Southwest Baptist University Football: A History of Growth and Achievement
The Southwest Baptist University (SBU) Bearcats football program has a rich history, representing the university in the realm of college football. As a participant in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division II level, the program has experienced periods of transition and growth, marked by conference affiliations and on-field achievements.
Early Years and Conference Transitions
From 1988 to 2007, and later from 2012 to 2013, the Bearcats were a part of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). This period saw the team compete against a range of regional rivals, establishing a foundation for future success. In 2014, a significant shift occurred when Southwest Baptist became a football-only member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). This strategic move allowed the football program to focus on its development within a new competitive landscape. The transition to the GLVC proved beneficial, culminating in the program eventually becoming a full GLVC member after the 2018-19 school year. While the football program navigated these conference changes, the rest of the athletic programs at SBU remained within the MIAA.
The Clardy Era: A Turning Point
The 2016 season marked a watershed moment in the history of Southwest Baptist football. Under the leadership of Coach Robert Clardy, the Bearcats achieved unprecedented success, capturing their first-ever conference title and earning a coveted berth in the NCAA National Playoffs. This remarkable achievement led to Coach Clardy being named GLVC Coach of the Year, a testament to his leadership and the team's dedication.
The 2016 Bearcats team achieved a final record of 10-2 (7-1 GLVC), showcasing their dominance within the conference. Their outstanding performance earned them national recognition, with rankings as high as 17th in the NCAA Division II AFCA poll. The team ultimately finished the season ranked 22nd, solidifying their place among the nation's elite Division II football programs.
The success of the 2016 season was not only reflected in the team's record but also in the numerous individual and team records that were broken. The Bearcats shattered 13 team records and 15 individual records, demonstrating the exceptional talent and hard work of the players. Notably, the team achieved record highs in both overall wins and conference wins in a single season. In addition, a record-breaking 19 players were named to the All-GLVC team, and 10 players received All-Region honors, highlighting the depth of talent within the program.
Read also: Navigating MySouthwest
Plaster Stadium: Home of the Bearcats
Since 1985, the Bearcats have played their home games at Plaster Stadium. Named in honor of Robert W. Plaster, the stadium stands as a testament to his generous contribution as the major donor for the project. Plaster Stadium provides a dedicated and spirited environment for the team and its fans.
Read also: Technical Education Leader
Read also: Healthcare for San Antonio's Southwest Side
tags: #southwest #baptist #university #football #history
