The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) is a Division III conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Blending rich tradition with modern academic excellence, the UMAC is home to some of the nation’s top student-athletes. As one of the nation’s six regional conferences, the UMAC offers a unique student experience and a competitive sports atmosphere.
History of the UMAC
The UMAC was officially established in 1962 as the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). It was an organization that represented the athletic interests of seven Minnesota private colleges. In 1989, the MIAC expanded to include schools in Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Dakota (now South Dakota). The organization changed its name to the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) in 1994. Today, the UMAC represents 10 member institutions, including eight private colleges and two universities.
Member Institutions of the UMAC
The member institutions of the UMAC include the following:
- Bethany Lutheran College (BL)
- Crown College (CR)
- Minneapolis College (MC)
- North Central University (NC)
- Northwestern College (NW)
- St. Scholastica (SS)
- University of Minnesota Morris (UMM)
- University of Wisconsin- Superior (UWS)
- Presentation College (PC)
- Martin Luther College (MLC)
Sports in the UMAC
The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference sponsors seven men’s sports and nine women’s sports. The men’s sports are basketball, baseball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, and tennis; the women’s sports are basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball, and a new addition, bowling. All of the sports follow the same eligibility guidelines as per the NCAA.
Notable Achievements
Since joining the NCAA, the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference has been the home for several successful sports teams. Currently, UWS has had the most success, with seven NCAA DIII National Championships. In addition, UMM has been successful in winning nine NCAA DIII National Championships. Furthermore, NCU has earned three NCAA DIII National Championships, while NW won one NCAA DIII National Championship.
Rivalries Within the Conference
The UMAC also has several rivalries between schools within the conference. The most notable is the “Battle of the Borders” rivalry, which is between UWS and UMM. This rivalry features intense competition between both teams in all sports. UMM also has rivalries with NCU, BL, and SS in all sports. In addition, NW and PC have a rivalry in basketball, with both teams having a strong history of success.
Governing and Scheduling
The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference is governed by a Constitution and Bylaws and is responsible for setting policies for all of the member institutions. The conference also administers a schedule of competitions, including regular season games and a Championship Tournament. The championship tournament is held each year in one of the conference’s member institution and features the top four teams from each division.
The Role of the Conference in the Local and National Scene
The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference is an important part of the college sports scene in the Midwest region. The competitive sports environment fostered by the UMAC helps develop student-athletes and prepares them for the rigors of collegiate athletics. The UMAC also serves as a platform for its member institutions to promote their athletic programs to a wider audience. The UMAC also provides exposure for the local community, as the conference plays an important role in the region’s economy and culture.
Future Prospects
As the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference continues to grow, so does its reputation. With the continued success of its member institutions, the UMAC has established itself as a top Division III conference. The conference is anticipating the addition of new sports along with continued growth in existing sports programs. The UMAC is also addressing the need to improve its competitiveness and to ensure that its members remain competitive in the NCAA.
With its high-quality institutions and members, the UMAC is well positioned to become one of the top Division III conferences in the nation. The future is bright for the conference, and its member institutions look forward to providing a competitive and enriching college experience for years to come.