GAC partners with MIAA for men’s soccer, tennis

The Great American Conference and Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced a partnership this week for men’s soccer and men’s tennis to combine the league into one for both sports.

Both conferences compete in NCAA Division II. The GAC’s offices are located in Russellville. Offices for the MIAA are located in Kansas City, Mo.

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 Ouachita Baptist, Harding, Oklahoma Baptist 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,” said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. “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.”

In men’s tennis, Emporia State, Lindenwood, Newman, Northwest Missouri State and Washburn, from the MIAA, will pair up with Ouachita, Harding, Oklahoma Baptist and Southeastern Oklahoma State, 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.