Southern States Athletic Conference Accepts Bethel University

NORCROSS, Ga. - Dr. Mark Foley, Chair of the Board of Presidents, announced today the addition of three institutions to the SSAC; Bethel University, Blue Mountain College, and Martin Methodist College will become full time members for the 2013-14 academic year. The three institutions will immediately begin working with the leadership on scheduling and will be formally welcomed at the Southern States Spring Jamboree in May. These institutions will fully participate in championship play in the SSAC next season. The dissolution of the TranSouth Conference at the end of this 2012-13 academic year provided the SSAC the opportunity to immediately add these three institutions.

"It is indeed a pleasure to welcome these three fine institutions into the Southern Sates Athletic Conference of the NAIA. That which has been a premier athletic conference in the nation is made even stronger as we continue to focus upon the development of character, scholarship, and performance in our student athletes." said Dr. Mark Foley, President of the Board of SSAC Presidents and President of the University of Mobile.

The decision to add the three to the SSAC comes at a time the SSAC is going through some shifts in membership. Dr. Kurt Patberg, Commissioner of the SSAC added to Foley's comments," We strive to keep this conference as one of the premier NAIA conferences in the country and the addition of these three schools contributes to meeting those goals. These three institutions directly align with our goals."

Bethel University, located in McKenzie, Tenn., was founded in 1842. Bethel is a private, 4-year institution affiliated with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Enrollment in the fall of 2012 was 2,076. Bethel's mascot is the Wildcat. Bethel will participate in SSAC competition in the all 15 SSAC championship sports; Baseball, Basketball (M/W), Cross Country (M/W), Golf (M/W), Soccer (M/W), Softball, Tennis (M/W), Volleyball, and Outdoor Track and Field (M/W). Bethel also sponsors Bowling, Cheerleading, Football, and Swimming. Bethel has a strong athletics program, including currently 22nd ranked women's basketball, 16th ranked women's golf, RV in men's soccer, and RV in men's tennis. Bethel recently completed construction on a new Crisp Center.

Blue Mountain College, located in Blue Mountain, Miss., was founded in 1873. Blue Mountain is a private 4-year institution affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention and Baptist churches. Enrollment in the fall of 2012 was just over 500. Blue Mountain Toppers will participate in SSAC competition in the following sports; Baseball, Basketball (M/W), Cross Country (M/W), Golf (M/W), and Softball. Blue Mountain's baseball team made it to the TranSouth championship game in 2011 and this year was highly competitive in men's and women's cross country, with four runners qualifying for the NAIA national championship this year. BMC will break ground on December 3 for new baseball and softball facilities.

Martin Methodist College, located in Pulaski, Tenn., was founded in 1870. Martin Methodist is a 4-year liberal arts institution related to the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church. Enrollment in the fall of 2012 was 1,079. The Martin Methodist RedHawks will participate in SSAC competition in 11 championship sports; Baseball, Basketball (M/W), Golf (M/W), Soccer (M/W), Softball, Tennis (M/W), and Volleyball. The RedHawks also compete in CoEd Cheer and Bowling (M/W). Martin Methodist has a strong athletics program, including currently 8th ranked women's soccer, 25th ranked men's soccer, 22nd ranked men's basketball, 22nd ranked women's tennis, and a women's softball team that is receiving top 25 votes. Dr. Ted Brown the president of MMC is the acting Chair of the NAIA Council of Presidents; while Athletic Director Jeff Bain serves as the NAIA ADA Chair. MMC has also recently added new athletics venues to its campus including soccer, baseball, and softball.

For more information on these schools, the SSAC, or content of this release, please contact Dr. Kurt Patberg at 404-434-5146.