Conference realignment isn’t just something for big universities to consider.
In a legislative interim study last week, Rep. Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso brought together lawmakers and university leaders to talk about a potential Oklahoma Athletic Conference, which would unite the state’s 11 Division II members in one athletic conference.
“Whether or not this ever comes about I have no idea,” Vancuren said.
The idea was first reported by CNHI’s Janelle Stecklein in July.
The all-Oklahoma league could cut travel time, lowering costs for games and invigorate in-state rivalries that foster school pride, he said.
Vancuren was met with opposition from some of the leaders of Division 2 schools.
They say the savings likely wouldn’t defray the costs for creating a new league, both for start-up and exit fees to leave the three conferences schools already belong to. On top of that, it would make recruiting out-of-state athletes more difficult and the N-C-A-A might not allow the schools to create a new conference anyways.
“But I think that it is important we try to see what the impacts are going to be - negative and positive impacts - and that’s why I wanted to look into this,” he said.
Oklahoma’s 11 Division II schools:
- Cameron Aggies
- Central Oklahoma Bronchos
- East Central Tigers
- Northeastern State RiverHawks
- Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers
- Oklahoma Baptist Bison
- Oklahoma Christian Eagles and Lady Eagles
- Rogers State Hillcats
- Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm
- Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm
- Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs
StateImpact Oklahoma is a partnership of Oklahoma’s public radio stations which relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online.
