Converse College joining CVAC

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on April 12, 2005 1:56 PM

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THOMASVILLE -- Converse College has accepted an invitation to join the Carolinas-Virginia Athletics Conference (CVAC) as an affiliate member.

The All-Star Athletic Program will begin CVAC play beginning in the fall of next year, following the 2005-06 academic calendar.

"We are pleased to welcome Converse College to the Carolinas-Virginia Athletics Conference," said Dr. William Byrd, president of CVAC and president of Mount Olive College. "Converse will add significant quality to the athletics and academics strengths of the conference. All of the CVAC member institutions look forward to the challenge of competition and the athletics leadership that this addition will bring."

Because Converse has been a frequent opponent for many CVAC teams in a variety of sports, Converse was a natural fit for affiliate membership into the conference. "Members of CVAC are very familiar with the Converse athletic program," said Dr. Alan Patterson, commissioner of the CVAC. "We know that their addition to the conference will enhance student-athlete experience not only for Converse College but current CVAC member participants as well."

While not being a full CVAC member, Converse will benefit from all the advantages of affiliate membership. These advantages include the opportunities to participate in CVAC regular season play, CVAC conference championship play, eligibility for automatic qualification to NCAA Division II tournaments, and the ability to host conference championship tournament play.

Converse will compete within the CVAC in women's soccer, cross-country, volleyball, and tennis.

"CVAC is recognized both regionally and nationally as a very competitive NCAA Division II conference, and membership is a significant step forward for the Converse College All-Star program," said Dr. Tom Reeves, who is serving as interim president of Converse College. "Our All-Stars have much to contribute both athletically and academically. We have already established a solid record in competing with CVAC teams, and our cross country team has been named to the 2004 All-Academic Team by the NCAA Division-II Cross Country Coaches Association."