By LUT WILLIAMS BCSP Editor
The number of teams deciding in 2020 to leave the NCAA Div. I Mid Eastern Athletic Conference after the coming year reached three last week as Bethune-Cookman University added its name to the list
B-CU, an MEAC member since 1979, announced last Thursday that it will join Florida A&M University in moving from the MEAC to the other HBCU Div. I conference, the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), after the 2020-2021 season. FAMU, also in the MEAC since 1979, announced its move three weeks earlier.
FAMU and B-CU were preceded by North Carolina A&T State University who announced in February that the 2020-2021 season would be its last in the MEAC before taking up residence in the Big South Conference. N. C. A&T was one of the founding members of the MEAC in 1970.
Coupled with Hampton University’s decision to leave the MEAC and join the Big South in 2017 and Savannah State’s decision during the same year to leave the MEAC and move back to the Div. II Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the MEAC has now lost five institutions in just three years.
Among the reasons for their departures, both Hampton and N. C. A&T cited the onerous financial and time constraints that travel in the MEAC footprint, particularly in trips to the Florida schools (B-CU in Daytona Beach and FAMU in Tallahassee), had placed on the institutions and their student/athletes’ class participation. As it stands now, the moves will leave the MEAC next season (2021-2022) with just eight full members and only six that play football.
B-CU and FAMU see the moves as geographical and competitive fits
THE B-CU DECISION
The realignment recommendation was made to the B-CU Board of Trustees via a special committee led by school President E. LaBrent Chrite, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Lynn W. Thompson and other integral stakeholders from the university’s community including members of the Executive Leadership team.
“Bethune-Cookman’s move to the Southwestern Athletic Conference is one that is clearly in the best interest of the University, particularly during this major shift in higher education and intercollegiate athletics,” said Chrite in the press release announcing the move.
“We believe this is a logical next step in the evolution of our University. Moreover, it reflects our commitment to strengthening the University’s long-term competitiveness and viability, while providing the best possible experience for our student-athletes.”
“For 40 years Bethune-Cookman University’s brand has been synonymous with the MEAC,” said Thompson. “I want to thank Commissioner Dennis Thomas and the entire MEAC family because it has provided a treasure chest of unforgettable moments, invaluable relationships and life changing championships for our student-athletes, as they represented our university and the MEAC across the nation.
“We were charged by our Board of Trustees to study the changing landscape, analyze the data and prevailing trends and make a recommendation that would position our program and our University on a trajectory for long-term success. Joining the SWAC gives us the opportunity and momentum to align with a new set of great universities who share our same mission, vision and history and we will need the entire Wildcat Nation to join us on this exciting journey.”
Bethune-Cookman’s move was approved by SWAC membership on Tuesday, June 23rd and a formal offer was then extended to the university by SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland.
“We’re extremely excited to welcome Bethune-Cookman University to the Southwestern Athletic Conference,” said McClelland. “The Wildcats undoubtedly align with our core principles and strategic plan. The addition also brings to our league an institution with academic prowess, a world-renowned marching band, along with an enthusiastic base of alumni, fans and supporters. Bethune-Cookman’s alliance with the Southwestern Athletic Conference from a competitive standpoint strengthens us in all of the sports in which the Wildcats compete. Many of our member institutions have competed against B-CU for decades and will now have the opportunity to do so on a yearly basis.
“Bethune-Cookman’s addition to the Southwestern Athletic Conference ultimately puts us in a great position to expand our brand in a manner that will bring a high level of value to our league and membership.”
Quote: “Bethune-Cookman’s move to the Southwestern Athletic Conference is one that is clearly in the best interest of the University, particularly during this major shift in higher education and intercollegiate athletics. “We believe this is a logical next step in the evolution of our University. Moreover, it reflects our commitment to strengthening the University’s long-term competitiveness and viability, while providing the best possible experience for our student-athletes.
