STILLMAN COLLEGE JOINS HISTORIC HBCU ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 05, 2024 Stillman College's athletics program has embarked on a transformative journey by joining the newly rebranded Historically Black Colleges & Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC), effective July 1, 2024. This move marks a pivotal moment for Stillman, transitioning from the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) to a conference that celebrates and honors the legacy of historically black institutions. Founded in 1981 as the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC), the HBCUAC now comprises 13 member institutions, each contributing to a vibrant tapestry of athletic competition and academic excellence. The addition of newcomers Voorhees and Wilberforce expands the conference's reach and competitiveness across various sports, including basketball, cross country, track and field, volleyball, baseball, and softball. This expansion also introduces automatic bids for NAIA championships in key sports, underscoring the conference's commitment to providing opportunities for student-athletes to excel on a national stage. Terrance Whittle, Stillman College's athletic director and head baseball coach, expressed enthusiasm about the move, highlighting the alignment of Stillman's values and historical lineage with those of the HBCUAC. He emphasized the potential for increased exposure through championship hosting opportunities and media rights agreements, which are crucial for enhancing the visibility of Stillman College and its athletes. Under the leadership of Commissioner Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, the HBCUAC not only supports athletic competition but also prioritizes the holistic development of student-athletes through strategic partnerships and community engagement initiatives. A recent multimillion-dollar media rights deal with Urban Edge Network underscores the conference's growing influence and commitment to showcasing the talents and achievements of its member institutions. With over 60 years of athletics history, Stillman College brings a storied tradition of success to the HBCUAC, having garnered numerous conference team championships and individual accolades. This includes national tournament appearances across multiple sports and the distinction of producing professional athletes, such as 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Jeff Henderson in track and field. Moving forward, Stillman College is poised to build upon its legacy of excellence in both athletics and academics within the HBCUAC. By embracing this new chapter, Stillman aims to reignite old rivalries and forge new ones while continuing to uphold its commitment to nurturing winners not only on the field but also in the classroom and community. The transition to the HBCUAC represents a strategic decision that will enhance Stillman's visibility, competitiveness, and overall athletic program for years to come. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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