The Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs and Lady Techsters athletic teams are part of the Conference USA (C-USA) in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. Louisiana Tech moved to C-USA in 2013 after spending 12 years in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
Here's a brief overview of Conference USA:
Conference USA (C-USA)
- Founded in 1995
- Currently has 14 member institutions
- Member schools are located in the southern United States
- C-USA sponsors 21 sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer
- The conference is divided into two divisions: East and West
Louisiana Tech is part of the West Division, which includes six other schools:
- Louisiana Tech University
- North Texas University
- Rice University
- Southern Mississippi University
- Texas-El Paso University
- University of Texas at San Antonio
By being part of Conference USA, Louisiana Tech competes against other top-notch programs in the region, fostering a competitive environment that prepares its student-athletes for success at the highest levels.
Now, let's dive deeper into the world of Conference USA and explore its history, structure, and member schools.
The Formation of Conference USA
In the early 1990s, the NCAA's Division I-A (now known as the Football Bowl Subdivision, or FBS) experienced significant changes. Several conferences, including the Metro Conference and the Great Midwest Conference, merged to form Conference USA. The new conference began operations in 1995 with six founding members: Charlotte, Cincinnati, DePaul, Louisville, Marquette, and Memphis.
Over the years, C-USA has undergone several expansions and contractions. In 2005, the conference added six new members, including Louisiana Tech, and expanded to 12 schools. However, in 2013, several schools, including Louisville and Cincinnati, left C-USA to join the American Athletic Conference (AAC). This led to the current 14-member configuration.
Structure and Governance
Conference USA operates under a decentralized governance structure. The conference is led by a Board of Directors, comprising the presidents of each member institution. The board makes key decisions regarding conference policies, finances, and strategic planning.
C-USA is divided into two divisions: East and West. Each division has seven member schools, with the exception of the West Division, which has six members. The divisions are used for scheduling and championship purposes in various sports.
Member Schools
As mentioned earlier, Conference USA has 14 member schools, each with its unique history, traditions, and athletic programs. Here's a brief overview of each school:
- Charlotte
- Florida Atlantic University
- Florida International University
- Louisiana Tech University
- Marshall University
- Middle Tennessee State University
- North Texas University
- Old Dominion University
- Rice University
- Southern Mississippi University
- Texas-El Paso University
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- University of Texas at San Antonio
These schools are located in the southern United States, with a strong presence in Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas.
Championships and Postseason
Conference USA sponsors 21 sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. The conference crowns champions in each sport, with the winners earning automatic bids to NCAA postseason tournaments.
In football, C-USA has two divisional champions, which meet in the Conference USA Football Championship Game. The winner earns a spot in a bowl game, often against a team from another conference.
In basketball, the conference holds a tournament, with the winner receiving an automatic bid to the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship (also known as the NCAA Tournament or March Madness).
Economic Impact and Community Engagement
Conference USA has a significant economic impact on the regions surrounding its member schools. The conference generates revenue through television contracts, sponsorships, and ticket sales. Additionally, C-USA schools often engage in community outreach programs, promoting education, health, and wellness initiatives.
By being part of Conference USA, Louisiana Tech University is part of a vibrant and competitive athletic conference that fosters student-athlete success, community engagement, and economic growth.
I hope this provides a comprehensive overview of Conference USA and its member schools!