for those sports teams, but for the college as a whole."

"This is just part of the process of us evolving from a two year school into a four year school. It's a long process," said Randy Sieminski, SUNY Canton Advancement.

The sports programs are already underway for the 2011-2012 school calendar, but next year, if all goes according to plan, SUNY Canton Sports teams will be one step closer to gaining entrance into the NCAA.

If the NCAA wishes to move forward with Canton, the college will the enter the NCAA next year on a four year probationary period.