The West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) is a college sports athletics conference in West Virginia. Comprised of eight members, it is the oldest college conference in the United States. established in 1924.

History of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

The West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference was founded on March 16, 1924, under the name “West Virginia Collegiate Athletic Conference.” It was established in response to the dwindling number of college teams in the state since World War I. The member institutions were committed to the ideal that intercollegiate athletics provided an important purpose in the development of physical education, religious activities, and college spirit. West Virginia State University, Davis & Elkins College, Concord College, Glenville State College, Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Liberty University, West Virginia Wesleyan, Salem College, and Alderson-Broaddus College all initially composed the membership.

In 1931, the conference’s name was changed to the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Secretary-Treasurer, and the responsibilities associated, was added to the offices of the conference, while the position of the president was left unchanged. During the 1939-40 school year, the conference began operating under a membership agreement composed of seven members.

Over the years, speculation rose concerning the conference’s future, with many conferences celebrating long and prosperous histories while the WVIAC was facing a slow and steady decline. By 2009, the membership had dwindled to only four members —West Virginia State, Glenville, Fairmont State, and Shepherd—with rumors that the conference would soon dissolve. In 2011, the decision was made to merge with the Mountain East Conference, a new NCAA Division II conference, be established and named the Mountain East Conference, including four of the WVIAC’s former schools and four schools from the West Virginia Conference. The merger was completed in July 2013.

Member Institutions and Sports

The WVIAC member institutions are Davis & Elkins College, Concord University, Glenville State College, Marshall University, Shepherd University, and West Virginia Wesleyan College. The conference sponsors eight intercollegiate sports: men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, and men’s and women’s track & field.

Notable Achievements and Rivalries

Several of the institutions that make up the conference have achieved success at the Division II level. Shepherd University won the Division II men’s basketball national championship in 1990, while West Liberty State College has been a four-time NCAA Division II men’s basketball tournament participant. Additionally, Glenville State College has twice placed second in the NCAA Division II women’s basketball tournament, while West Virginia State University is a two-time NAIA women’s cross country champion.

The WVIAC has seen its fair share of rivalries over the years. Marshall vs. West Virginia State and West Liberty vs. Shepherd have been classic WVIAC basketball rivalries, while Marshall vs. West Virginia Wesleyan in men’s soccer is a major rivalry as well. Marshall also has rivalries with each college in the conference in numerical order, going from Davis & Elkins to West Virginia Wesleyan.

Conference Operations

The WVIAC operates under a governing body comprised of three-member executive board and various committees, including committee on athletics, conference tournaments, men’s and women’s basketball, and football representatives. All teams in the conference are subject to the same regulations and are eligible for the same scholarship funds.

Also, throughout the conference, several head-to-head matchups are scheduled to decide individual and team championships. Each year, the conference decides on the site for the conference tournament and the number of teams from each division that will participate.

Role and Impact

The WVIAC has had a significant influence on college sports in West Virginia and the surrounding region. The conference has provided many opportunities for student athletes to participate in intercollegiate sports. The WVIAC has been a breeding ground for competitive sports, as well as a source of civic pride for the local communities.

The WVIAC has given its home to some of the greatest athletes of all time. Marshall’s basketball greats Carmelo Anthony, Ron Harper, and Hal Greer of the Milwaukee Bucks, have all called the WVIAC their home. Also, the WVIAC has produced its own up-and-coming stars, like Kent State’s standout Justin Greene and Marshall’s Reggie Upshaw.

Looking to the Future

The WVIAC has seen significant changes in recent times, with the conference now being part of a larger NCAA Division II conference. Despite these changes, the conference’s commitment to student-athletes remains strong. Moving forward, the WVIAC will continue to strive to provide the best possible experience for its student-athletes, as well as providing a competitive and exciting atmosphere for the fans.

Soon, the WVIAC will look to expand its membership and further grow its presence in the college sports scene. With its history of producing elite athletes and a vibrant athletic community, the WVIAC is poised to continue its success into the future.