Conference History

Founded in 1971, the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) marks its 42nd year during the 2012-2013 season. All 10 conference schools are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The only sport that utilizes divisions in the NAIA is basketball, and the HAAC will be competing in its fifth season at the Division I level during the 2012-2013 school year.

Three schools have been members of the conference since its inception - Baker University, Graceland University and Missouri Valley College.

In 1971, College of Emporia (Kan.), Ottawa (Kan.) University, Tarkio (Mo.) College and William Jewell College were members, but they have since withdrawn from the conference. College of Emporia closed in 1974. Ottawa joined the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) in 1982, Tarkio closed in the spring of 1991 and William Jewell left at the conclusion of the 2010-11 school year to join the ranks of NCAA Div. II. Central Methodist University, also an original member in 1971, withdrew from the conference in 1986, but was reinstated as a member in 1991.

Culver-Stockton College and MidAmerica Nazarene University became members in 1980. Evangel University joined in 1987 while Benedictine joined in 1991 when Central Methodist was reinstated. Lindenwood University began competing in the conference in 1996 but concluded their affiliation at the conclusion of the 2010-11 school year as they began their transition to NCAA Div. II status. Avila University began competing in all sports but football during the 2000-01 season and fielded its first football team ever in 2001. Peru State College became the newest school to join the storied conference as they began full competition during the 2011-12 academic year.

The commissioner of the conference is Larry Lady. The 2012-2013 season marks Lady's 21st year as the conference commissioner. He resides in Shawnee, Kan. The HAAC Director of Sports Information is Eric Montgomery.

Past and Present Members

School - Location - Membership - Years

Avila University - Kansas City, MO - 2000-current - 12

Baker University - Baldwin City, KS - 1971-current - 41

Benedictine College - Atchison, KS - 1991-current - 21

Central Methodist University - Fayette, MO - 1971-86, 91-current - 37

Culver-Stockton College - Canton, MO - 1980- current - 32

Evangel University - Springfield, MO - 1987-current - 25

Graceland University - Lamoni, IA - 1971-current - 41

MidAmerica Nazarene University - Olathe, KS - 1980-current - 32

Missouri Valley College - Marshall, MO - 1971-current - 41

Peru State College - Peru, NE - 2010-current - 1

Lindenwood University - St. Charles, MO - 1996-2011 (withdrew) - 12

 William Jewell College - Liberty, MO - 1971-2011 (withdrew) - 38

College of Emporia - Emporia, KS - 1971-74 (closed) - 4

Ottawa University - Ottawa, KS - 1971-82 (withdrew) - 12

Tarkio College - Tarkio, MO - 1971-91 (closed) - 21