Introduction

The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) is a Division III conference in the NCAA and is made up of 11 affiliated member institutions. It is one of the most prestigious conferences in NCAA Division III, owing to its strong member institutions, well-rounded sports programs, and excellent professional and leadership staff. The HCAC has had many outstanding graduates, both student-athletes and faculty, and provides an exceptional athletics experience for all participants.

History

The HCAC was founded in 2002 and has grown into one of the most competitive NCAA Division III conferences in the nation. The 11 member institutions comprise a wide range of postsecondary educational opportunities in six different states. The HCAC provides its member institutions with a wide array of competitive sports and activities, as well as an exceptional academic and social environment. It is governed by a Board of Directors made up of faculty members and athletic directors from member institutions.

Member Institutions and Sports They Compete

The eleven HCAC member institutions are: Anderson University, Defiance College, Franklin College, Hanover College, Manchester University, Mount St. Joseph University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Transylvania University, Earlham College, Bluffton University, and Ohio Northern University. They compete in 19 sports: baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, golf, cross country, track and field, tennis, lacrosse, and swimming. Additionally, they offer 15 conference championships. These championships are held over several days and involve a number of venues showcasing the many competitions. It is also worth noting that the HCAC is one of only two conferences in the nation that offer a unified sports program, allowing student-athletes to compete in the various sports on a rotating basis.

Notable Achievements

The HCAC has many achievements under its belt, both in terms of championships and individual honors. Most recently, the HCAC was the 2018-19 Division III team national champion in baseball. Moreover, HCAC teams have won multiple NCAA national championships in basketball, soccer, and volleyball over the years. In terms of individual honors, numerous HCAC student-athletes have made NCAA All-American teams while others have won conference player of the year awards. The HCAC is also home to several record-holders in a variety of sports.

Rivalries

Given the long history and competitive success of the member institutions, as well as the unified format of the sport programs that emphasizes rivalries, there are certainly strong rivalries within the conference. While most of the rivalries are positive, and are seen as integral parts of the student-athletes’ sports experience, there are some that are more contentious, such as between Manchester and Franklin. Additionally, due to the geographical distribution of the conference, the member institutions often engage in interconference rivalries with teams from other conferences, adding to the competition.

Governance, Scheduling, Championship Events

The HCAC is governed by an Executive Committee which consists of the presidents of the 11 member institutions. This committee is responsible for setting the parameters of the sports program, establishing standards and guidelines, implementing disciplinary policies, and overseeing the conference championships. The HCAC also adhere to NCAA rules regarding eligibility, admissions, and academics. In terms of scheduling, the conference uses a balanced system in which all teams play each other in the same sport. Finally, the conference championship events which culminate in regional and national championships usually feature the top-2 finishers from each sport.

Impact on the Local & National Sports Scenes

The HCAC has had a significant impact on both the local and national sports scene. In terms of local impact, the conference’s member institutions have become fixtures in their respective communities, bringing athletic events to smaller towns and cities that might not otherwise have had access to such events. In terms of national impact, the HCAC has produced numerous NCAA All-American athletes, leading to increased national recognition for the conference. Additionally, the HCAC has sent teams to the NCAA Division III tournament in various sports, contributing to the overall growth and profile of Division III athletics.

The Future of the HCAC

As the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference looks to the future, the prospects are very bright. With its strong member institutions and competitive sports programs, the HCAC is well-positioned for success in the future. Recent trends suggest that the conference will continue to experience growth in terms of both membership and prestige. Furthermore, the member institutions are continuing to expand and enhance their sports offerings, further strengthening the conference. In short, the HCAC is in good shape and will continue to play an important role in college sports both locally and nationally.