The American Southwest Conference (ASC) is one of the most highly regarded college sports conferences in the United States. This NCAA Division III conference is comprised of eleven member institutions across four states—Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi—all of which compete in 23 different sports.
History & Significance
The American Southwest Conference was founded in 1996, when several formerly independent schools decided to join together to form a competitive conference. Initially, the conference included seven members: Austin College, Hardin-Simmons University, Howard Payne University, McMurry University, Mississippi College, Texas Lutheran University, and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. In 1998, four more universities joined the conference—Concordia University Texas, East Texas Baptist University, Louisiana College, and Sul Ross State University—bringing the total number of member institutions to eleven.
Since that time, the American Southwest Conference has grown to become one of the most successful Division III conferences in the country. Member schools have won multiple conference titles and individual honors, while student-athletes have earned many NCAA and conference championships. The conference has become a symbol of excellence in NCAA Division III sports.
Member Institutions
The American Southwest Conference currently has eleven member institutions:
- Austin College
- Concordia University Texas
- East Texas Baptist University
- Hardin-Simmons University
- Howard Payne University
- Louisiana College
- McMurry University
- Mississippi College
- Sul Ross State University
- Texas Lutheran University
- University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Sports & Notable Achievements
The member schools of the ASC compete in 23 different sports: baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross-country, football, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s track and field, women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s tennis.
The conference has become synonymous with excellence, as many ASC schools have achieved athletic success at both the individual and team levels. The conference has won numerous NCAA and conference championships over the years and its student-athletes have earned numerous honors, including All-Americans, Player of the Year awards, Coach of the Year awards, and Academic All-Americans.
Rivalries
The American Southwest Conference is home to some of the most storied rivalries in college sports. Within the conference, some of the oldest and fiercest rivalries include Austin College vs. Texas Lutheran University, Mississippi College vs. Louisiana College, Hardin-Simmons University vs. McMurry University, and Howard Payne University vs. Sul Ross State University.
Conference Operations
The conference is governed by an elected board of directors, which consists of representatives from each of the member institutions. This board is responsible for setting the overall direction of the conference and making important decisions, such as approving bylaws, enacting policies, and approving the conference budget.
The conference also has a scheduling system, which is responsible for setting the calendar for each of the 23 sports. The goal of the scheduling system is to ensure that each team is able to play a fair and equitable schedule that will ensure fairness and parity within the conference.
The conference also hosts a number of championship events throughout the year, including the ASC Championships for each of the 23 sports and an annual all-sports champion. These championship events are some of the most important and highly anticipated events of the year and often attract large crowds of fans.
Role & Impact
The American Southwest Conference has been an integral part of the college sports landscape for over two decades. The conference has become a symbol of excellence in NCAA Division III sports, and many of the member institutions have achieved tremendous success in both individual and team sports.
The conference has also had a positive impact on its local and regional communities. By providing a platform for student-athletes to achieve their athletic goals, the ASC has helped cultivate a love of sports and encourage participation in college athletics.
In addition, the ASC has had a positive effect on the national sports landscape. By providing a platform for Division III competition, the conference has helped create opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the highest level.
Prospects for the Future
The American Southwest Conference has been a leader in Division III sports for over two decades. Looking to the future, it is likely that the conference will remain at the forefront of collegiate athletics. With strong member institutions and competitive teams, the ASC is sure to remain a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
Recent trends in college sports suggest that the conference may be poised for further growth and success. With new leadership, increased competition, and greater media attention, the ASC is set to make a lasting mark on college athletics in the coming years.