GAC, MIAA announce sport sponsorship partnership
GAC and MIAA Communications
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. and KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On Tuesday, the Great American Conference and Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced a partnership in the sports of men’s soccer and men’s tennis that will combine the two leagues into one for both sports.
The GAC will administer men’s soccer and the MIAA will oversee men’s tennis, starting in the 2019-20 academic year. The respective conferences will create regular-season schedules, coordinate weekly and yearly awards, assign officials and conduct postseason tournaments.
“I’m pleased that we crafted this creative solution to provide a better student-athlete experience for GAC men’s soccer and tennis players,” GAC Commissioner Will Prewitt said.” We’re appreciative to Mike Racy and the leadership groups of the MIAA to partner with us in creating a format that will help preserve these sports and give a richer competitive experience in men’s soccer and men’s tennis. I am excited to further forge this agreement and build an even stronger relationship with our neighbors at the MIAA.”
In men’s soccer, GAC schools Harding, Oklahoma Baptist, Ouachita and Southern Nazarene will join up with MIAA members Fort Hays State, Lindenwood, Newman and Northeastern State.
“Today is a great day for MIAA men’s tennis and men’s soccer. This innovative partnership with the GAC will benefit dozens of MIAA student-athletes beginning in 2019 and help provide a competitive collegiate experience for both sports in the Midwest,” stated MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy.
In men’s tennis, Emporia State, Lindenwood, Newman, Northwest Missouri State and Washburn, from the MIAA, will pair up with Harding, Oklahoma Baptist, Ouachita, Southeastern Oklahoma State and Southern Arkansas from the GAC.
An administrator from the GAC will serve as the liaison to the men’s soccer coaches’ committee while an administrator from the MIAA will serve as the liaison to the men’s tennis coaches’ committee.
The intra-conference transfer policy for both conferences will apply – student-athletes must serve an academic year of residence if transferring from one school, in either of these two sports, to another school in the GAC or MIAA.