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| This is the same photo we used when it was announced that McMurry was joining the SCAC for the 2024-25 season, so why not use it again? Austin College athietlcs file photo |
The American Southwest Conference announced a 10-year agreement on Tuesday that ensures the stability, strength, and growth of the conference. With the return of McMurry and Schreiner, beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, the ASC's membership is solidified, paving the way for an exciting new chapter in its storied history.
After a year of evaluation and collaboration to secure the long-term future of the conference, the ASC moves forward with a united membership of six anchor members. This agreement underscores the commitment of all member institutions to providing a faith-based collegiate environment that values a challenging academic and spiritual experience enriched by robust athletic competition, offering exceptional opportunities for student-athletes to grow, compete, and excel.
- Hendrix returning to SCAC
- LeTourneau follows ASC to SCAC pipeline
- University of the Ozarks, Concordia (Texas) join SCAC
- Trinity, Southwestern move to SAA
- November 2022: McMurry to move to SCAC
- More moves in Conference Shuffle
The 10-year commitment, with details that were not specified, will solidify a churning conference membership shuffle that has seen schools move back and forth between the ASC and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, assuming all six schools remain open. It was widely reported that a significant financial incentive was provided to bring Schreiner and McMurry back into the field.
“We are excited to continue fostering a dynamic and supportive environment for our student-athletes,” said Cory Hines, president of Howard Payne University and chair of the ASC Council of Presidents. “This partnership will ensure the ASC remains a competitive and thriving conference, with a focus on academic achievement, character development, sportsmanship, and athletic excellence. We look forward to building upon the foundation of our united ASC institutions for years to come.”
"In a world in which college athletics seems mired in uncertainty, Schreiner University is honored to join our colleagues in constituting a renewed American Southwest Conference that will provide stability and certainty - as well as a commitment to excellence - for our student-athletes and coaches for years to come,” said Charlie McCormick, president, Schreiner University.
“I’m proud of the faithful leadership of our member institution presidents for their commitment to focus on the long-term future of the Conference,” said David Flores, Commissioner of the ASC. “The addition of these two respected institutions, located squarely in the membership footprint, will ensure continuity and enhanced success of the American Southwest Conference.”
"After careful consideration, McMurry University has determined that rejoining the American Southwest Conference best serves our scholar-athletes and the future of our athletics program," said newly appointed McMurry University President Lynne Murray.
The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, which had for a moment as many as eight current and future football-playing members, will instead have just four after this transition. Trinity (Texas) and Southwestern were already lured away by the Southern Athletic Association.
"We were made aware on Monday that Schreiner University and McMurry University intend to transition to a different athletic conference effective the 2026-27 academic year. We will look forward to a final year of competition with both institutions in 2025-26," said Dwayne Hanberry, longtime commissioner of the SCAC. "The SCAC is proud of our long and distinguished record of providing quality experiences for our student-athletes and member institutions. As always, we remain committed to being a leader in pursuit of excellence in Division III athletics."