Southland Conference
Encyclopedia
The Southland Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the south central United States
. It participates in the NCAA
's Division I for all sports; for football
, it participates in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The Southland sponsors 17 sports, nine for women and eight for men, and is governed by a presidential Board of Directors and an Advisory Council of athletic and academic administrators. Tom Burnett was named the Southland's sixth commissioner on Dec. 23, 2002.
The conference's offices are located in the Dallas
suburb of Frisco, Texas
.
(now Abilene Christian University; departed 1973 for NCAA Division II), Arkansas State College
(departed 1987, now a member of the Sun Belt Conference
), Arlington State College (now The University of Texas at Arlington
, the only member that has remained with the conference since its inception, but it has announced that it will depart for the Western Athletic Conference
in 2012, Lamar State College of Technology (now Lamar University
, left in 1987 and rejoined in 1999), and Trinity University (Texas)
(departed 1971, now participating in NCAA Division III).
Since its founding, the Southland Conference has been the home for 18 College and University all-sports programs (see membership timeline below). In addition, the conference has also been home to some schools for one sport only. In the case of football, Troy
fielded an SLC team from 1996–2000 and Jacksonville State
from 1997-2002. This has also been the case for some Olympic sports
like Men's Tennis.
Departing members in gray.
Oral Roberts will join the Southland Conference in 2012 as a non-football member.
Houston Baptist has announced they will have a football team ready to start play in 2014. They will join the conference July 1, 2013 in all Southland sponsored sports.
Historically, the Southland's successful football heritage has sustained itself through numerous membership and classification changes. Originally an NAIA conference, the Southland joined the NCAA College Division in 1968. The College Division was re-named NCAA Division II in 1973, and the league played two seasons in that class. The Southland became an NCAA Division I league in 1975, and was a charter member of Division I-A (now Division I FBS) when Division I split for football in 1978. It moved to the FCS ranks in 1982, where it has remained to this day.
During its tenure as a Division I and I-A conference from 1975–81, the Southland Conference was instrumental in the startup of the Independence Bowl
in 1976. The Southland representative served as the host team of the bowl until 1980, compiling a 2-3 record in the contests. The Conference can lay claim to five national football championships, including College Division championships through former members Arkansas State (1970, UPI) and Louisiana Tech
(1972, National Football Foundation). Louisiana Tech also won the first-ever NCAA-sanctioned national title, winning the Division II playoffs in 1973. Tech followed that with the UPI's Division II national championship in 1974. Northeast Louisiana
, now Louisiana-Monroe, won the 1987 Division I-AA national title.
McNeese State, which has made 12 appearances in the national playoffs, also played in the 1997 I-AA national championship game, and Stephen F. Austin played in the 1989 title game, one of four playoff runs for the Lumberjacks. Northwestern State has played in six national playoffs, and advanced to the semifinals in 1998, while Sam Houston State has earned four trips to the postseason, including the semifinals in 2004, Nicholls State has participated twice, and Texas State twice, advancing to the 2005 semifinals.
On four occasions, the Southland has placed three teams in the national 16-team playoffs. Six of the eight current football-playing members have qualified for the I-AA/FCS playoffs. In addition, Texas State won NCAA Division II titles in 1981 and 1982 before joining the Southland.
Non-football member Lamar University
, which dropped its program in 1989, recently announced its plan to resume its football program in 2010. The Cardinals will play a Southland schedule in 2011.
The Southland has produced 149 first-team football All-Americans during its history, and has sent such talent to the professional ranks including Dallas' Keith Davis
(SHSU), Arizona's Josh McCown
(SHSU), Buffalo's Terrence McGee
(Northwestern State), N.Y. Giant's Gary Reasons
(Northwestern State), Baltimore's B. J. Sams (McNeese), Chicago's Mike Green
(Northwestern State), Jacksonville's Kenny Wright
(Northwestern State), Houston's Chad Stanley
(SFA), Philadelphia's Jeremiah Trotter
(SFA), San Diego's Clinton Ballard (Texas State) and Chicago's Chris Thompson (Nicholls). In the 2002 NFL Draft alone, five Southland players were selected.
With its current alignment of 12 institutions in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas, the Southland is at its largest membership configuration in its 43-year history. On November 11, 2010, Texas State and Texas-San Antonio announced their intentions to move into the FBS ranks, joining the Western Athletic Conference
in 2012, which will bring the total membership of the Southland conference down to 10. The league will have nine football-playing members in 2011 when Lamar joins the league for football (UTSA will begin football in 2011 as well but will not participate in conference play due to its 2012 move), and will revert to eight again in 2012 when Texas State departs the league.
, Bill Bergey
, Stan Humphries
, Fred Barnett
, Roger Carr
, Marvin Upshaw
, Larry Centers
, Kavika Pittman
, Mike Barber, Bruce Collie
, Tim McKyer
, Pat Tilley
, Jackie Harris, Eugene Seale
, Bubby Brister
, Billy Ryckman
, Rafael Septien
, Buford Jordan
, Marcus Spears
, Terrance Shaw
, Jeremiah Trotter
, Mike Quinn
, Chad Stanley
, Derrick Blaylock
, Keith Davis
, Ricky Sanders
, Wade Key
and Ray Brown.
(Louisiana Tech) Joe Dumars
(McNeese State), Jeff Foster (Texas State as Southwest Texas State) and Scottie Pippen
(Central Arkansas) even though UCA was not a Southland Conference school at the time Pippen attended.
, and ESPN
FullCourt and ESPN3.com. In 2008-09, the Network featured 35 broadcasts, then followed with 31 live events in 2009-10 and 31 in 2010-11. The schedule includes regular season football games, regular season and tournament basketball, plus championships in soccer, volleyball, softball and baseball.
Note: Departing members in gray. UTSA began its football program in 2011 and is using the Alamodome as its home field.http://www.goutsa.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=13100&ATCLID=3634575 The stadium seats 65,000, but seating capacity
for UTSA games may be reduced. UTSA will not join the Southland Conference for football because they will be members of the Western Athletic Conference
by 2012. Lamar revived its football program in 2010 and joined the Southland Conference for football in 2011. The Cardinals are playing in the extensively renovated stadium that they last used in 1989.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It participates in the NCAA
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
's Division I for all sports; for football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
, it participates in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The Southland sponsors 17 sports, nine for women and eight for men, and is governed by a presidential Board of Directors and an Advisory Council of athletic and academic administrators. Tom Burnett was named the Southland's sixth commissioner on Dec. 23, 2002.
The conference's offices are located in the Dallas
Dallas, Texas
Dallas is the third-largest city in Texas and the ninth-largest in the United States. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the largest metropolitan area in the South and fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States...
suburb of Frisco, Texas
Frisco, Texas
Frisco is an affluent city in Collin and Denton Counties in the U.S. state of Texas and a rapidly growing suburb of Dallas. As of the 2010 Census, 116,989 people were living in Frisco up from 33,714 in the previous census. Frisco was the fastest growing city in the United States in 2009, and also...
.
History
Founded in 1963, the original members included Abilene Christian CollegeAbilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University is a private university located in Abilene, Texas, affiliated with Churches of Christ. ACU was founded in 1906, as Childers Classical Institute...
(now Abilene Christian University; departed 1973 for NCAA Division II), Arkansas State College
Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University is a public university and is the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System, the state's second largest college system and third largest university by enrollment. It is located atop on Crowley's Ridge at Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA...
(departed 1987, now a member of the Sun Belt Conference
Sun Belt Conference
The Sun Belt Conference is a college athletic conference that has been affiliated with the NCAA's Division I since 1976. Its football teams participate in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision , the higher of two levels of Division I football competition . The Sun Belt has member institutions...
), Arlington State College (now The University of Texas at Arlington
University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington is a public research university located in Arlington, Texas, United States. The campus is situated southwest of downtown Arlington, and is located in the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. The university was founded in 1895 and served primarily a military...
, the only member that has remained with the conference since its inception, but it has announced that it will depart for the Western Athletic Conference
Western Athletic Conference
The Western Athletic Conference is an American collegiate athletic conference, which was formed on July 27, 1962, making it the sixth oldest of the 11 college athletic conferences currently participating in the NCAA's Division I FBS...
in 2012, Lamar State College of Technology (now Lamar University
Lamar University
Lamar University, often referred to as Lamar or LU, is a comprehensive coeducational public research university located in Beaumont, Texas, United States. Lamar confers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees and is classified as a Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Commission on Higher...
, left in 1987 and rejoined in 1999), and Trinity University (Texas)
Trinity University (Texas)
Trinity University is a private, independent, primarily undergraduate, university in San Antonio, Texas. Its campus is located in the Monte Vista Historic District and adjacent to Brackenridge Park....
(departed 1971, now participating in NCAA Division III).
Since its founding, the Southland Conference has been the home for 18 College and University all-sports programs (see membership timeline below). In addition, the conference has also been home to some schools for one sport only. In the case of football, Troy
Troy University
Troy University is a public university that is located in Troy, Alabama, United States. It was originally founded in 1887 as Troy Normal School. Its main campus enrollment is 7,194 students. The total enrollment of all Troy University campuses is 29,689...
fielded an SLC team from 1996–2000 and Jacksonville State
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville State University is a regional public coeducational university located in Jacksonville, Alabama, USA. Founded in 1883, Jacksonville State offers programs of study in four academic units leading to Bachelor's, Master's, and Education Specialist degrees, in addition to continuing and...
from 1997-2002. This has also been the case for some Olympic sports
Olympic sports
Olympic sports, as defined by the International Olympic Committee, are all the sports contested in the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. The Summer Olympics, as of 2012, will include 26 sports, with two additionall sports due to be added in 2016...
like Men's Tennis.
Current members
| Institution | Location | Founded | Type | Enrollment | Joined | Endowment | Nickname |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Arkansas University of Central Arkansas The University of Central Arkansas is a state-run institution located in the city of Conway, the seat of Faulkner County, north of Little Rock and is the fourth largest university by enrollment in the U.S. state of Arkansas, and the third largest college system in the state. The school is most... |
Conway, Arkansas Conway, Arkansas Conway is the county seat of Faulkner County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 58,908 at the 2010 census, making Conway the seventh most populous city in Arkansas. It is a principal city of the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area which had... |
1907 | Public | 13,000 | 2006 | $22.7 million | Bears and Sugar Bears Central Arkansas Bears The University of Central Arkansas participates in 14 NCAA Division I Varsity Sports and one Football Championship Subdivision , supported by the efforts of a diverse group of over 400 male and female student-athletes... |
| Lamar University Lamar University Lamar University, often referred to as Lamar or LU, is a comprehensive coeducational public research university located in Beaumont, Texas, United States. Lamar confers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees and is classified as a Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Commission on Higher... |
Beaumont, Texas Beaumont, Texas Beaumont is a city in and county seat of Jefferson County, Texas, United States, within the Beaumont–Port Arthur Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city's population was 118,296 at the 2010 census. With Port Arthur and Orange, it forms the Golden Triangle, a major industrial area on the... |
1923 | Public (Texas State University System Texas State University System The Texas State University System was created in 1911 to oversee the state's normal schools. Since its creation it has broadened its focus and comprises institutions of many different scopes. It is the oldest multi-system University System in Texas... ) |
14,386 | 1963 | $87 million | Cardinals and Lady Cardinals Lamar Cardinals The Lamar Cardinals refers to the collegiate athletic teams of Lamar University. The inception of the nickname "Cardinals" dates back to the schools name change to Lamar in 1932. The teams compete in Division I of NCAA sports... |
| McNeese State University McNeese State University McNeese State University is a public university located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in the United States. Founded in 1939 as a junior college, McNeese experienced growth due to economic activity in the region. It adopted its present name in 1970.... |
Lake Charles, Louisiana Lake Charles, Louisiana Lake Charles is the fifth-largest incorporated city in the U.S. state of Louisiana, located on Lake Charles, Prien Lake, and the Calcasieu River. Located in Calcasieu Parish, a major cultural, industrial, and educational center in the southwest region of the state, and one of the most important in... |
1939 | Public (University of Louisiana System University of Louisiana System The University of Louisiana System is one of four public university systems in the U.S. state of Louisiana. Its headquarters are in the Claiborne Building in Baton Rouge.-History and diversification:... ) |
8,784 | 1972 | $12.5 million | Cowboys and Cowgirls |
| Nicholls State University Nicholls State University Nicholls State University, founded in 1948, is a public university located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, USA. Nicholls is part of the University of Louisiana System of universities. Originally called Francis T. Nicholls Junior College, the institution split from the Louisiana State University System in... |
Thibodaux, Louisiana Thibodaux, Louisiana Thibodaux is a small city in and the parish seat of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, United States, along the banks of Bayou Lafourche in the northwestern part of the parish. The population was 14,431 at the 2000 census. Thibodaux is a principal city of the Houma–Bayou Cane–Thibodaux... |
1948 | Public (University of Louisiana System University of Louisiana System The University of Louisiana System is one of four public university systems in the U.S. state of Louisiana. Its headquarters are in the Claiborne Building in Baton Rouge.-History and diversification:... ) |
7,500 | 1991 | $8 million | Colonels and Lady Colonels |
| Northwestern State University Northwestern State University Northwestern State University, known as NSU, is a four-year public university primarily situated in Natchitoches, Louisiana, with a nursing campus in Shreveport and general campuses in Leesville/Fort Polk and Alexandria. It is a part of the University of Louisiana System.NSU was founded in 1884 as... |
Natchitoches, Louisiana Natchitoches, Louisiana Natchitoches is a city in and the parish seat of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, United States. Established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis as part of French Louisiana, the community was named after the Natchitoches Indian tribe. The City of Natchitoches was first incorporated on February... |
1884 | Public (University of Louisiana System University of Louisiana System The University of Louisiana System is one of four public university systems in the U.S. state of Louisiana. Its headquarters are in the Claiborne Building in Baton Rouge.-History and diversification:... ) |
10,159 | 1987 | $8.8 million | Demons and Lady Demons Northwestern State Demons The Northwestern State University athletic teams go by the Demons, with women's athletic teams generally called the Lady Demons, and its mascot is Vic the Demon. Once a member of the celebrated SIAA conference, the school now competes in the Southland Conference.... |
| Sam Houston State University Sam Houston State University Sam Houston State University was founded in 1879 and is the third oldest public institution of higher learning in the State of Texas. It is located in Huntsville, Texas. It is one of the oldest purpose-built institutions for the instruction of teachers west of the Mississippi River and the first... |
Huntsville, Texas Huntsville, Texas Huntsville is a city in and the county seat of Walker County, Texas, United States. The population was 35,508 at the 2010 census. It is the center of the Huntsville micropolitan area.... |
1879 | Public (Texas State University System Texas State University System The Texas State University System was created in 1911 to oversee the state's normal schools. Since its creation it has broadened its focus and comprises institutions of many different scopes. It is the oldest multi-system University System in Texas... ) |
17,214 | 1987 | $54.2 million | Bearkats Sam Houston State Bearkats The Bearkats represent Sam Houston State University in intercollegiate athletics.Sam Houston State's colors are orange and white and their mascot is the Bearkats. Sam Houston State sports teams participate in NCAA Division I in the Southland Conference. SHSU's primary rival is Stephen F... |
| Southeastern Louisiana University Southeastern Louisiana University Southeastern Louisiana University is a state-funded public university in Hammond, Louisiana, United States. It was founded in 1925 by Linus A. Sims, the principal of Hammond High School, as Hammond Junior College, located in a wing of the high school building. Sims succeeded in getting the campus... |
Hammond, Louisiana Hammond, Louisiana Hammond is the largest city in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 20,049 at the 2009 census. It is home to Southeastern Louisiana University... |
1925 | Public (University of Louisiana System University of Louisiana System The University of Louisiana System is one of four public university systems in the U.S. state of Louisiana. Its headquarters are in the Claiborne Building in Baton Rouge.-History and diversification:... ) |
16,000 | 1997 | $8.4 million | Lions and Lady Lions |
| Stephen F. Austin State University Stephen F. Austin State University Stephen F. Austin State University is a public university located in Nacogdoches, Texas, United States. Founded as a teachers' college in 1923, the university was named after one of Texas' founding fathers, Stephen F. Austin. Its campus resides on part of the homestead of another Texas founding... |
Nacogdoches, Texas Nacogdoches, Texas Nacogdoches is a city in Nacogdoches County, Texas, in the United States. The 2010 census recorded the city's population to be 32,996. It is the county seat of Nacogdoches County and is situated in East Texas. Nacogdoches is a sister city of Natchitoches, Louisiana.Nacogdoches is the home of... |
1923 | Public | 12,954 | 1987 | $13.7 million | Lumberjacks and Ladyjacks |
| University of Texas at Arlington University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Arlington is a public research university located in Arlington, Texas, United States. The campus is situated southwest of downtown Arlington, and is located in the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. The university was founded in 1895 and served primarily a military... |
Arlington, Texas Arlington, Texas Arlington is a city in Tarrant County, Texas within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census results, the city had a population of 365,438, making it the third largest municipality in the Metroplex... |
1895 | Public (University of Texas System University of Texas System The University of Texas System encompasses 15 educational institutions in Texas, of which nine are academic universities and six are health institutions. The system is headquartered in Austin and has a total enrollment of over 190,000 students... ) |
25,297 | 1963 | $60.9 million | Mavericks UT Arlington Mavericks The UT Arlington Mavericks are the athletic teams that represent the University of Texas at Arlington. The Mavericks team name selection was made in 1971, predating the Dallas Mavericks starting choice in 1980. The Mavericks compete in the NCAA Division I Southland Conference in 14 varsity sports... |
| University of Texas at San Antonio University of Texas at San Antonio The University of Texas at San Antonio, commonly referred to as UTSA, is a state university in San Antonio, Texas. With an enrollment of more than 30,000 students, it is the third-largest of nine universities and six health institutions in the University of Texas System and the eighth-largest in... |
San Antonio, Texas | 1969 | Public (University of Texas System University of Texas System The University of Texas System encompasses 15 educational institutions in Texas, of which nine are academic universities and six are health institutions. The system is headquartered in Austin and has a total enrollment of over 190,000 students... ) |
28,955 | 1991 | $60.3 million | Roadrunners UTSA Roadrunners The UTSA Roadrunners is an athletic program that represent the University of Texas at San Antonio . The UTSA Roadrunners are also commonly referred to as "UTSA", Roadrunners,or simply as "Runners" . The Roadrunners compete in the NCAA Division I Southland Conference in 17 varsity sports... |
| Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi | Corpus Christi, Texas Corpus Christi, Texas Corpus Christi is a coastal city in the South Texas region of the U.S. state of Texas. The county seat of Nueces County, it also extends into Aransas, Kleberg, and San Patricio counties. The MSA population in 2008 was 416,376. The population was 305,215 at the 2010 census making it the... |
1947 | Public (Texas A&M University System Texas A&M University System The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the United States. Through a statewide network of eleven universities, eight state agencies and a comprehensive health science center, the Texas A&M System educates over 100,000 students, conducts more than $600... ) |
9,600 | 2006 | $5.1 million | Islanders |
| Texas State University Texas State University–San Marcos Texas State University–San Marcos is a doctoral-granting university located in San Marcos, Texas... |
San Marcos, Texas San Marcos, Texas San Marcos is a city in the U.S. state of Texas, and is the seat of Hays County. Located within the metropolitan area, the city is located on the Interstate 35 corridor—between Austin and San Antonio.... |
1899 | Public (Texas State University System Texas State University System The Texas State University System was created in 1911 to oversee the state's normal schools. Since its creation it has broadened its focus and comprises institutions of many different scopes. It is the oldest multi-system University System in Texas... ) |
34,113 | 1987 | $95.1 million | Bobcats Texas State Bobcats The Texas State Bobcats are the sports teams that represent Texas State University-San Marcos. Currently, they compete in the Southland Conference in NCAA Division I... |
Departing members in gray.
Future members
| Institution | Location | Founded | Type | Enrollment | Year Joins | Nickname |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Roberts University Oral Roberts University Oral Roberts University , based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the United States, is an interdenominational, Charismatic Christian, comprehensive university with an enrollment of about 3,790 students from 49 U.S. states along with a significant number of international students from 70 countries... |
Tulsa, Oklahoma Tulsa, Oklahoma Tulsa is the second-largest city in the state of Oklahoma and 46th-largest city in the United States. With a population of 391,906 as of the 2010 census, it is the principal municipality of the Tulsa Metropolitan Area, a region with 937,478 residents in the MSA and 988,454 in the CSA. Tulsa's... |
1963 | Private | 3,417 | 2012 | Golden Eagles Oral Roberts Golden Eagles The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles are the 16 intercollegiate teams representing the Oral Roberts University that compete in the U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. Oral Roberts competes in The Summit League in all sports.-History:... |
| Houston Baptist University Houston Baptist University Houston Baptist University is a private Baptist institution founded in 1960. It is located in Greater Sharpstown in Houston, Texas near the Southwest Freeway.- History :... |
Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ... |
1960 | Private | 2,567 | 2013 | Huskies Houston Baptist Huskies Houston Baptist Huskies, also known as Houston Baptist, HBU or Huskies, refers to the sports teams of Houston Baptist University. With the inception of the athletics program at the university in 1960 until 1990 the Huskies were a part of the NCAA... |
Oral Roberts will join the Southland Conference in 2012 as a non-football member.
Houston Baptist has announced they will have a football team ready to start play in 2014. They will join the conference July 1, 2013 in all Southland sponsored sports.
Football
Southland Conference football ranks among the best Division I FCS leagues in the nation, and enjoys an annual expectation of competing for the national championship with multiple teams advancing to the NCAA playoffs each year. In 2002 and 2003, McNeese State finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in the nation, and advanced to the 2002 national championship contest, the sixth such title game appearance since the league joined the FCS (then known as Division I-AA) in 1982. All told, Southland teams have played in 84 Division I-AA/FCS playoff games in 23 years, winning 42 of the contests.Historically, the Southland's successful football heritage has sustained itself through numerous membership and classification changes. Originally an NAIA conference, the Southland joined the NCAA College Division in 1968. The College Division was re-named NCAA Division II in 1973, and the league played two seasons in that class. The Southland became an NCAA Division I league in 1975, and was a charter member of Division I-A (now Division I FBS) when Division I split for football in 1978. It moved to the FCS ranks in 1982, where it has remained to this day.
During its tenure as a Division I and I-A conference from 1975–81, the Southland Conference was instrumental in the startup of the Independence Bowl
Independence Bowl
The Independence Bowl is a post-season NCAA-sanctioned Division I college football bowl game that is played annually at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana, so named because it was inaugurated in the United States bicentennial year, 1976....
in 1976. The Southland representative served as the host team of the bowl until 1980, compiling a 2-3 record in the contests. The Conference can lay claim to five national football championships, including College Division championships through former members Arkansas State (1970, UPI) and Louisiana Tech
Louisiana Tech University
Louisiana Tech University, often referred to as Louisiana Tech, LA Tech, or Tech, is a coeducational public research university located in Ruston, Louisiana. Louisiana Tech is designated as a Tier 1 school in the national universities category by the 2012 U.S. News & World Report college rankings...
(1972, National Football Foundation). Louisiana Tech also won the first-ever NCAA-sanctioned national title, winning the Division II playoffs in 1973. Tech followed that with the UPI's Division II national championship in 1974. Northeast Louisiana
University of Louisiana at Monroe
The University of Louisiana at Monroe is a coeducational public university in Monroe, Louisiana and part of the University of Louisiana System.-History:...
, now Louisiana-Monroe, won the 1987 Division I-AA national title.
McNeese State, which has made 12 appearances in the national playoffs, also played in the 1997 I-AA national championship game, and Stephen F. Austin played in the 1989 title game, one of four playoff runs for the Lumberjacks. Northwestern State has played in six national playoffs, and advanced to the semifinals in 1998, while Sam Houston State has earned four trips to the postseason, including the semifinals in 2004, Nicholls State has participated twice, and Texas State twice, advancing to the 2005 semifinals.
On four occasions, the Southland has placed three teams in the national 16-team playoffs. Six of the eight current football-playing members have qualified for the I-AA/FCS playoffs. In addition, Texas State won NCAA Division II titles in 1981 and 1982 before joining the Southland.
Non-football member Lamar University
Lamar University
Lamar University, often referred to as Lamar or LU, is a comprehensive coeducational public research university located in Beaumont, Texas, United States. Lamar confers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees and is classified as a Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Commission on Higher...
, which dropped its program in 1989, recently announced its plan to resume its football program in 2010. The Cardinals will play a Southland schedule in 2011.
The Southland has produced 149 first-team football All-Americans during its history, and has sent such talent to the professional ranks including Dallas' Keith Davis
Keith Davis
Keith Lamont Davis is an American football safety for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
(SHSU), Arizona's Josh McCown
Josh McCown
Joshua Treadwell McCown is an American football quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Sam Houston State.McCown has played for the Detroit Lions, Oakland...
(SHSU), Buffalo's Terrence McGee
Terrence McGee
Terrence Dewayne McGee is an American football cornerback and kick returner who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by Bills in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
(Northwestern State), N.Y. Giant's Gary Reasons
Gary Reasons
Gary Phillip Reasons is a former American football linebacker for the New York Giants of the National Football League, winning Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV as a member of the team.-Biography:...
(Northwestern State), Baltimore's B. J. Sams (McNeese), Chicago's Mike Green
Mike Green (defensive back)
Michael Wayne Green is an American football safety and cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
(Northwestern State), Jacksonville's Kenny Wright
Kenny Wright
Kenneth D. Wright is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
(Northwestern State), Houston's Chad Stanley
Chad Stanley
Benjamin Chadwick Stanley is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at Stephen F...
(SFA), Philadelphia's Jeremiah Trotter
Jeremiah Trotter
Jeremiah Trotter is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Stephen F...
(SFA), San Diego's Clinton Ballard (Texas State) and Chicago's Chris Thompson (Nicholls). In the 2002 NFL Draft alone, five Southland players were selected.
With its current alignment of 12 institutions in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas, the Southland is at its largest membership configuration in its 43-year history. On November 11, 2010, Texas State and Texas-San Antonio announced their intentions to move into the FBS ranks, joining the Western Athletic Conference
Western Athletic Conference
The Western Athletic Conference is an American collegiate athletic conference, which was formed on July 27, 1962, making it the sixth oldest of the 11 college athletic conferences currently participating in the NCAA's Division I FBS...
in 2012, which will bring the total membership of the Southland conference down to 10. The league will have nine football-playing members in 2011 when Lamar joins the league for football (UTSA will begin football in 2011 as well but will not participate in conference play due to its 2012 move), and will revert to eight again in 2012 when Texas State departs the league.
Former Southland Conference stars
Former NFL stars from the Southland include Fred DeanFred Dean
Frederick Rudolph "Fred" Dean is a former American football player in the National Football League, and a member of the NFL Hall of Fame. His career started with the San Diego Chargers in 1975 and ended with the San Francisco 49ers after the 1985 season. Dean was born in Arcadia, the seat of...
, Bill Bergey
Bill Bergey
William Earl Bergey is a former American collegiate and Professional Football player. He played collegiately for Arkansas State University and for the American Football League's Cincinnati Bengals and the NFL Philadelphia Eagles....
, Stan Humphries
Stan Humphries
William Stanley "Stan" Humphries is a former professional American football quarterback. He played for the Washington Redskins and San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He played college football at Northeast Louisiana...
, Fred Barnett
Fred Barnett
Fred Lee Barnett is a former professional American football wide receiver in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins...
, Roger Carr
Roger Carr
Roger Dale Carr is a former National Football League wide receiver who played mainly for the Baltimore Colts...
, Marvin Upshaw
Marvin Upshaw
Marvin Allen Upshaw is a former American football defensive lineman in the National Football League. He played nine seasons for the Cleveland Browns , the Kansas City Chiefs and the St...
, Larry Centers
Larry Centers
Larry Eugene Centers is a former American football fullback in the National Football League for 14 seasons, mostly for his first team, the Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals...
, Kavika Pittman
Kavika Pittman
Kavika Charles Pittman is a former American football defensive end who played eight seasons in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and the Carolina Panthers. Pittman played college football for McNeese State University and was drafted in the second round of the...
, Mike Barber, Bruce Collie
Bruce Collie
Bruce Stokes Collie is a former professional American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles...
, Tim McKyer
Tim McKyer
Timothy Bernard McKyer is a former professional American football player who was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 1986 NFL Draft. A 6'0", 174-lb. cornerback from the University of Texas at Arlington, McKyer played in 12 NFL seasons for 7 different teams from 1986 to 1997...
, Pat Tilley
Pat Tilley
Patrick Lee Tilley is a former NFL wide receiver who played for the St. Louis Cardinals . He was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1980 season....
, Jackie Harris, Eugene Seale
Eugene Seale
Eugene Seale, Jr. is a former professional American football linebacker in the National Football League. He played six seasons for the Houston Oilers ....
, Bubby Brister
Bubby Brister
Walter Andrew "Bubby" Brister, III is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings...
, Billy Ryckman
Billy Ryckman
William Thomas Ryckman is a former professional American football player who played wide receiver for three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He is currently the host of The Sports Note, a sports talk radio program aired on ESPN radio affiliate KPEL 1420 AM in Lafayette, Louisiana.-References:...
, Rafael Septien
Rafael Septien
Jose Rafael Septien was a Mexican placekicker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys from 1978 through 1986. He was the leading scorer for the Cowboys those nine years...
, Buford Jordan
Buford Jordan
Paul Buford Jordan is a former professional American football running back in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints....
, Marcus Spears
Marcus Spears (offensive tackle)
Marcus DeWayne Spears is a former American football offensive tackle in the National Football League. He was selected with the tenth pick of the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft out of Northwestern State University by the Chicago Bears. He has also played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the...
, Terrance Shaw
Terrance Shaw
Terrance Shaw is an American football cornerback. He was born in Marshall, Texas. Terrance was selected in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers...
, Jeremiah Trotter
Jeremiah Trotter
Jeremiah Trotter is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Stephen F...
, Mike Quinn
Mike Quinn
Michael Patrick Quinn is a former professional gridiron football quarterback. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 1997 and was also a member of the Rhein Fire, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, Montreal Alouettes...
, Chad Stanley
Chad Stanley
Benjamin Chadwick Stanley is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at Stephen F...
, Derrick Blaylock
Derrick Blaylock
Derrick Blaylock is an American football running back in the National Football League who is currently a free agent.-High school career:...
, Keith Davis
Keith Davis
Keith Lamont Davis is an American football safety for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
, Ricky Sanders
Ricky Sanders
Ricky Wayne Sanders is a former American football wide receiver who played for eight seasons with the Washington Redskins and one for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League from 1986 to 1994...
, Wade Key
Wade Key
Allan Wade Key is a former professional American football guard in the National Football League who played ten seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1970–1979. He played college football at Southwest Texas State University and was drafted in the 13th round of the 1969 NFL Draft by the...
and Ray Brown.
Basketball
Among notable NBA stars attending Southland Conference schools include Karl MaloneKarl Malone
Karl Anthony Malone , nicknamed "The Mailman", is a retired American professional basketball power forward who spent the majority of his career with the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association . Malone spent his first 18 seasons with the Jazz and formed a formidable duo with his teammate...
(Louisiana Tech) Joe Dumars
Joe Dumars
Joe Dumars III , nicknamed Joe D, is a retired American basketball player in the NBA, and currently the Detroit Pistons' President of Basketball Operations....
(McNeese State), Jeff Foster (Texas State as Southwest Texas State) and Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen
Scottie Maurice Pippen is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association . He is most remembered for his time with the Chicago Bulls, with whom he was instrumental in six NBA Championships and their record 1995–96 season of 72 wins...
(Central Arkansas) even though UCA was not a Southland Conference school at the time Pippen attended.
Southland Conference Television Network
The Conference began its own broadcast entity in 2008, the Southland Conference Television Network. It airs in numerous markets in the league's three-state region, plus on national networks such as Fox College SportsFox College Sports
Fox College Sports is a group of three United States digital cable networks, FCS Atlantic, FCS Central and FCS Pacific owned by News Corporation, that specialize primarily in showing collegiate programming, live events, coaches shows & various DI, DII, & DIII content surrounding college athletics...
, and ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
FullCourt and ESPN3.com. In 2008-09, the Network featured 35 broadcasts, then followed with 31 live events in 2009-10 and 31 in 2010-11. The schedule includes regular season football games, regular season and tournament basketball, plus championships in soccer, volleyball, softball and baseball.
Conference facilities
| School | Football stadium | capacity | Basketball arena | capacity | Baseball park | capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Arkansas | Estes Stadium Estes Stadium Estes Stadium is a 8,035-seat multi-purpose stadium in Conway, Arkansas. It is home to the Central Arkansas Bears football team, representing the University of Central Arkansas in the NCAA's Southland Conference. The facility opened in 1939. In 2007, university President Lu Hardin announced that... |
8,035 | Farris Center Farris Center The Farris Center is a 6,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Conway, Arkansas. It was built in 1972. It is home to the University of Central Arkansas Bears basketball program.... |
6,000 | Bear Stadium Bear Stadium Bear Stadium is a baseball venue in Conway, Arkansas, USA. It is home to the Central Arkansas Bears college baseball team of the NCAA's Division I Southland Conference. Rebuilt in 2009, the facility has a capacity of 1,000 spectators.-Renovations:... |
1,000 |
| Lamar | Provost Umphrey Stadium | 16,000 | Montagne Center Montagne Center Montagne Center is a 10,080-seat multi-purpose arena in Beaumont, Texas. It was built in 1984. It is home to the Lamar University Cardinals basketball team. The area floor can host sporting events like basketball, volleyball, wrestling, boxing and martial arts tournaments. With stadium and floor... |
10,080 | Vincent-Beck Stadium Vincent-Beck Stadium Vincent–Beck Stadium is a ballpark located in Beaumont, Texas on Jim Gilligan Way . It was built in 1969 and has a capacity of 3,500 spectators. It is the home stadium of the Lamar University Cardinals baseball team... |
3,500 |
| McNeese State | Cowboy Stadium Cowboy Stadium Cowboy Stadium is a 17,410-seat multi-purpose stadium in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It is home to the McNeese State University Cowboys football team, and is affectionately referred to as "The Hole". It was transformed for the 2008 season to artificial turf. A new state of the art field house is... |
17,410 | Burton Coliseum Burton Coliseum Burton Coliseum is a 6,500-seat multi-purpose arena, with 2,000 in temporary seating in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It was built in 1976 and is home to the McNeese State University Cowboys basketball team... |
8,000 | Cowboy Diamond | 2,000 |
| Nicholls State | John L. Guidry Stadium John L. Guidry Stadium John L. Guidry Stadium is a 12,800-seat multi-purpose stadium in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Also known as Manning Field because Peyton Manning, Eli Manning,and Archie Manning hold the Manning day passing camp for young quarterbacks. It was opened 01/01/1972... |
12,800 | Stopher Gym Stopher Gym Stopher Gym is a 3,800-seat multi-purpose arena in Thibodaux, Louisiana. It is home to the Nicholls State University Colonels basketball team.... |
3,800 | Ray Didier Field | 1,000 |
| Northwestern State | Harry Turpin Stadium Harry Turpin Stadium Harry Turpin Stadium is a 15,971-seat multi-purpose stadium in Natchitoches, Louisiana. It opened in 1976 and is home to the Northwestern State University Demons football team.... |
15,971 | Prather Coliseum Prather Coliseum Prather Coliseum is a 3,900-seat multi-purpose arena in Natchitoches, Louisiana. It opened in 1964 and is home to the Northwestern State University Demons basketball team. The arena was named in honor of the school's most successful basketball and football coach, H. Lee Prather, who served from the... |
3,900 | Brown-Stroud Field | 1,200 |
| Sam Houston State | Bowers Stadium Bowers Stadium Elliott T. Bowers Stadium is a 14,000-seat multi-purpose stadium in Huntsville, Texas, in the United States. The stadium has been home to the Sam Houston State University Bearkats football since 1986. Previously, the team played their homes games at Pritchett Field, which currently plays host to... |
14,000 | Bernard Johnson Coliseum Bernard Johnson Coliseum Bernard Johnson Coliseum is a 6,100-seat multi-purpose arena in Huntsville, Texas. It was built in 1976 and is home to the Sam Houston State University Bearkats basketball team. It hosted the Southland Conference men's basketball tournament in 2003... |
6,100 | Don Sanders Stadium Don Sanders Stadium Don Sanders Stadium is located in Huntsville, TX and home to the Sam Houston State Bearkats baseball team. It opened on February 11, 2006. The Stadium was originally named Bearkat Baseball Complex in 2006 and in 2007 was renamed to Don Sanders Stadium.... |
1,163 |
| Southeastern Louisiana | Strawberry Stadium Strawberry Stadium Strawberry Stadium is a 10,000-seat multi-purpose stadium in Hammond, Louisiana. It is home to the Southeastern Louisiana University Lions football team. The facility opened in 1936.... |
7,408 | University Center University Center (Southeastern Louisiana) University Center is a 7,500-seat multi-purpose arena in Hammond, Louisiana, United States, on the campus Southeastern Louisiana University. Often called "the UC" within the University, it was built in 1982 at a cost of $16.3 million... |
7,500 | Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field is a baseball venue in Hammond, Louisiana, USA. It is home to the Southeastern Louisiana Lions college baseball team of the NCAA's Division I Southland Conference. The facility has a capacity of 2,500 spectators.... |
2,500 |
| Stephen F. Austin | Homer Bryce Stadium Homer Bryce Stadium Homer Bryce Stadium, located in Nacogdoches, Texas, is the home of SFASU's Lumberjack football and Ladyjack and Lumberjack track and field events. The stadium includes a walking and running track open to the public... |
14,575 | William R. Johnson Coliseum William R. Johnson Coliseum William R. Johnson Coliseum is a 7,203-seat multi-purpose arena in Nacogdoches, Texas. It is home to the Stephen F. Austin State University Lumberjacks basketball team and the Ladyjacks basketball and volleyball team. Built in 1974, the coliseum seats 7,203. Two NCAA Women's Midwest Regional games... |
7,203 | Jaycees Field Jaycees Field Jaycees Field is a baseball venue in Nacogdoches, Texas, USA. It is home to the Stephen F. Austin State Lumberjacks college baseball team of the NCAA's Division I Southland Conference. The field has a capacity of 1,000 spectators.- 2009 renovations :... |
1,000 |
| UT Arlington | Non-football school | N/A | Texas Hall Texas Hall Texas Hall on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington is a combination theater and special events center. Seating capacity is 2,709 for stage productions and 3,309 for athletic events.Texas Hall hosts an average of 200-300 events per year... |
4,200 | Clay Gould Ballpark Clay Gould Ballpark Clay Gould Ballpark is the home of the UTA Mavericks located in Arlington, TX. The stadium has a capacity of 1,600. -Location:The stadium, formerly named Allan Saxe Field, is located at the intersection of W. Park Row Drive and Fielder Road.-References:... |
1,600 |
| UTSA | Alamodome Alamodome The Alamodome is a domed 65,000 seat, multi-purpose facility that is primarily used as a football/basketball stadium and convention center in San Antonio, Texas, U.S... |
65,000 | Convocation Center Convocation Center (University of Texas at San Antonio) Convocation Center is a 4,080-seat multi-purpose arena in San Antonio, Texas. It was built in 1975 and is home to the UTSA Roadrunners basketball team. It hosted the Southland Conference men's basketball tournament in 1992 and 2004... |
5,100 | Roadrunner Field Roadrunner Field Roadrunner Field is a college baseball stadium in San Antonio, Texas on the campus of the University of Texas at San Antonio. It is home to the UTSA Roadrunners baseball team, and seats 800. The stadium was opened in 1993. The stadium features a press box with seating for eight, and three indoor... |
800 |
| Texas A&M-Corpus Christi | Non-football school | N/A | American Bank Center American Bank Center The American Bank Center is an entertainment complex located in Corpus Christi, Texas. The complex consists of an auditorium convention center and arena. The facility hosts numerous conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, live performances and sporting events. It is home to the Corpus Christi... |
8,000 | Whataburger Field Whataburger Field Whataburger Field is the minor league baseball stadium located in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA. It is currently home to the Corpus Christi Hooks, the double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros... |
5,400 |
| Texas State | Bobcat Stadium Bobcat Stadium (Texas State) Bobcat Stadium is a 16,008-seat multi-purpose stadium in San Marcos, Texas. It opened in 1981 and is home to the Texas State University Bobcats football team. It was also home of the San Antonio Riders of the World League of American Football... |
16,918 | Strahan Coliseum Strahan Coliseum Strahan Coliseum is a 7,200-seat multi-purpose arena in San Marcos, Texas. It was built in 1982 and is home to the Texas State University Bobcats basketball team.... |
7,200 | Bobcat Baseball Stadium Bobcat Baseball Stadium Bobcat Baseball Stadium is a college baseball stadium in San Marcos, Texas on the campus of Texas State University-San Marcos. It is home of the Texas State Bobcats baseball team. It currently holds 2,000 spectators. In 2008, the baseball and softball stadiums were renovated and expanded to its... |
2,400 |
Note: Departing members in gray. UTSA began its football program in 2011 and is using the Alamodome as its home field.http://www.goutsa.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=13100&ATCLID=3634575 The stadium seats 65,000, but seating capacity
Seating capacity
Seating capacity refers to the number of people who can be seated in a specific space, both in terms of the physical space available, and in terms of limitations set by law. Seating capacity can be used in the description of anything ranging from an automobile that seats two to a stadium that seats...
for UTSA games may be reduced. UTSA will not join the Southland Conference for football because they will be members of the Western Athletic Conference
Western Athletic Conference
The Western Athletic Conference is an American collegiate athletic conference, which was formed on July 27, 1962, making it the sixth oldest of the 11 college athletic conferences currently participating in the NCAA's Division I FBS...
by 2012. Lamar revived its football program in 2010 and joined the Southland Conference for football in 2011. The Cardinals are playing in the extensively renovated stadium that they last used in 1989.
Championships
- Southland Conference Men's Basketball TournamentSouthland Conference Men's Basketball TournamentThe Southland Conference's Men's Basketball Tournament began in 1981, with the winner of the tournament receiving the conference's automatic bid into the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship....
- Southland Conference Women's Basketball TournamentSouthland Conference Women's Basketball TournamentThe Southland Conference's Women’s Basketball Tournament began in 1983, with the winner of the tournament receiving the conference's automatic bid into the NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship...
- Southland Conference Baseball TournamentSouthland Conference Baseball TournamentThe Southland Conference Baseball Tournament is the conference championship tournament in baseball for the Southland Conference. The winner of the tournament receives the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament.-Tournament:...