A Proud Athletic History

In 1921, fifteen colleges and universities met in Atlanta, Georgia, to form a new organization to promote intercollegiate athletics competition. A Proud Athletic History: 100 Years of the Southern Conference tells the story of the notable athletes, coaches, and athletic programs that have built such a rich tradition over the decades.

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In the winter of 1921, fifteen prominent colleges and universities met in Atlanta, Georgia, to form a new organization to promote intercollegiate athletics competition. That organization, soon to become known as the Southern Conference, remains a strong and viable member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 100 years later. Southern Conference roots may be found throughout college athletics from the Mid-Atlantic region to the deep South. All but three of the current Southeastern Conference (SEC) members once belonged to the Southern Conference. Likewise, a majority of present Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) institutions formerly were SoCon members. A Proud Athletic History: 100 Years of the Southern Conference tells the story of the notable athletes, coaches, and athletic programs that have built such a rich tradition over so many decades. Legendary sports figures such as Jerry West, Arnold Palmer, Bear Bryant, Sam Huff, and Steph Curry are all part of the Southern Conference's past. This is the first definitive history of the SoCon, utilizing many rarely-before-seen photos, researched via official league records and minutes, and filled with features and highlights in an easy-to-read format. There's also a detailed look at the present conference membership, which is a remarkably diverse combination of state and private institutions, as well as two military colleges. It's all chronicled here. From football bowl games to the formation of the SEC and ACC to the first three-point basket in NCAA history. With a proud past, the Southern Conference continues its mission of preparing student-athletes for life's challenges.