Conference

Office of the Commissioner
1221 W. Campbell Road, Suite 171
Richardson, TX  75080
Phone: 972-234-0033

Commissioner: Amy Carlton   (contact info / bio)
Assistant Commissioner, Media Relations: Greg Weghorst   (contact info / bio)

Council of Presidents Executive Committee, 2010-11
President: Dr. Lee Royce, Mississippi College
Vice President: Dr. Lanny Hall, Hardin-Simmons University
Past President: Dr. Joe Aguillard, Louisiana College

The American Southwest Conference, one of the largest intercollegiate athletic conferences in NCAA Division III, is in its second decade of providing quality athletic experiences for its student-athletes, coaches and administrators.

Founded in May 1996 to provide a structure for intercollegiate athletics among member institutions, the American Southwest Conference includes former members of the Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association (TIAA) and other institutions from outside the Texas borders. From the eight founding institutions to today's present group of 15 college and universities, the ASC encompasses institutions sharing similar educational and athletic philosophies. Spreading across the 422,060 square miles of the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, the ASC offers student-athletes competition in 16 sports with opportunity for advancement to conference and NCAA Division III championships.

The American Southwest Conference embodies a multidimensional mission aimed at creating an environment characterized by opportunities to learn, friendly competition and activities for its conference membership. ASC members believe team and individual sports provide learning opportunities, and its membership strives to create an athletics environment supportive of teaching and learning. Conference and NCAA resources also provide student-athletes, coaches and administrators access to academic, leadership, sportsmanship and career enhancement opportunities.

Traditional standards of ethical conduct and fair play are respected among the ASC members. To guarantee the integrity of the association, the membership is committed to furthering the philosophy and policies of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III and the Conference.

The roster of American Southwest Conference members in 2010-11 includes Concordia University Texas, East Texas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University, Howard Payne University, LeTourneau University, Louisiana College, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, McMurry University, Mississippi College, University of the Ozarks, Schreiner University, Sul Ross State University, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Texas at Tyler, and Texas Lutheran University.

ASC championships are conducted in 16 sports (8 men, 8 women). Men's championships are offered in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis and track and field. Women's championships are offered in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field and volleyball.

The American Southwest Conference is headquartered in Richardson, Texas. Amy Carlton is commissioner and Greg Weghorst serves as Assistant Commissioner (Media Relations).

MISSION STATEMENT

The American Southwest Conference is a group of universities with similar educational and athletic philosophies. The ASC was founded to provide a structure for intercollegiate athletics among the member institutions. Its multi-dimensional mission is to create an environment that is characterized by opportunities to learn, friendly competition and enjoyable activities for the universities involved.

Each member institution should abide by policies that enhance the mission, goals and objectives of the ASC.

ASC members believe that team and individual sports provide learning opportunities. Members should create an athletics environment that supports teaching and learning.

The welfare of students who participate in intercollegiate athletics is a vital concern of the membership. Members should create and abide by policies and the procedures that insure student welfare.

Traditional standards of ethical conduct and fair play are respected. To guarantee the integrity of the association the membership adheres to the policies of the Conference and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

“A basic purpose of this association is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the educational program and the athlete as an integral part of the student body.”

Goal:
To provide an organization that will enhance intercollegiate athletic competition among American Southwest Conference institutions. The ASC provides a structure that will integrate intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the academic program and the student body.

Objectives:

• To insure athletic programs are characterized by academic integrity, fiscal responsibility and reflect the institutions’ educational mission.
• To provide opportunities for students to engage in intercollegiate athletics.
• To integrate appropriate athletic experiences as part of institutions’ educational programs.
• To encourage the graduation of student athletes.
• To assist in the establishment of competitive athletic programs.
• To assist members’ compliance with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and ASC standards and policies.
• To encourage attention to the student athletes’ mental and physical health, promoting safety and fair treatment.

ASC MEMBERSHIP TIMELINE

(Year approved for conference membership or withdrew from league)