Mississippi College votes to join GSC

The Gulf South Conference has gone back to its roots to add another member to the league, serving as a sponsoring Conference affiliate for a prospective NCAA Division II member.

After extensive study by university officials, Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Miss., voted unanimously in favor of the recommendation from school president Lee Royce and its executive committee to move forward with an application to pursue Division II membership. The school will submit an application to the NCAA Division II Membership Committee and expect a response in July 2013. If approved, Mississippi College would begin a three-year transition process that would have it rejoin the Gulf South Conference, of which it was a member from 1972-1996.

“This is another step in the building of the Gulf South Conference,” said GSC Commissioner Nate Salant.”We’re excited to bring one of our original members of our league back into our fold.”

Mississippi College would join Shorter University, Union University and Lee University as institutions that are in currently in the GSC membership process. But the Choctaws’ deep history in the league makes this addition unique.

“The rivalry between Mississippi College, Delta State and West Alabama was legendary at one point. Fans in all three communities have been licking their chops waiting for their return,” Salant said.

Mississippi College Athletic Director Mike Jones and others have stressed the advantages of rejoining the Gulf South Conference, including the reduction travel time for the university’s student-athletes, coaches and support staff.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to continue the process of making application for Division II membership.”

The Choctaws currently sponsor 15 NCAA sports, including football. Salant feels that with the school already in the league’s television footprint, along with its solid athletic program, Mississippi College’s return after a 16-year hiatus is an excellent fit.

“Mississippi College has always had good facilities and has a tradition of broad-based and successful programs,” Salant said. “This is a great day for the league.”

— from GSCsports.org