Introduction

The Missouri Valley Conference is one of the oldest and most storied conferences in college sports. Founded in 1907, the MVC was one of the first major basketball conferences in the United States. Today, the conference continues to play an important role in college sports and is one of the power conferences in NCAA Division I.

History

The Missouri Valley Conference was founded in 1907 with just two members: the University of Nebraska and the University of Kansas. The MVC quickly expanded to include six other members and by 1909 it had become one of the most famous and powerful basketball conferences in the country. In the early years, the conference was the dominant force in college basketball and won numerous NCAA titles. In the 1950s, the MVC was one of the first conferences to allow African American players and teams to compete in college sports.

Member Institutions

Today, the Missouri Valley Conference consists of 10 member institutions: Illinois State University, Indiana State University, Iowa State University, Drake University, Southern Illinois University, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Northern Iowa University, Bradley University, University of Evansville, and Valparaiso University. These 10 schools compete in 15 sports and are divided into the North and South divisions.

Sports They Compete In

The Missouri Valley Conference sponsors 15 sports, including baseball, basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, volleyball and women’s rowing. The conference is also home to two of the most successful and storied basketball program in college sports: Creighton University’s Bluejays and the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Kangaroos.

Notable Achievements

The Missouri Valley Conference has been a consistent power in college sports for more than a century. The conference has won numerous NCAA titles, including eight men’s basketball titles, two women’s basketball titles, and one men’s baseball title. In addition, the conference won the 2005 National Association of Basketball Coaches Team Academic Achievement Award.

Rivalries

Rivalries within the Missouri Valley Conference are an important part of the college sports experience. Most notable are the basketball games between Creighton and Missouri-Kansas City, the battle for the Missouri Valley Football Conference championship between Illinois State and Indiana State and the famed rivalry between Drake and Northern Iowa. These rivalries provide excitement and entertainment for fans and make the game experience more enjoyable for the players.

Conference Operations

The Missouri Valley Conference is governed by an Executive Committee made up of representatives from each of the member institutions. The Executive Committee sets policies for the conference and is responsible for scheduling regular season games and championship events. The committee also oversees all other aspects of conference operations, such as eligibility requirements, disciplinary actions and academic standards.

Significance

The Missouri Valley Conference has long been a major player in college sports. The conference is widely respected for its strong academic standards and its commitment to competitive excellence. In addition, the conference has a history of producing professional athletes in all the sports it sponsors. The MVC also has a long-standing relationship with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and is a founding member of the National Invitational Athletic Association (NIAA).

Impact

The Missouri Valley Conference’s impact goes beyond just college athletics. The conference has been a major contributor to the local communities in which its schools are located. The conference provides jobs, entertainment and community outreach programs that are a major benefit to the region. It also has a national impact by providing quality sports programming that millions of viewers watch each year.

Future Prospects

The Missouri Valley Conference remains a strong and successful college athletic conference. With 10 powerhouse schools, a strong academic foundation, and a commitment to competitive excellence, the future of the MVC looks bright.The conference has seen an influx of revenue in recent years due to its success and new television deals. There is potential for the conference to expand beyond its current 10 institutions, and with the addition of new members, the conference would be even more competitive and attractive to fans.

Conclusion

The Missouri Valley Conference is one of the most prestigious conferences in college sports. With its long history of success, strong commitment to academics, and dedication to competitive excellence, the MVC is sure to remain a college athletics powerhouse for many years to come. The future of the conference looks bright and the potential for more success and growth is exciting. As more fans, sponsors, and schools become invested in the Missouri Valley Conference, the exciting tradition of college sports in this region will continue to grow and thrive.