The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) is a Division II collegiate athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The conference consists of fourteen member schools located in the Midwestern United States in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The GLIAC’s member institutions collaborate to provide a high level of competition in intercollegiate sports programs and conference affiliation.

History of The GLIAC

The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference was founded in June 1972 as the Great Lakes Collegiate Athletic Conference (GLCAC). Originally a men’s only association, the conference sponsored championships for men’s basketball, baseball, and football. The GLIAC’s first year of competition was in 1973-74. Over the years, the conference has added new members, changed its name to its present form, and expanded its championship program to include many other sports.

Members of GLIAC

Currently the GLIAC has fourteen full-members institutions, including:

• Ashland University
• Davenport University
• Ferris State University
• Grand Valley State University
• Lake Erie College
• Michigan Technological University
• Northern Michigan University
• Northwood University
• Ohio Dominican University
• Saginaw Valley State University
• University of Findlay
• University of Indianapolis
• University of Michigan–Dearborn
• Wayne State University

Sports in GLIAC

GLIAC member institutions sponsor championships in fourteen sports: baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, and men’s and women’s track and field. The GLIAC Division II Football Championship was added in 2013. Notable intercollegiate athletic programs include football, wrestling, volleyball, tennis, and men’s and women’s basketball.

Notable Achievements in GLIAC

GLIAC teams have achieved success both regionally and nationally in many sports. The Ferris State Bulldogs has won the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship four times. The Grand Valley State Lakers have won nine NCAA Division II Football National Championships. The Saginaw Valley State Cardinals have won the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship twice. The Northwood Timberwolves have won three NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championships – more than any other conference school.

Rivalries in GLIAC

Rivalries exist between many of the GLIAC member institutions, which often intensify when conference championships are on the line. Rivalries between Grand Valley State and Davenport, and Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan, are some of the notable rivalries in the conference.

How the Conference Operates

The conference is governed by its member institutions. Each school has representation by its President, Athletics Director, and Head Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) representative, who work together to create and enforce policies and regulations governing the conference. The conference office is located in Oxford, Ohio. Its primary functions include scheduling, championships, and special events.

Role of GLIAC

The GLIAC has a significant impact on the local and national sports scene by providing a competitive platform for its member schools to compete and grow. The GLIAC has helped its members become successful in their athletic programs and prepare their student-athletes for success at the next level. The GLIAC also sponsors a wide variety of special events such as the GLIAC Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the GLIAC Leadership Academy.

Future Prospects of GLIAC

The GLIAC has seen strong growth and competitiveness over the past decade, and looks to continue to build on its recent success in upcoming years. The addition of the football championship has established the conference on a national level and is expected to provide increased exposure in Division II Athletics. As a whole, the GLIAC is in a strong position to continue to ensure a high level of competition and strengthen the conference’s position in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.