Peach Belt

Athletic Conference

We will exemplify the characteristics of a premier intercollegiate conference that prides itself on the inclusion of students of all demographic groups who wish to participate in a well-rounded sports program. Our institutions, our academic goals, our athletic aspirations reflect a communality of purpose and commitment to excellence in the classroom and on the playing field.

The Peach Belt Athletic Conference begins its seventh full year as an all-sports conference this fall. In 1991, theconference held championships in men's and women's basketball then expanded to the current level of 11 championships in 1991-1992.

The idea for the formation of an NCAA Division II conference was discussed in November, 1988, in Greenville, S.C, with 11 schools represented at the meeting. Five of the colleges at that first meeting, along with two other schools, formed the new conference when USC-Aiken hosted another meeting on December 3, 1989.

The seven charter members were Armstrong State College (now Armstrong Atlantic State University), Columbus College (now Columbus State University), Francis Marion College (now Francis Marion University), Georgia College (now Georgia College & State University), Lander College (now Lander University), and USC Aiken and USC Spartanburg. The name Peach Belt Athletic Conference was adopted in January, 1990.

Augusta College (now Augusta State University) applied and was accepted in November, 1990, with the effective date of membership on July 1, 1991. With the addition of Augusta College, the Peach Belt Conference had four members each in Georgia and South Carolina. Another college joined the Peach Belt on July 1, 1992, when Pembroke (N.C.) State University (now UNC Pembroke) officially became a member. Kennesaw State College (now Kennesaw State University), located in Kennesaw, Georgia, became the tenth full member of the conference on July 1, 1994 and Clayton State College (now Clayton College & State University) in Morrow, Georgia joined the league on July 1, 1995. The conference expanded to 12 members with the addition of the University of North Florida on July 1, 1997.

Former Augusta College basketball coach and athletic director Marvin Vanover was named interim commissioner in April, 1990, and served in that capacity until his appointment as the conference's first full-time commissioner in July, 1991. The conference has established an office in Augusta, Georgia, which houses the commissioner and his staff.

Dr. William A. Bloodworth, Jr., President of Augusta State University, is the PBAC president for 1997-98.

The conference will conduct championships in 11 sports, six for men and five for women. Men's championships will be declared in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and tennis. Women's champions will include those in basketball, cross country, softball, tennis, and volleyball.