Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference
Encyclopedia
The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) is an intercollegiate athletic conference affiliated with the NAIA
. It is commonly called "The Kansas Conference", and as the name implies, all members are located in Kansas
. The KCAC ranks among the oldest conferences in the United States
, tracing its history to 1890.
), the University of Kansas
, and Washburn University
.
About 1902 the association allied with the Kansas College Athletic Conference, the first group to adopt a definite set of rules and regulations. By the 1920s the conference had changed its name to Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and had grown to include 17 regular members and 2 allied members (no longer including the University of Kansas or Kansas State). In 1923 seven colleges withdrew to form the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
.
On December 1, 1928, the Kansas Intercollegiate Athletic Conference was formally disbanded and replaced by a new Kansas College Athletic Conference which included 6 members and formed the present legal entity. It was commonly referred to as the "Little Six", in contrast to the Big Six Conference that eventually became the current Big 12
. By 1968 the conference grew to include 12 members. It was organized into Northern and Southern divisions until 1970 when three colleges withdrew to join Missouri-based conferences. In the mid-1970s the name was changed to its current form.
, men’s and women’s basketball
, men’s and women’s cross country
, men’s football
, men's and women’s golf
, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s softball
, men’s and women’s tennis
, men’s and women’s track and field
, and women’s volleyball
.
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA...
. It is commonly called "The Kansas Conference", and as the name implies, all members are located in Kansas
Kansas
Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
. The KCAC ranks among the oldest conferences in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, tracing its history to 1890.
History
On February 15, 1890, the Kansas Intercollegiate Athletic Association was formed; it was the first successful attempt to organize Kansas colleges for the purposes of promoting and regulating amateur intercollegiate athletics. In addition to the private universities and colleges, the conference also included Kansas State Agriculture College (now Kansas State UniversityKansas State University
Kansas State University, commonly shortened to K-State, is an institution of higher learning located in Manhattan, Kansas, in the United States...
), the University of Kansas
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a public research university and the largest university in the state of Kansas. KU campuses are located in Lawrence, Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City, Kansas with the main campus being located in Lawrence on Mount Oread, the highest point in Lawrence. The...
, and Washburn University
Washburn University
Washburn University is a co-educational, public institution of higher learning in Topeka, Kansas, USA. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional programs in law and business. Washburn has 550 faculty members, who teach more than 6,400 undergraduate students and...
.
About 1902 the association allied with the Kansas College Athletic Conference, the first group to adopt a definite set of rules and regulations. By the 1920s the conference had changed its name to Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and had grown to include 17 regular members and 2 allied members (no longer including the University of Kansas or Kansas State). In 1923 seven colleges withdrew to form the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference was a college sports athletic conference established in 1923 in the United States.Member schools :* Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, 1928–1968; 1976–1988...
.
On December 1, 1928, the Kansas Intercollegiate Athletic Conference was formally disbanded and replaced by a new Kansas College Athletic Conference which included 6 members and formed the present legal entity. It was commonly referred to as the "Little Six", in contrast to the Big Six Conference that eventually became the current Big 12
Big 12 Conference
The Big 12 Conference is a college athletic conference of ten schools located in the Central United States, with its headquarters located in Las Colinas, a community in the Dallas, Texas suburb of Irving...
. By 1968 the conference grew to include 12 members. It was organized into Northern and Southern divisions until 1970 when three colleges withdrew to join Missouri-based conferences. In the mid-1970s the name was changed to its current form.
Members
The conference is currently composed of ten independent or private institutions of higher learning from within Kansas. The members (and year admitted):Current members
| Institution | Location | Founded | Enrollment | Nickname | Joined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethany College Bethany College (Kansas) Bethany College is a small liberal arts college located in Lindsborg, Kansas and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America . The college's mission is to educate, develop and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead loves of faith, learning and service... |
Lindsborg, Kansas Lindsborg, Kansas Lindsborg is a city in McPherson County, Kansas, USA. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 3,458. It is known for its association with Swedish heritage and the biennial Svensk Hyllningsfest... |
1881 | 500 | Swedes Bethany College Terrible Swedes Bethany College athletic teams are known as the Terrible Swedes. They participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.-Football:... |
1928 |
| Bethel College Bethel College (Kansas) Bethel College is a private college affiliated with Mennonite Church USA. The college is located on the edge of the Flint Hills and the vast wheat fields of south central Kansas in the town of North Newton... |
North Newton, Kansas North Newton, Kansas North Newton is a city in Harvey County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,759. The city of Newton is located next to the city, but it not part of North Newton. North Newton is home of Bethel College, which has approximately 500 students.-Geography:North... |
1887 | 500 | Threshers Bethel College Threshers Bethel College athletic teams are known as the Threshers. They participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.-Cross country and track & field:... |
1939 |
| Friends University Friends University Friends University is a private non-denominational Christian university in Wichita, Kansas.Friends University was founded in 1898. The main building was originally built in 1886 for Garfield University, but was donated in 1898 to the Religious Society of Friends by James Davis, a St. Louis... |
Wichita, Kansas Wichita, Kansas Wichita is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kansas.As of the 2010 census, the city population was 382,368. Located in south-central Kansas on the Arkansas River, Wichita is the county seat of Sedgwick County and the principal city of the Wichita metropolitan area... |
1898 | 3,000 | Falcons Friends University Falcons Friends University athletic teams are known as the Falcons. They participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.... |
1953 |
| Kansas Wesleyan University Kansas Wesleyan University Kansas Wesleyan University is a private four-year Methodist college founded in Salina, Kansas in 1886. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church... |
Salina, Kansas Salina, Kansas Salina is a city in and the county seat of Saline County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 47,707. Located in one of the world's largest wheat-producing areas, Salina is a regional trade center for north-central Kansas... |
1886 | 1,000 | Coyotes Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes Kansas Wesleyan University athletic teams are known as the Coyotes.. They participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.-Football:... |
1928 |
| McPherson College McPherson College McPherson College was chartered in 1887 by the leaders of the Church of the Brethren. The college provides a career-oriented liberal arts education... |
McPherson, Kansas McPherson, Kansas McPherson is a city in and the county seat of McPherson County, Kansas, United States, in the central part of the state. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 13,155. The city is named after Union General James Birdseye McPherson, a Civil War general... |
1887 | 600 | Bulldogs | 1928 |
| Ottawa University Ottawa University Ottawa University is a private, non-profit, faith-based liberal arts college located in Ottawa, Kansas. It was founded in 1865 and is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA... |
Ottawa, Kansas Ottawa, Kansas Ottawa is a city situated along the Marais des Cygnes River in the central part of Franklin County, located in east-central Kansas, 50 miles southwest of Kansas City, Mo., in the central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 12,649. It is the county seat and most populous... |
1865 | 726 | Braves Ottawa University Braves Ottawa University Braves are the athletic teams that represent Ottawa University. They participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.Men's Sports* Baseball* Basketball* Cross Country... |
1928* |
| University of Saint Mary University of Saint Mary (Kansas) The University of Saint Mary is a private liberal arts university in Leavenworth, Kansas. It is sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, who established it as Saint Mary College. Though it was originally a school for women, the school is now coeducational. St. Mary's Academy for high... |
Leavenworth, Kansas Leavenworth, Kansas Leavenworth is the largest city and county seat of Leavenworth County, in the U.S. state of Kansas and within the Kansas City, Missouri Metropolitan Area. Located in the northeast portion of the state, it is on the west bank of the Missouri River. As of the 2010 census, the city population was... |
1859 | 750 | Spires Saint Mary Spires Saint Mary athletic teams are known as the Spires. They participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.Men's Sports* Baseball* Basketball* Football* SoccerWomen's Sports... |
1999 |
| Southwestern College Southwestern College (Kansas) Southwestern College is a four-year private college affiliated with the United Methodist Church located in Winfield, Kansas, United States. It was founded in 1885 and graduated its first class in 1889. In addition to its campus programs, it offers online programs.-Academics:The main campus is a... |
Winfield, Kansas Winfield, Kansas Winfield is a city situated along the Walnut River in the west-central part of Cowley County, located in South Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 12,301... |
1885 | 1,650 | Moundbuilders Southwestern College Moundbuilders Southwestern College athletic teams are known as the Moundbuilders . They participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.Men's Sports* Basketball... |
1958 |
| Sterling College Sterling College (Kansas) Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts college located in Sterling, Kansas with a mission "to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith." The school is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and... |
Sterling, Kansas Sterling, Kansas Sterling is a city in Rice County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,328. Sterling is home to Sterling College.- History :... |
1887 | 750 | Warriors Sterling College Warriors Sterling College athletic teams are known as the Warriors. They participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.... |
1958 |
| Tabor College | Hillsboro, Kansas Hillsboro, Kansas Hillsboro is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. Hillsboro was named after John Gillespie Hill, who homesteaded in the area in 1871. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,993. Hillsboro is home of Tabor College, which has approximately 550 students.-19th century:For... |
1908 | 600 | Bluejays Tabor Bluejays Tabor College athletic teams are known as the Bluejays. They participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.Men's Sports* Baseball* Basketball* Cross Country* Football* Soccer... |
1968 |
- Ottawa withdrew 1970 and rejoined 1981
Former members
- Washburn UniversityWashburn UniversityWashburn University is a co-educational, public institution of higher learning in Topeka, Kansas, USA. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional programs in law and business. Washburn has 550 faculty members, who teach more than 6,400 undergraduate students and...
, 1901 until 1927 - Baker UniversityBaker UniversityBaker University is a private, residential university located in Baldwin City, Kansas, United States. Founded in 1858, it is the oldest university in Kansas and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Baker University is made up of four schools...
, withdrew 1970 (member since 1928), joined Heart of America Athletic ConferenceHeart of America Athletic ConferenceThe Heart of America Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference affiliated with the NAIA. Member institutions are located in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska in the United States.... - College of EmporiaCollege of EmporiaThe College of Emporia was established in 1882 in Emporia, Kansas, and was associated with the Presbyterian church. The college officially closed in 1974. The college campus was purchased by The Way International for $694,000 and was operated as the Way College of Emporia from 1975 until 1989...
Fighting Presbies, withdrew 1970, closed 1974 (member since 1933) - St. Mary's CollegeSt. Mary's College, KansasSaint Mary's Academy and College is a religious school of the Society of St. Pius X located in St. Marys, Kansas, 25 miles west of Topeka.- St. Mary's College :...
, discontinued 1931 (member since 1928) - St. Mary of the Plains CollegeSt. Mary of the Plains CollegeSt. Mary of the Plains College was a four-year liberal arts college located in Dodge City, Kansas.-Soule College:The roots of St. Mary of the Plains can be found in Soule College, which opened in 1888 to a gala celebration. Hopes for higher education in western Kansas were dashed by the economic...
(Dodge CityDodge City, KansasDodge City is a city in, and the county seat of, Ford County, Kansas, United States. Named after nearby Fort Dodge, the city is famous in American culture for its history as a wild frontier town of the Old West. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 27,340.-History:The first settlement of...
), closed 1992 (member since 1968)
Sports
The KCAC sponsors athletic competition in men’s baseballBaseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
, men’s and women’s basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
, men’s and women’s cross country
Cross country running
Cross country running is a sport in which people run a race on open-air courses over natural terrain. The course, typically long, may include surfaces of grass and earth, pass through woodlands and open country, and include hills, flat ground and sometimes gravel road...
, men’s 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...
, men's and women’s golf
Golf
Golf is a precision club and ball sport, in which competing players use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes....
, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s softball
Softball
Softball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 10 to 14 players. It is a direct descendant of baseball although there are some key differences: softballs are larger than baseballs, and the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand...
, men’s and women’s tennis
Tennis
Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
, men’s and women’s track and field
Track and field
Track and field is a sport comprising various competitive athletic contests based around the activities of running, jumping and throwing. The name of the sport derives from the venue for the competitions: a stadium which features an oval running track surrounding a grassy area...
, and women’s volleyball
Volleyball
Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.The complete rules are extensive...
.
See also
- List of Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference people
- 2011 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference football season2011 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference football seasonThe Sterling College Warriors began the 2011 season with a loss to NCAA Division II William Jewell. Sterling managed to score first with two field goals by kicker Doug Dunn in the first quarter but was no match as William Jewell rolled on with 33 points....
- List of college athletic programs in Kansas