SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Board of Presidents is pleased to announce Evangel University has accepted an invitation for membership into the conference effective with the 2023-24 academic year.
“We look forward to joining with the 13 other institutions currently playing in the KCAC. This membership is a great mission fit for Evangel,” said Evangel University President Dr. Mike Rakes. “The KCAC is the oldest conference in the NAIA, and this history combined with our winning teams will serve to further enhance the reputation of Evangel Athletics for current and future players.”
Evangel will be the KCAC’s 14th full member institution, joining Avila University, Bethany College, Bethel College, Friends University, Kansas Wesleyan University, McPherson College, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Ottawa University, Southwestern College, Sterling College, Tabor College, the University of Saint Mary, and York College. Evangel will be the second member institution from Missouri to join the conference.
“We are incredibly excited to start this new chapter in the history of Evangel athletics,” added Dr. Dennis McDonald director of athletics. “This move to the KCAC is an alignment of like-minded institutions and we feel like this conference move will continue to raise the profile of Evangel University. It’s also appropriate to express our appreciation to the Heart of America Athletic Conference. As a proud member since 1987, we hope to be able to continue rivalries that have developed as we are also excited to develop new rivalries in the KCAC.”
Dr. Scott Crawford, KCAC Commissioner expressed, “We welcome Evangel University to the KCAC as our newest member institution. We are thrilled to have an institution of this caliber join our ranks. This move solidifies our position within the NAIA to pursue academic excellence and character-driven athletic success.”
He added, “This expansion provides access to Springfield for additional alumni networking, student-athlete recruitment, and added media coverage in the third-largest city in Missouri.”
Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and sponsors 28 varsity sports, and growing. As the conference home to 13 member institutions, the KCAC emphasizes commitment, cooperation, high achievement, and working towards a common goal in the act of competition.
