What Conference is the Air Force Academy in?
The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is a four-year federal service academy located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. As a member of the NCAA Division I, the Air Force Falcons athletic program competes in the Mountain West Conference (MW) in most sports. The conference affiliation is a notable aspect of the academy’s athletic identity, and understanding the conference structure and characteristics is essential for fans and enthusiasts.
Mountain West Conference Overview
The Mountain West Conference (MW) is a collegiate athletic conference that was founded in 1999. The MW is one of the three conferences that make up the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The conference is home to 12 member schools, including the Air Force Academy, located in Colorado, Utah, and California.
Air Force’s Conference Affiliation
Prior to joining the Mountain West Conference, the Air Force Falcons were a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) from 1980 to 1999. The Falcons, along with five other universities, left the WAC to form the Mountain West Conference. The move provided the academy with a new opportunity to compete against similarly sized and situated institutions, fostering stronger rivalries and a more competitive environment.
Conference Championships
Under the Mountain West Conference banner, the Air Force Falcons have won several conference championships in various sports. As of the 2022-2023 academic year, the Falcons have a total of 24 Mountain West Conference championships across their athletic programs.
Football
The Air Force football team has won three conference championships since joining the Mountain West Conference, with the most recent title coming in 2016. Football is one of the more prominent sports at the Academy, with the Falcons participating in the prestigious Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy alongside Army and Navy.
| Mountain West Conference Championships | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| Football | 2002, 2007, 2016 |
| Men’s Cross Country | 2008, 2011 |
| Men’s Track & Field | 2002, 2005 |
Other Notable Teams
In addition to the football team, the Falcons have excelled in various other sports within the conference. The men’s and women’s basketball teams, volleyball, and soccer are some of the more popular sports at the Academy.
Rivalries and Traditions
The Mountain West Conference provides the Falcons with opportunities to develop rivalry games with other member institutions. The Falcons have some notable rivalries, particularly with the University of Utah and Colorado State University (CSU).
- The Falcon-Boomer Super Bowl : The Falcons’ football game against the Utah Utes is one of the biggest rivalries in the Mountain West Conference. The match-up is often referred to as the "Falcon-Boomer Super Bowl" due to the loud and energetic atmosphere at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho.
- The Border War : The Falcons’ football game against the Colorado State Rams, also known as the Border War, is an intense rivalry game that brings together two neighboring institutions in the Rocky Mountains.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Air Force Academy competes in the Mountain West Conference, a collegiate athletic conference that is home to 12 member schools located in the western United States. The Falcons have made a significant impact in their conference, winning multiple championships across various sports. Their rivalry games and traditions only add to the excitement surrounding the Academy’s athletic program.
