Sul Ross State to join the LSC on July 1, 2024 (original) (raw)

The Lone Star Conference announced it will welcome Sul Ross State University back to the league's membership on July 1, 2024, following acceptance of the University to the NCAA Division II reclassification process.

Sul Ross State was a member of the LSC from 1950-1976 when the conference was affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The University, who is transitioning from NCAA Division III, begins the first year of a three-year Division II provisional membership period on September 1.

During the 2023-24 academic year SRSU will play its final Division III year competing with the American Southwest Conference. All Lobos teams will begin play in the LSC beginning with their 2024-25 seasons. Sul Ross State would become a full member of Division II in fall 2026 after fulfilling several requirements over the three-year provisional period.

“Sul Ross State University is thrilled to be joining the Lone Star Conference and looks forward to reigniting regional rivalries that will increase student, community and alumni engagement. The decision to join NCAA Division II and the LSC demonstrates our commitment to enhance programs and improve the student-athlete experience,” SRSU President Dr. J. Carlos Hernandez said. “It's a homecoming of sorts for us and we look forward to competing with like-minded universities in our region.

“Associating with the Lone Star Conference will facilitate regional rivalries and foster a sense of camaraderie among the member institutions, further igniting school spirit and creating memorable moments for fans, alumni, and the entire university community.”

A Texas State University System institution, Sul Ross State was authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1917. Located in Alpine, Texas, the University serves as the cultural and educational center for the Big Bend region and is the primary institution of higher education in an area that includes two-thirds of the Texas-Mexico border. Over 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled.

Sul Ross State currently sponsors 12 intercollegiate teams: baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, football, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's tennis, and volleyball.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to join the Lone Star Conference and elevate our athletic programs to Division II,” said Amanda Workman, SRSU Director of Athletics, said. “The ability to invest in our student-athletes' education by offering athletic scholarships is an honor.”

Founded April 25, 1931, the Lone Star Conference opens its 92nd year of competition this fall, coming off successful 2022-23 seasons with three NCAA Division II national championships – volleyball, baseball, women's golf; 14 of 17 institutions ranked in the LEARFIELD Directors Cup standings, including two among the Top 10; and numerous student-athletes earning national and regional academic and athletic honors.

“The membership is excited to welcome Sul Ross State to NCAA Division II and look forward to its return to the Lone Star Conference,” said LSC Commissioner Jay Poerner. “The institution is committed to providing its students an outstanding athletic experience and shares the values of the LSC with commitment to excellence in academics, athletics and student-athlete development."

The addition of Sul Ross State continues recent conference expansion as 10 institutions have joined the LSC in the last seven years. With the addition of Sul Ross State for the 2024-25 academic year, LSC membership will include 17 institutions in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Conference championships are sponsored in 19 sports (nine men and 10 women). Men's championships include football, cross country, basketball, baseball, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, golf and tennis. Women's titles are determined in volleyball, soccer, cross country, basketball, softball, STUNT, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, tennis and golf