The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) is a college athletic conference that operates alongside the NCAA Division II. The conference was founded in 1912, making it one of the oldest collegiate conferences in the US. Founded as the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MVIAA), it renames itself the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association in 1991.

Member Institutions

Currently, the MIAA consists of 12 full-member universities and 4 affiliate-members. The full-member universities include Northwest Missouri State University, University of Central Missouri, Lindenwood University, Pittsburg State University, Washburn University, and University of Missouri–St. Louis. The affiliate members include Fort Hays State University, Missouri Southern State University, Northeastern State University, and Missouri Western State University.

Sports They Compete

The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association is home to a variety of intercollegiate sports. The conference sponsors championships in 22 different sports, 14 for men and 8 for women. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor and outdoor track & field, soccer, and tennis. Women’s sports include basketball, cross country, golf, softball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track & field, and volleyball.

Notable Achievements

The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association has been home to many successful performances by its member institutions. The conference boasts 74 individual national champions across the different sponsored sports. On the men’s side, Pittsburg State leads the way with 21 individual national champions, while on the women’s side, the University of Missouri–St. Louis leads with 8 individual national champions.

Rivalries Within the Conference

Rivalries are a big part of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Two of the biggest rivalries are the Pittsburg State Gorillas and the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats. These two universities have competed in various sports for decades with the Pittsburg State holding the advantage overall. Another great rivalry in the conference is the Truman State Bulldogs and the Central Missouri Mules. With both teams constantly vying for the top spot in every sport they compete in, this rivalry is full of energy and entertainment.

How the Conference Operates

The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association operates by having the 12 full-member institutions and 4 affiliate-member institutions compete in different sports throughout the year. Each member institution is responsible for scheduling and hosting non-conference and conference matches, and is also responsible for adhering to conference rules. The conference is governed by a council of 12 institutional representatives and is led by a president, currently Dr. J. Edward McDermott.

Championship Events

The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association sponsors a variety of championship events throughout the year. These events include individual sports championships, team sports championships, and all-sports championships. Individuals can qualify for the tournament through regional and conference championships, while teams qualify for the tournament by finishing in the top spots in the regular season. The all-sports championship is awarded to the member institution with the most points accumulated throughout the year.

The Role of the Conference

The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association plays a critical role in the local and national college sports scene. The conference provides its member institutions with the opportunity to compete in collegiate sports at the highest level. It serves as a platform for student athletes to showcase their talents and reap the rewards of their hard work. Additionally, the conference promotes the spirit of good sportsmanship and provides an outlet for alumni and fans from all 12 member-institutions to come together and cheer on their teams.

Future Prospects

The future of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association looks bright. The conference continues to attract some of the best college talent in the nation and is constantly striving to improve its offerings. Additionally, the conference is in the process of implementing new rules and regulations to make competition fairer and to ensure an enjoyable experience for all involved. The conference has also seen an increase in viewership and fans in recent years and is looking to capitalize further on that success.

The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association continues to be a leader in college sports and is committed to preserving the heritage of college athletics. With the emergence of new sports every year and the celebration of the accomplishments of the athletes from the 12 member-institutions, the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association is here to stay.