The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) is a NCAA Division II conference consisting of historically black colleges and universities located in the southeastern United States. Established in 1920, the SIAC is the oldest conference in the nation dedicated to the academic and athletic pursuits of Black student-athletes.
History of the SIAC
The SIAC was founded in 1920 as the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. It was formed by seven institutions of higher learning that were solely dedicated to the education and development of Black student-athletes. Members included Clark (now Clark Atlanta University), Knoxville College, Morehouse College, Paine College, Atlanta University (now part of Clark Atlanta University), Tuskegee University and Albany State (now Albany State University). The main goal of the SIAC was to provide an avenue for African American student-athletes to compete intercollegiately without racial prejudice.
Although the SIAC began small, it has expanded significantly over the years. Today, the conference has eleven schools throughout the southeastern United States that are deeply committed to providing a quality experience to their student-athletes. The SIAC is dedicated to promoting academic excellence, strong athletic competition and the development of life-long skills of its student-athletes.
Member Institutions and Sports
The member institutions of the SIAC are Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Morehouse College, Albany State University, Benedict College, Central State University, Miles College, Paine College, Tuskegee University, and University of Virginia’s College at Wise. The conference currently features men’s and women’s sports in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, and volleyball.
Noteworthy Achievements and Rivalries
The SIAC has seen numerous noteworthy achievements and accomplishments over the years. The conference is the birthplace of the only undefeated college football team in history, the 1928 Tuskegee Golden Tigers. The SIAC is also home to multiple Division II National Championships, including two in football, and numerous conference titles. The conference is also home to several well-known rivalries such as Tuskegee vs. Stillman and Clark vs. Morehouse.
Operations and Governance
The SIAC’s operations are managed by the commissioner’s office. The commissioner is responsible for leading the conference and overseeing all issues related to its governance, scheduling, and championships. The conference is results focused, with the primary goals of promoting excellence in academics, strong athletic competition, and overall life skills development for its student-athletes. The commissioner is also responsible for providing support and resources to the member institutions, promoting the conference externally, and ensuring fair and equitable treatment of its student-athletes.
The SIAC also operates an annual conference championship tournament that is divided into two divisions (East and West) and a post-season NCAA tournament. The conference tournament features the top teams from each division competing for the championship title. The conference also operates an academic honors program to recognize its student-athletes that accomplish academic excellence.
The Impact of the SIAC
The SIAC contributes significantly to the local and national sports scene. The conference provides a platform for traditionally underrepresented student-athletes to excel in the intercollegiate athletics. By remaining true to its mission of promoting academic excellence, strong athletic competition, and life skills development, the SIAC has helped countless student-athletes reach their potential and prepare for life beyond college.
The SIAC has also had an impact on the regional rivalries between the member schools. Football is one of the most popular sports, with schools playing for the conference title every year. The intense rivalries between teams such as Tuskegee vs. Stillman and Clark vs. Morehouse bring out fan support, unique traditions, and strong school pride.
The Book on the SIAC’s Future Prospects
The SIAC has seen increased success and growth over the past few years. The conference has made strides in increasing its visibility and impacting the lives of its student-athletes. It has also taken steps to position itself for long-term growth in areas such as expanding its corporate partnerships, enhancing its marketing and media presence, and developing resources for its member institutions. With these efforts, the SIAC is poised to continue to be a powerhouse in the NCAA Division II ranks for years to come.
The SIAC is dedicated to providing a quality experience to its student-athletes and remaining true to its mission of promoting excellence in academics, strong athletic competition, and overall life skills development. Through its continued dedication and commitment to these principles, the SIAC will remain a vibrant part of college sports for years to come.