Texas Lutheran University accepts membership
to American
Southwest Conference
RICHARDSON, Texas -- Texas Lutheran University has accepted a unanimous invitation from the ASC Council of Presidents to become the 16th member of the American Southwest Conference and will start competing in the ASC West Division beginning the 2000-2001 academic year. The announcement came following a vote taken by the Texas Lutheran Board of Regents in Seguin, Texas, Tuesday, Dec. 15.
Texas Lutheran, after reinitiating their football program, competed for the 1998 ASC Football Championship as an associate member. The school will be bringing its entire athletics program into the American Southwest Conference effective September 1, 2000. Texas Lutheran currently sponsors 14 varsity sports -- football, volleyball, men and women's soccer, women's cross-country, men and women's basketball, baseball, softball, men and women's tennis, men and women's golf and women's track.
"Texas Lutheran University will be a good addition to the West Division of the Conference," said Fred Jacoby, Commissioner of the American Southwest Conference. "Major factors providing a good fit for the Conference are institutional philosophy, academic compatibility, enrollment size, financial resources, sponsorship of required sports, geographical regionalization and a supportive administration that embraces the Division III philosophy."
The addition of Texas Lutheran rounds out the East and West Division with eight members each and also brings the American Southwest Conference into the San Antonio, Texas, media markets. The Seguin-based institution will join Concordia University-Austin, Hardin-Simmons University, Howard Payne University, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, McMurry University, Schreiner College and Sul Ross State University in the West Division.
Texas Lutheran will honor its commitments to the Heart of Texas Conference for 1999-2000 and will initiate a planned phase-out of all athletics grants-in-aid to conclude by Sept. 1, 2000 -- at which time it will leave the HOT conference to begin competition within the American Southwest Conference. No athletics grants-in-aid can be awarded in NCAA Division III.
"As a board, we realize the time and effort that has been placed into finding a solution to the Heart of Texas Conference situation," said Lawrence Cornelius, chair of the Texas Lutheran Board of Regents. "This decision ensures Texas Lutheran of a conference home, an opportunity for continuing national competitiveness and an association with universities we are proud to call peers."
The American Southwest Conference consists of charter members Austin College, McMurry University and Sul Ross State University. And Howard Payne University, Mississippi College, Hardin-Simmons University, University of the Ozarks, University of Dallas, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, University of Texas-Dallas (Sept. 1998), Schreiner College (Sept. 1998), LeTourneau University (Sept. 1998), East Texas Baptist University (Oct. 1998), Concordia University at Austin (June 1998), Louisiana College (Sept. 1998) and Texas Lutheran University (Dec. 1998). (top of page)
Louisiana College accepts membership
to American
Southwest Conference
RICHARDSON, Texas -- Louisiana College has been unanimously accepted as the newest member of the American Southwest Conference by the council of presidents and will start competing in the ASC East Division beginning the 2000-2001 academic year. The NCAA Division III American Southwest Conference is expanding to include the Pineville, La., based school as its 15th member.
Louisiana College's membership to the ASC will be effective September 1, 2000. The institution will make application for NCAA Division III membership to be effective Sept. 1, 1999, for a four-year Provisional Membership Period; initiate and start a football program to compete in the Fall 2000; and will also bring its entire athletic program into the Conference. Louisiana College currently sponsors men and women's soccer, men and women's cross-country, men and women's basketball, baseball, softball and women's tennis.
"Louisiana College will be a good addition to the East Division of the Conference as they initiate a football program in 2000," said Fred Jacoby, Commissioner of the American Southwest Conference. "Major factors providing a good fit for the Conference are institutional philosophy, academic compatibility, enrollment size, financial resources, sponsorship of required sports, geographical regionalization and a supportive administration that embraces the Division III philosophy."
In addition to bringing the American Southwest Conference in the Alexandria, La. media markets, Louisiana College will help bridge the travel gap between east Texas schools LeTourneau University and East Texas Baptist University, Mississippi College and the University of the Ozarks. Louisiana College becomes the eighth member of the East Division.
"It is my belief, and that of the Board of Trustees, that academic and athletic philosophies, location and size of conference schools make this affiliation ideal for Louisiana College," said Dr. Rory Lee, President of Louisiana College. "In moving to the NCAA Division III, Louisiana College has the opportunity to participate in college athletics as they were intended from their inception; highly motivated student-athletes participating in their chosen sport for the love of the game."
The American Southwest Conference consists of charter members Austin College, McMurry University and Sul Ross State University. And Howard Payne University, Mississippi College, Hardin-Simmons University, University of the Ozarks, University of Dallas, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, University of Texas-Dallas (Sept. 1998), Schreiner College (Sept. 1998), LeTourneau University (Sept. 1998), East Texas Baptist University (Oct. 1998) and Concordia University at Austin (June 1998). Texas Lutheran University is an Associate Member of the ASC for football only, beginning this season. (top of page)
Concordia
University at Austin accepts
membership to
American Southwest Conference
RICHARDSON, Texas -- Concordia University at Austin has been unanimously accepted as the newest member of the American Southwest Conference by the council of presidents and will begin competing in the ASC West Division beginning in the 1999-2000 academic year. The NCAA Division III American Southwest Conference is expanding to include the Austin, Texas, based school as its 14th member.
"Concordia University at Austin fits the profile of a NCAA Division III member and will be very compatible with other American Southwest Conference members academically, geographically, economically and competitively," said Fred Jacoby, Commissioner of the American Southwest Conference. "Concordia has a full compliment of sports with a strong coaching staff and a supportive administration and will be an excellence conference member. The addition of Concordia at Austin enhances the visibility of the Conference as the ASC expands into Austin."
Concordia University at Austin is currently a NCAA Division II member of the Heart of Texas Conference and has applied for NCAA Division III membership. Concordia has an enrollment of approximately 800 students, and features strong academic majors in business management, elementary and secondary education, and communication.
Students have attended this independent liberal art college since 1926, which has been maintained by The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Concordia University at Austin is a member of the Concordia University System, which includes 10 colleges and universities across the United States. Athletically, the Woltman Activities Center on campus houses facilities for both basketball and volleyball and has a seating capacity of 1,600. Also on campus is Faszholz Field for baseball.
Concordia currently sponsors volleyball, basketball, softball and tennis for women; and soccer, basketball, tennis, golf and baseball for men.
"We are gratified to find a substantial number of schools in Texas who share our athletic philosophy in building up opportunities for students involved in non-scholarship athletics," said Dr. David Zersen, President of Concordia University at Austin.
The American Southwest Conference consists of charter members Austin College, McMurry University and Sul Ross State University. And Howard Payne University, Mississippi College, Hardin-Simmons University, University of the Ozarks, University of Dallas, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, University of Texas-Dallas (Sept. 1998), Schreiner College (Sept. 1998), LeTourneau University (Sept. 1998) and East Texas Baptist University (Oct. 1998). Texas Lutheran University is an Associate Member of the ASC for football only, beginning this season. (top of page)
East
Texas Baptist University accepted
as member of
American Southwest Conference
RICHARDSON, Texas -- East Texas Baptist University has been unanimously accepted as the newest member of the American Southwest Conference by the council of presidents this week and will begin competing out of the ASC East Division in the fall of 1998. The NCAA Division III American Southwest Conference is expanding to include the Marshall, Texas, based school as its 13th member.
"East Texas Baptist University fits the profile of a NCAA Division III member and will be very compatible with other American Southwest Conference members academically, geographically, economically and competitively," said Fred Jacoby, Commissioner of the American Southwest Conference. "ETBU has a full compliment of sports with a strong coaching staff and a supportive administration. They will be an excellent conference member as they begin conference competition in the 1998-99 academic year."
East Texas Baptist University is currently a NCAA Division II member of the Heart of Texas Conference but will apply for NCAA Division III membership in January 1998. The east Texas school has an enrollment of approximately 1,100 students, and features strong academic majors in religion, nursing, teacher education and business. The average ACT score for entering freshmen is 22.1.
Student's attend classes in a Christian atmosphere and enjoy a 16-1 student-teacher ratio. East Texas Baptist boasts a 90 percent placement of its graduates. There are approximately 14,000 living alumni. Athletically, the Dean Healthplex-Ornealas Gymnasium on campus houses facilities for both basketball and volleyball. Also on campus is the Brimberry Field for baseball, tennis courts and softball and soccer fields.
East Texas Baptist currently sponsors volleyball, basketball, softball and tennis for women; and soccer, basketball, tennis and baseball for men. The school will also reinstate football beginning in the fall of 1999 or 2000.
"By joining the American Southwest Conference as a NCAA Division III school we will be competing against universities that mirror the university's interests and programs," said Dr. Bob Riley, President of East Texas Baptist. "I see this as another effort by the Board of Trustees to continue to strengthen the academic programs at ETBU. We see intercollegiate athletics as being an integral part of the university experience for our students."
The American Southwest Conference consists of charter members Austin College, McMurry University and Sul Ross State University. And Howard Payne University, Mississippi College, Hardin-Simmons University, University of the Ozarks, University of Dallas, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor University of Texas-Dallas (Sept. 1998), Schreiner College (Sept. 1998) and LeTourneau University (Sept. 1998). Texas Lutheran University is an Associate Member of the ASC for football beginning in 1998. (top of page)
LeTourneau University accepted as member
of American
Southwest Conference
RICHARDSON, Texas -- LeTourneau University has been unanimously accepted as the newest member of the American Southwest Conference by the council of president this week and will begin competing in the fall of 1998. The NCAA Division III American Southwest Conference is expanding to include the Longview, Texas, based school as its 12th member.
"LeTourneau University meets the profile of a strong NCAA Division III member and is very compatible with American Southwest Conference members academically, geographically and competitively," said Fred Jacoby, Commissioner of the American Southwest Conference. "Dr. Bud Austin, President, and Dr. Bill Elder, Director of Athletics, are men of integrity and will work well with their ASC colleagues. We look forward to a good working relationship as LeTourneau University is integrated into the conference schedules starting with the 1998-99 academic year. We are delighted to have LeTourneau University as a new member."
LeTourneau University is currently a NCAA corresponding member but will apply for NCAA Division III membership in January 1998. The east Texas school has an enrollment of approximately 1,000 students on the Longview campus with branch campuses in Dallas and Houston, and features strong academic majors in engineering and aeronautical science. The average SAT score for entering freshmen is 1,154.
The newly opened Solheim Center on the LeTourneau campus is impressive and houses two gymnasiums with seating for 3,000 spectators, as well as a natatorium and weight lifting facility. Adjacent to the center are eight lighted tennis courts. There is also a soccer and baseball field located on campus.
LeTourneau currently sponsors cross country, volleyball and basketball for women; and cross country, soccer, basketball and baseball for men. The university will be adding women's soccer and men and women's tennis in 1998, followed by women's softball and men and women's golf in 1999.
"For several years LeTourneau University has sought to enhance the strength of the intercollegiate athletic program and to do so in a manner consistent with the university's commitment to its strong academic program and spiritual mission," said Dr. Bud Austin, President of LeTourneau University. "The American Southwest Conference is composed of institutions similar in purpose to LeTourneau. They are strong academic institutions with strong traditions in intercollegiate athletics. The rivalries that will emanate out of this conference will be a true challenge for LeTourneau. Playing teams in several major metropolitan areas will give us significant new exposure in the larger media markets."
The American Southwest Conference consists of charter members Austin College, McMurry University and Sul Ross State University, as well as Howard Payne University, Mississippi College, Hardin-Simmons University, University of the Ozarks, University of Dallas, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor University of Texas-Dallas (Sept. 1998) and Schreiner College (Sept. 1998). Texas Lutheran University is an Associate Member of the ASC for football beginning in 1998. (top of page)
University of Texas-Dallas, Schreiner College to join ASC
RICHARDSON, TEXAS – The American Southwest Conference, an NCAA Division III conference, is expanding to include two new member institutions, increasing the total membership to 11 schools. The University of Texas at Dallas and Schreiner College will join the ASC effective September 1, 1998.
"The American Southwest Conference Council of Presidents is excited and very pleased with the acceptance of The University of Texas at Dallas and Schreiner College as the newest members of the conference," chairman of the ASC Council of Presidents Dr. Vic Morgan of Sul Ross State University said. "The addition of these two fine academic institutions will enhance the image of our conference throughout the Southwest."
The University of Texas at Dallas is in the beginning stages of establishing a non-scholarship athletics program. UTD has sponsored only men’s and women’s soccer, but beginning in 1998, the university will add men’s and women’s basketball and will sponsor additional sports yet to be determined in coming years. The University of Texas at Dallas, which has the highest average SAT score (1235) for incoming freshmen of any public institution in the state, specializes in computer science, electrical engineering, management, and natural science and mathematics. A $10 million events center is under construction that will feature bleacher seating for 3,200 and house three full-sized basketball courts, four racquetball courts, two squash courts, a 25-yard swimming pool, fitness center, offices, locker rooms, and an auxiliary gymnasium.
Schreiner College, located in Kerrville, Texas, will sponsor non-scholarship athletics in volleyball, basketball, soccer, tennis, and softball for women and soccer, basketball, tennis, and baseball for men. The school is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and is an independent liberal arts college. Schreiner is known for its excellent programs in exercise science, teacher education, business administration, and psychology. The athletic complex on campus features basketball and volleyball facilities with a state of the art wood floor in the gymnasium. A new softball field, located adjacent to the baseball diamond, has been constructed this year, and Schreiner features an eight court tennis complex and a natural grass soccer field.
"The vision of the ASC Council of Presidents is to develop a super-regional conference that at present is the only NCAA Division III conference in the Southwest," Dr. Morgan said. "The focus is for the ASC to be positioned for the year 2000 and beyond as one of the strongest NCAA Division III conferences in the nation. We believe the Conference is certainly headed in that direction thanks in large part to the efforts of our Commissioner, Fred Jacoby. He has given the Conference great insight and leadership in this growth period, and we are all appreciative of his contributions."
The American Southwest Conference consists of charter members Austin College, McMurry University, and Sul Ross State University as well as Howard Payne University, Mississippi College, Hardin-Simmons University, University of the Ozarks, University of Dallas, and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (effective September 1, 1997). Texas Lutheran University is an Associate Member of the ASC for football.
"The expansion of the Conference will enable the ASC to develop East and West divisions in team sports with the added excitement of divisional playoffs at the conclusion of the respective seasons," Dr. Morgan said. "The advantages of such growth also include the ability to control scheduling and expenses, increase media coverage over a three state region, and enable the ASC institutions to meet Title IX requirements for women’s athletics." (top of page)
University
of Mary Hardin-Baylor joins ASC
Texas
Lutheran University accepted as Associate Member
RICHARDSON, TEXAS (June 4, 1997) -- The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will become the ninth member institution of the American Southwest Conference on September 1, 1997. The ASC is an NCAA Division III conference with a current membership that includes Austin College, University of Dallas, Hardin-Simmons University, Howard Payne University, McMurry University, Mississippi College, University of the Ozarks and Sul Ross State University.
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, located in Belton, Texas, will not compete for ASC championships in the 1997-98 scholastic year as the school phases out scholarships in all sports. In addition, UMHB will add the sport of football and womenÕs soccer in the fall of 1998.
The ASC has also announced the addition of Texas Lutheran University as an associate member in football beginning in 1998. TLU is reinstating the football program in 1998 on the Seguin, Texas campus after a 10-year absence of the sport . Texas Lutheran, currently an NAIA member of the Heart of Texas Conference with an enrollment of 1,000 students, had a storied 70-year history of football before dropping the sport in 1988.
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will compete in seven menÕs sports of football, baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer and tennis. In womenÕs sports, the Crusaders will compete in the ASC in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis and volleyball. In addition, UMHB sponsors softball, which is currently not an ASC sport. Mary Hardin-Baylor has an enrollment of 2,258 and has been an NAIA member since 1978 in the Big State Conference and more recently in the Heart of Texas Conference.
The eight ASC schools competing in football in 1998 are Austin College, Hardin-Simmons, Howard Payne, Mary Hardin-Baylor, McMurry, Mississippi College, Sul Ross State and Texas Lutheran.
The American Southwest Conference began in 1976 as the Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The new conference at that time consisted of five charter members: Austin College, McMurry College, Sul Ross State University, Tarleton State University and Trinity University. Howard Payne University and Midwestern State University joined the conference in 1987, University of Dallas came aboard in 1989 and Hardin-Simmons joined the group in 1990. Tarleton and Midwestern State have since joined the NCAA Divison II Lone Star Conference. (top of page)
Developed by: Michael Ziegler, Director of Media Relations asconf@flash.net