The Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Association (MASCAC) is a NCAA Division III conference with nine member institutions. It is the oldest, longest standing collegiate athletic conference in the United States, having been formed in 1895. It is also one of the most successful, with numerous championships and conference honors to its credit.
History of the MASCAC
The MASCAC dates its origins back to 1895, when it was created as the Massachusetts State College Conference. Over the years, the conference has evolved to become the MASCAC that it is today, with its nine members from across the state. For a brief period in the mid 2000s, the conference was known as the Massachusetts State University Athletic Conference (MSUAC) before reverting back to the MASCAC moniker.
Member Institutions
The nine member institutions include: Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, MCLA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Salem State University, Worcester State University, Westfield State University, and Plymouth State University.
Sports They Compete In
Members of the MASCAC compete in a wide variety of sports, including baseball, basketball, cross country, field hockey, football, golf, ice hockey, indoor track & field, lacrosse, outdoor track & field, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. Additionally, the conference sponsors a competitive cheerleading program.
Notable Achievements
The MASCAC has had many teams reach the NCAA Tournament in numerous sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, football, baseball, softball, and field hockey. The conference has also seen success in dual, multi-divisions sports, with several athletes earning Division III All-American honors. Additionally, several teams have won conference championships, with Bridgewater State and Fitchburg State leading the way.
Rivalries Within the Conference
Within the conference, several rivalries have developed, both on and off the field. The most notable are Bridgewater State and Westfield State, who compete in multiple sports in a well-known rivalry dubbed the “Battle of the Golden Bears.”
How the Conference Operates
MASCAC governance is conducted on many levels, with each member institution having a representative on the conference’s Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for making decisions related to conference policies, scheduling, and budgeting. Each sport is governed separately, with each team’s coach serving as part of the conference’s leadership. Scheduling is determined by each individual school, with the MASCAC’s intercollegiate competitions taking place during the fall and spring semesters.
Championship Events
The MASCAC is known for its competitive championships, with several sports offering regional and conference championships in both team and individual formats. These championships are typically held during the final weeks of the spring semester. Teams typically compete in a multi-day elimination tournament to determine the conference champion.
The Role of the Conference
The MASCAC has a major role in the local college sports scene in Massachusetts, providing student-athletes in the state with an opportunity to compete in the NCAA Division III level. While many student-athletes still choose to attend schools outside of the state, the MASCAC offers an outlet for those looking to stay close to home. Additionally, the MASCAC has had a major impact on the national sports scene, with several teams making NCAA Tournament appearances and several individual student-athletes earning Division III All-American honors.
Future Prospects for the Conference
The future of the MASCAC looks bright, with many of the conference’s member institutions showing strong growth and continued focus on competitive sports programs. The conference’s championships and tournaments remain popular, and the overall student-athlete experience in the conference has continued to improve. With its rich history and its continued focus on the education-athletics balance, the MASCAC is well positioned to continue to be an exciting and competitive conference in the future.