Introduction to the Appalachian Athletic Conference
The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) is an NCAA Division II college athletic conference made up of nine member institutions in five southeastern states. It is the oldest athletic conference in Division II, having been founded in 1972. The AAC is one of only three conferences in Division II that does not sponsor football. Instead, it focuses on other sports in its member institutions, including soccer, golf, lacrosse, baseball, and volleyball.
History of the Appalachian Athletic Conference
The AAC was founded in 1972 from the merger of two smaller conferences, the Tri-State Athletic Conference (TRAC) and the Appalachian Collegiate Athletic Conference (ACAC). The original nine members of the AAC were Anderson University (S.C.), Appalachian State University, Carson-Newman College (Tenn.), East Tennessee State University, Mars Hill College (N.C.), Milligan College (Tenn.), North Carolina State University, Pfeiffer College (N.C.), and Western Carolina University.
Since then, the AAC has seen some changes in its membership, with three institutions having left the conference and two joining. The most recent changes took place in 2011 when Winston-Salem State University (N.C.) left the conference and Brevard College (N.C.) and UVa-Wise (Va.) joined. The current nine members of the AAC are Anderson University (S.C.), Appalachian State University, Brevard College (N.C.), Carson-Newman College (Tenn.), East Tennessee State University, Mars Hill College (N.C.), Milligan College (Tenn.), UVa-Wise (Va.), and Western Carolina University.
Member Institutions and Sports
The AAC is composed of nine institutions located in five states: South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia. Each institution in the conference fields teams in a wide variety of sports, including soccer, lacrosse, baseball, volleyball, golf, and more. The conference does not sponsor a football program, although several of the member schools offer football as an independent sport.
Notable Achievements
Throughout its history, the AAC has had numerous standout teams and athletes. Anderson University (S.C.) has won the most conference titles in the conference’s history, with 11. Appalachian State has won the second-most, with 10. Carson-Newman College (Tenn.) has had two top-25 nationally ranked teams, and Mars Hill College (N.C.) has won two consecutive NCAA Division II men’s volleyball championships. Several schools in the conference have had individual athletes and teams qualify for national championships throughout the years, including many from the University of North Carolina, Appalachian State, and East Tennessee State.
Rivalries Within the Conference
The AAC is home to some highly-competitive rivalries. The most notable of these is the rivalry between Appalachian State and East Tennessee State. The two schools have competed against each other in sports for over 80 years, and their rivalry has become a cornerstone of the conference. Other notable rivalries include the heated contests between Carson-Newman College (Tenn.) and King University (Tenn.), as well as the cross-state rivalries between Appalachian State and Western Carolina.
Conference Operations and Governance
The AAC is governed by a nine-member executive committee, which is composed of the presidents and athletic directors of each member institution. This committee is responsible for overseeing the conference and developing policies for its operation. In addition, the conference has several sub-committees that are responsible for scheduling events, determining eligibility requirements, and setting rules for competition.
The AAC operates a balanced scheduling system for its members, where teams play each other twice over the course of the regular season. At the end of the regular season, the top teams compete in a single-elimination tournament to determine the conference champion. The conference also sponsors a number of championship events for individual sports, including soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, golf, and baseball.
The Role of the Appalachian Athletic Conference in College Sports
The AAC has been influential in the college sports scene since its founding. The conference has helped foster the growth of smaller sports such as lacrosse and soccer, as well as provided a competitive environment for its athletes to hone their skills. The AAC has also been an important part of the local community, providing a platform for young athletes to develop their talents while also giving back to the community through charitable fundraising and events.
At the national level, the AAC has had several standout programs and athletes compete at the highest levels of college sports. Many AAC schools have sent athletes to the NCAA championships in sports such as soccer, lacrosse, and golf, and have had several athletes compete in the Olympics as well. The AAC has also been an important part of the national college sports landscape, providing a platform for smaller schools to compete at a high level and giving those athletes the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Looking Ahead to the Future of the Appalachian Athletic Conference
The AAC is looking ahead to the future with confidence. Recently, the conference has taken steps to expand its reach, including launching an online presence, increasing its marketing efforts, and adding new members. The AAC is also looking into expanding its presence in the southeastern region and developing new partnerships with local businesses. As the conference continues to grow, it will be important for members to remain competitive in order to maintain its standing in college sports.
The AAC is in a strong position to continue its growth and success in the future. With a rich history, a strong core of member institutions, and a vast array of sports offerings, the AAC is well-poised to continue its tradition of excellence in college sports. With continued hard work and commitment from its members, the AAC has a bright future ahead.