|
The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference announced today the addition of Berea into the league following a vote by the HCAC Council of Presidents. With the introduction of the Mountaineers beginning in the 2024-25 academic year, the league will expand to 11 full-time member institutions.
“Berea College is a welcome addition to our conference. They have an outstanding academic reputation and will compete well athletically within our league.” said HCAC Commissioner Jay Jones. “The institution is a wonderful fit for the HCAC and we are excited to welcome them into our membership.”
The move leaves the Collegiate Conference of the South with eight members, but just six which sponsor men's sports. Located in Berea, Kentucky, the school is a little bit south of HCAC member Transylvania, but is 624 miles from Belhaven, a conference mate in the CCS. The CCS just began play this season after splitting from the USA South.
“I am delighted that the HCAC presidents have voted to invite Berea College to join their conference,” college president Lyle D. Roelofs said. “We look forward to competing with this group of quality institutions with which we share many important characteristics and values.”
"Joining the Heartland is an exciting move for our athletic programs and campus community, allowing Berea the opportunity to compete athletically against institutions with a shared academic philosophy and in close proximity to our campus," added Ryan Hess, Berea's director of athletics. "We look forward to developing connections and relationships amongst their conference administrators, coaches and student-athletes."
Berea will become the 11th member school and the first institution to join the HCAC since Earlham was added in 2010.