The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) is an NCAA Division III conference made up of members from the southern United States. Established in 1962, the conference has grown significantly over the years, currently consisting of ten member institutions that compete across multiple sports disciplines. The conference strives to improve the experience of student-athletes, promote intercollegiate competitions, and develop meaningful relationships. Let’s take a closer look at the SCAC and what makes it such an important part of college sports.
SCAC History and Significance
The SCAC began in 1962 as a men’s-only conference, comprising Austin College, Southwestern University, Trinity University, and the University of the South (Sewanee). Each institution at this time was located in the Southwestern United States and, while they competed in separate conferences before this, joining forces allowed them to combine resources and support each other. The conference slowly grew in size during the 1960s and 70s as several additional institutions were admitted, and added a women’s division in 1987. Additional members also joined the conference, growing it to its current ten-member size.
The SCAC conference has been highly successful in a wide variety of sports – from basketball and soccer to lacrosse and track & field. The conference’s teams have advanced to the NCAA Division III tournament in several sports, and have collected numerous individual and team awards for excellence. The conference is also credited for its strong academic performance, as its members consistently have higher graduation rates than their respective state averages.
Member Institutions and Sports Competed
The SCAC consists of ten members located across six states – Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Colorado. The institutions that make up the conference are Austin College, Centenary College of Louisiana, Colorado College, Southwestern University, University of Dallas, University of the Ozarks, Schreiner University, Trinity University, University of Texas at Tyler, and the University of the South. Together, these members compete across 17 sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, lacrosse, cheerleading, wrestling, softball, and more.
Rivalries and Achievements
The SCAC has several notable rivalries that make the conference even more dynamic. One of the more notable ones is the Austin College-Southwestern University rivalry, which began in the BMC days (the Big Four Men’s Conference which eventually became the SCAC). This rivalry is recognized as one of the longest-running and most competitive in the NCAA Division III.
The SCAC has achieved many accomplishments within the college sports world. Its teams have advanced to many NCAA tournaments and won a large number of individual and team awards. In addition, a number of SCAC teams have been ranked in the top 25 of their respective sports across all divisions of the NCAA. The conference has also achieved Academic All-American honors, Recognition of Institutional Performance, and sporadically placed at the top of Division III sports list.
Governance, Scheduling, and Championships
The SCAC is governed by a Management Council, which consists of the presidents or athletic directors from each member institution. This council makes all decisions regarding the conference, including membership, scheduling, championship events, and rules. The conference also utilizes a round-robin scheduling system, in which teams are required to play each other once in a particular season. Championships are held every year in all 17 sports – including cross-divisional tournaments for certain events.
The Role of the SCAC
The SCAC has a significant effect on the college sports scene. It provides a unique opportunity for its members to compete in a fun but competitive environment, while maintaining high academic standards and promoting sportsmanship within the conference. The SCAC also serves as an excellent outpost for student-athletes to hone their skills and prepare for the next level of competition.
In addition, the SCAC has had a major impact on the local sports landscape. Its member institutions are located in many of the smaller, more rural towns in the South, and their enthusiasm and success in college sports has helped to bolster interest and enthusiasm for high school sports as well.
Looking Towards the Future
The SCAC has continued to be a successful conference across its 17 sport disciplines. Its members have continued to be successful both on the field and in the classroom, and its impact on the local sports scene has been undeniable. In the future, the SCAC may look to expand its membership, add additional sports disciplines, or explore other opportunities to become even more competitive.
Overall, the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference is an incredibly important part of the college sports landscape. Its members have been successful in many different sports disciplines, and its impact on the local community is undeniable. The future of this conference is certainly a bright one, and it’s sure to remain an important part of the college sports scene for the foreseeable future.