The South Atlantic Conference (SAC) is an NCAA Division II athletic conference that includes members from seven states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and West Virginia. Founded in 1975, the conference was initially organized as the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). It was later renamed to the South Atlantic Conference in 1995 when the member schools decided to break away from the CIAA.

History

The South Atlantic Conference was founded in 1975 as the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). It was the first collegiate athletic conference established by African-American Colleges and Universities, and it served as a platform for black colleges and universities in the southeastern United States to compete. During its founding year, the CIAA had nine charter members, including Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Shaw University, St. Augustine’s University, Winston-Salem State University, Virginia Union, and Virginia State University.

In 1995, the CIAA’s member institutions decided to break away and form the South Atlantic Conference (SAC). The first president of the conference was Dr. Robert C. Church, who was president of St. Augustine’s University at the time. Dr. Church was a pioneer in the establishment of the NCAA Division II conference, and he remains the only person to have held the office of SAC president ever since its formation.

Member Institutions

The South Atlantic Conference currently has 12 member institutions that compete in 12 intercollegiate sports. The member institutions are:

• Armstrong State University
• Carson-Newman University
• Catawba College
• Lenoir-Rhyne University
• Lincoln Memorial University
• Newberry College
• Presbyterian College
• Queens University of Charlotte
• University of North Carolina at Pembroke
• Wingate University
• Mars Hill University
• Brevard College

The 12 member institutions participate in 12 intercollegiate sports: football, Mens & Women’s basketball, Mens & Women’s Cross Country, Mens & Women’s track & field, Mens & Women’s golf, and Mens & Women’s tennis.

Notable Achievements

The South Atlantic Conference has consistently produced championship-caliber teams. The Catawba College Indians won six football national championships in 1989, 1990, 1994, 1998, 1999, and 2000. Armstrong State University won the Women’s basketball national championship in 2004. Presbyterian College won the Men’s basketball national championship in 2002. Lincoln Memorial University won the Men’s baseball national championship in 2017. Additionally, South Atlantic Conference teams have made a strong showing in various Paolina Conference tournaments, playoffs, and championship events.

Rivalries

Rivalries are a key part of the South Atlantic Conference. The Battle for the Catawba Cup is an annual football rivalry between Catawba College and Mars Hill University. The Historic 96 Cup is an annual football rivalry game between Lenoir–Rhyne University and Newberry College. The Big South Championship is an annual championship event between the top teams from the North and South divisions of the SAC. The Battle of the Pines is an annual football game between Armstrong State University and Presbyterian College.

How Does the Conference Operate?

The South Atlantic Conference is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of presidents and chancellors from the 12 member schools. The Board is responsible for making decisions related to conference policies and regulations, including eligibility rules, discipline, and enforcements. The conference also includes a Commissioner, who is responsible for overseeing the operations of the conference and its member schools.

The South Atlantic Conference participates in a variety of NCAA-sponsored sports and championship events. Teams compete in regular season and postseason conference tournaments and championships, and the conference also hosts the South Atlantic Conference Cross Country Championship and the South Atlantic Conference Basketball Tournament annually.

The Role of the South Atlantic Conference

The South Atlantic Conference is an important part of the college sports landscape. It provides a platform for member institutions to compete at the highest levels of intercollegiate sports. Additionally, the conference offers opportunities for student-athletes to develop athletically and academically. The South Atlantic Conference also serves as an important connection between the member schools and the larger NCAA athletic community.

In recent years, the conference has made efforts to expand its reach and impact. The South Atlantic Conference has increased its presence in the national sports scene, extending partnerships with corporations and media outlets to promote the conference and its member schools. In addition, the conference has established marketing and outreach initiatives to engage alumni, fans, and the general public and highlight the importance of South Atlantic Conference athletics.

Future Prospects

The South Atlantic Conference is continuing to grow and expand its reach. The conference is actively working to increase its presence in the sports scene and generate more attention for its member schools and athletes. In the future, the conference plans on expanding its membership and creating opportunities for its schools to compete in more sports and championship events. The South Atlantic Conference is well-positioned to become one of the premier NCAA Division II conferences in the country.

The South Atlantic Conference has a bright future. With the continued growth and expansion of the conference, it is only a matter of time before the South Atlantic Conference becomes one of the top NCAA Division II conferences in the country. As more talent continues to join the conference, and with the increased support from the schools, fans, and media, the South Atlantic Conference will continue to be a major player in college sports.