Clarksville, Ark.- The University of the Ozarks women's and men's wrestling programs will join the NCAA Division III St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) as an affiliate member effective the 2023-24 academic year.
In March, the SLIAC President's Council approved the addition of men's and women's wrestling to its list of sponsored championships. Seven member schools will compete in women's and men's wrestling: Blackburn College, Eureka College, Fontbonne University, Lyon University, Schreiner University, University of the Ozarks and Westminster College.
"This is exciting for both of our programs," said athletic director Jimmy Clark. "Now our teams will be able to compete for conference championships. This provides even greater opportunities for regional competition and opens up our recruiting base to outstanding high school wrestling."
The SLIAC wrestling championships will be held in early February.
"As Commissioner, I am extremely pleased about the addition of the University of the Ozarks as one of the first two new affiliates in the sports of men's and women's wrestling to the SLIAC," said Dr. Dick Kaiser, SLIAC Commissioner. "With the conference adding both men's and women's wrestling championships this year to the sports sponsorship, it is obviously very exciting to be able to expand the total number of participating institutions in SLIAC wrestling to seven institutions in our first year of the championships."
In just a short time, both Eagle programs have established successful teams. Multiple wrestlers have qualified for the national championships.
"Our women and men are excited be able to compete in a NCAA recognized conference," said head coach Vinny Barber. "This has been something we have been working towards over the past few years. We are honored to be representing our University in the SLIAC. I am confident we will be in immediate contention to lead the conference in both women's and men's wrestling."
"The University of the Ozarks is a top-rated educational institution that definitely will add to the overall excellence of the SLIAC conference membership," added Kaiser. "I anticipate the University of the Ozarks will make their mark not only in the sports of men's and women's wrestling but also within the high caliber type of student-athlete that will be representing their institution throughout the year."
The St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference was founded in 1989. There are currently eight member institutions with two more schools (Lyon College and Mississippi University for Women) joining the league in the fall of 2023.
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