Langston University Lions, Texas College Steers Accepts Football Membership in Sooner Athletic Conference in 2018

LANGSTON, Oklahoma  --  In nearly 40 years of existence, the Sooner Athletic Conference has set itself apart by winning more NAIA national championships than any other conference. Next fall, the SAC will take its quest for national prominence to the gridiron as the tradition-rich league is set to play football for the first time as an official conference sport.

The SAC Council of Presidents voted a year ago to pursue a plan of playing football in the 2018 season. Earlier this week, the Council announced Langston University has accepted an invitation to join the SAC in 2018-19, giving the league six full-time members who play football.

SAC presidents voted unanimously to approve associate memberships in football for Arizona Christian University, Lyon (Ark.) College, Ottawa University Arizona and Texas College. With those four in the fold, the SAC will have 10 football teams when conference play begins next fall.

"This is an historic moment for the Sooner Athletic Conference, and it's a tribute to the campus leaders at our member schools who continue to be forward thinking as we grow the SAC brand," SAC Commissioner Stan Wagnon said. "For years the SAC has stood for excellence in small college athletics, and it's an exciting opportunity to enter that brand into college football circles."

After having just three full-time members (Bacone, Southwestern Assemblies of God and Wayland Baptist) with football a year ago, the SAC will see that number double by next fall when Langston joins. Oklahoma Panhandle State joined the membership this fall, and Texas Wesleyan revived its program this season after a 74-year hiatus.

SAC football teams will play a 9-game conference schedule, with the conference champion determined by winning percentage in those games. The league will provide weekly player recognition, as well as year-end athletic and academic achievement awards.

The SAC will be one of eight NAIA conferences to sponsor football, and the SAC champion will receive a berth in the 16-team NAIA National Championship Series if rated in the Top 20.

Arizona Christian, Lyon and Texas College will become associate members of the SAC after competing alongside current SAC members and Langston in the Central States Football League through this season. Ottawa University Arizona features a new athletics program and will be playing its inaugural football season next fall. OUAZ has applied for NAIA membership beginning in the 2018-19 seasons, with a decision expected next April.

"It is great to welcome ACU, Lyon, OUAZ and Texas College as associate members of the SAC in football," Wagnon said. "Having 10 teams lined up for our first year is a blessing, and we're excited to partner with these schools as we aim to provide stability and recognize excellence in small college football for years to come."

Football is set to become the 15th sport in which the SAC crowns a champion. Other sports determining a league champion in the SAC are volleyball, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, men's wrestling, baseball, softball, men's and women's golf, and men's and women's tennis.

SOONER ATHLETIC CONFERENCE MEDIA COMMUNICATION