Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

College Sports

Discussion

August 22, 2012

Bluefield State last college standing in the WVIAC

Associated Press

BLUEFIELD —  Davis & Elkins and Ohio Valley are joining the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.

The G-MAC announced Tuesday night that the two schools, along with fellow West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference member Alderson-Broaddus, had accepted invitations to join the new league, which is based in Indianapolis.

“These institutions are committed to creating a quality Division II athletic conference that will benefit the experiences of their student-athletes and will prove to be valuable additions to the membership,” G-MAC Commissioner Tom Daeger said.

Earlier this week A-B announced it was joining the G-MAC; nine other WVIAC schools said they were forming the Mountain East Conference with two schools from Ohio and one from Virginia; and Pitt-Johnstown and Seton Hill accepted invitations to join the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

The moves are effective in fall 2013.

That will leave what was the 15-member WVIAC with only one school, Bluefield State.

Now, both must ponder their futures.

A Bluefield State athletic official didn’t immediately return a telephone message Wednesday.

WVIAC commissioner Barry Blizzard has declined comment on the league’s prospects.  Founded in 1924, the WVIAC is one of the nation’s oldest small-college leagues.  

An NCAA Division II membership committee approved the G-MAC earlier this year. The conference plans to explore further expansion opportunities. Other G-MAC members are Cedarville, Ohio; Central State, Ohio;  Kentucky Wesleyan College, Trevecca Nazarene, Tenn., and Ursuline, Ohio.

“The G-MAC is committed to the goal of establishing a model NCAA Division II athletic conference,” Daeger said. “The Conference will continue to remain pro-active in growing the membership to achieve the objective of providing a quality experience for all of its members.”

 

Text Only
College Sports
Local Sports

Sports Videos
NBA Draft: Top 5 Prospects Race Preview: Charlotte Motor Speedway Dolphins tight end Dustin Keller feeling healthy McReynolds: Johnson Coca-Cola 600 favorite? Dolphins Dannell Ellerbe on team's defense McReynolds: Looking back at Coca-Cola 600 Dolphins Brain Hartline on first day Weekend Recruiting Wrap McReynolds: 48 Team primed for Chase Behind the Seams: Big Spenders are Busts Triple Play: Miguel Cabrera, Giants, and Rays Horrow: College Football Business Report Athletes come to aid of Oklahoma tornado victims Grizzlies reach conference finals for first time Durant praises team after playoff exit Hollins with high praise for Z-Bo Rosenthal: Zambrano isn't a risk Thibodeau proud despite elimination James, Wade on hard-fought win Howard keeps Wings close in Game 1 loss
Pro Sports