Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference

Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference
Name	Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference
Established	1902
Association	National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
Division	NAIA
Members	10
Sports	14
Region	Great Plains
Headquarters	Wichita, Kansas
Commissioner	Scott Crawford
Website	kcacsports.com

Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference is a premier athletic conference within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, operating primarily in the state of Kansas. Founded in the early 20th century, it is one of the oldest continuous collegiate athletic associations in the United States. The conference sponsors championships in numerous sports for its member institutions, fostering competitive excellence and academic achievement.

History

The conference traces its origins to 1902, emerging from earlier collegiate athletic agreements among institutions in Kansas. It was formally organized to standardize competition and eligibility rules among its charter members. Throughout its long history, the conference has been a steadfast member of the NAIA, navigating significant changes in the landscape of college athletics. Key milestones include expansions and contractions of its membership, adaptations to Title IX regulations, and the development of its postseason championship tournaments. The league's headquarters have been located in Wichita, Kansas for many years, serving as the administrative center for its operations.

Member institutions

The conference currently comprises ten private and public institutions from across Kansas. The full members include Avila University, Bethany College, Bethel College, Friends University, Kansas Wesleyan University, McPherson College, Ottawa University, University of Saint Mary, Sterling College, and Tabor College. These schools represent a diverse mix of religious affiliations and educational missions, all committed to the NAIA's Champions of Character initiative. Several institutions, such as Bethany College and Ottawa University, were among the conference's founding members.

Sports sponsored

The conference sponsors championship competition in fourteen sports, split evenly between men's and women's athletics. Men's sponsored sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, and track and field. Women's sponsored sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball. Some members also participate in non-conference sports like wrestling and competitive dance, which compete independently or in other affiliated leagues. The conference schedule culminates in postseason tournaments that determine qualifiers for NAIA national championship events.

Conference championships

The conference awards regular season and postseason tournament championships in each sponsored sport. These events are often hosted by member institutions, such as Kansas Wesleyan University or Friends University. Winners of the conference tournaments, like the KCAC Men's Basketball Tournament, receive automatic bids to their respective NAIA national tournaments. The conference also recognizes annual awards for players and coaches of the year, academic all-conference teams, and the prestigious Dr. Ted Kessinger Champion of Character Award. Historical championship records are maintained by the conference office, detailing dynasties in sports like football at Sterling College.

Notable alumni

Many former student-athletes have achieved prominence after their careers in the conference. This includes professional players such as Micheal Ray Richardson of Friends University who played in the NBA for the New York Knicks. Lyle Sendlein, an Ottawa University alumnus, had a lengthy career as a center in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals. Beyond athletics, alumni have excelled in fields like politics, including former United States Senator Bob Dole, who attended McPherson College. The conference also produced influential coaches like John Wooden, who played basketball at Bethel College before his legendary tenure at UCLA.

Conference leadership

The conference is governed by a council of presidents comprised of the chief executives from each member institution. Day-to-day operations are overseen by the Commissioner, a position held by Scott Crawford. The conference office in Wichita, Kansas staffs individuals responsible for sports administration, championships, compliance, and communications. Leadership also includes various committees of athletic directors, senior woman administrators, and faculty athletic representatives who guide policy on issues from eligibility to sportsmanship. The conference works in close partnership with the NAIA national office in Kansas City, Missouri on governance and national tournament administration.

Category:NAIA conferences Category:College athletic conferences in the United States Category:Organizations based in Kansas Category:1902 establishments in Kansas