OUAZ FOOTBALL ACCEPTED INTO SAC
SURPRISE, Ariz. – The Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) announced on Tuesday October 31st, that SAC Presidents voted unanimously to approve associate memberships in football for Ottawa University Arizona, Arizona Christian University, Lyon (Ark.) College, and Texas College. With those four in the fold, the SAC will have 10 football teams when conference play begins next fall.
"We are extremely proud to be recognized as new associate members of the Sooner Athletics Conference in the sport of football," said OUAZ Director of Athletics Kevin Steele. "Having this quality conference association in our inaugural season is a blessing which will greatly aid in the continuing development of our program. I am deeply grateful to Commissioner, Stan Wagnon along with SAGU Director of Athletics, Jesse Godding for their wise work in making this a reality. We look forward to a long and profitable relationship with the SAC."
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.
"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."
OUAZ has spent this school year in a "redshirt" year for football. All players have kept their eligibility and practice only. The Spirit will take to the field for their first game action in August of 2018. All home OUAZ football games will be played on the Surprise campus at the brand new, state of the art Spirit Field.
"It is a great honor to be welcomed into such an incredible conference," said OUAZ head football coach Mike Nesbitt. "We are excited about this opportunity and look forward to participating within the SAC for many years to come."
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 in 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.
Spirit football wrapped up their fall practice schedule last week, with their second intersquad scrimmage. OUAZ will take to the gridiron later this spring for more practice as they prepare for their inaugural season in the Fall of 2018.
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About Ottawa University
Founded in 1865, Ottawa University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment and service to God and humanity within a Christ-inspired community of grace and open inquiry. Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution serving 3,000 students through its residential campuses in Ottawa, Kan., and Surprise, Ariz., and adult campuses in Overland Park, Kan.; Phoenix, Queen Creek and Surprise, Ariz.; Brookfield, Wis.; Jeffersonville, Ind.; as well as online. For more information, visit www.ottawa.edu.
For more information about OUAZ athletics, visit http://www.ottawa.edu/ouaz/athletics. Follow OUAZ athletics on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OUAZSpiritAthletics/ and on Twitter twitter.com/OUAZSpirit.
