What conference is air force academy in?

What Conference is Air Force Academy in?

The Air Force Academy, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a federal service academy that educates and commissions officers for the United States Air Force and Space Force. But, when it comes to its athletic program, the academy is part of a collegiate athletic conference.

Mountain West Conference (MWC)

The Air Force Falcons, as the academy’s athletic teams are known, compete in the Mountain West Conference (MWC). The MWC is a collegiate athletic conference that comprises 12 member institutions from the states of Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The conference was established in 1999 and has been affiliated with the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division I.

Members of the Mountain West Conference

Here is a list of the current members of the Mountain West Conference:

• Air Force Academy
• Boise State University
• Colorado College
• Colorado State University
• Fresno State University
• University of New Mexico
• San Diego State University
• San Jose State University
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• University of Nevada, Reno
• University of Utah
• Utah State University

History of Air Force Academy Athletics

The Air Force Academy was founded in 1954, and its athletic program has a rich history. The academy’s athletic teams were known as the Cadets, but in 1977, they changed their nickname to the Falcons. Over the years, the academy has won 29 NCAA team championships and has sent numerous athletes to the Olympics.

MWC Membership

The Air Force Academy joined the MWC in 1999, leaving behind the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), which was its previous affiliation. At the time of its transition, the MWC was a relatively new conference, having been formed in 1999 with eight members. The academy’s joining of the MWC has been beneficial for both parties, with the academy becoming a strong contender in many sports, including football, basketball, and volleyball.

Competitions and Events

The MWC has a robust competition schedule, with member institutions competing in each other in 20 different sports. Some of the most popular events and championships include:

• Football Championship: The MWC’s annual football championship is one of the most anticipated events on the conference calendar. The championship game typically takes place in December.
• Men’s Basketball Tournament: The MWC men’s basketball tournament is held annually in March, featuring the top teams from each division competing for the championship.
• Volleyball Tournament: The MWC women’s volleyball tournament is also held annually, typically taking place in November.

Awards and Accolades

The MWC has had its share of successful programs and athletes, with several members earning individual and team accolades. Some of the notable awards and honors include:

• NCAA team championships: 34, including 19 men’s and 15 women’s titles
• Olympic Games: 140+ individual athletes, representing the USA, have participated in the Olympics, including several Gold Medal winners
• College Football Playoff: The MWC has produced two CFP teams: Boise State (2013) and Utah (2008, 2009, and 2018)

Conclusion

The Air Force Academy, part of the Mountain West Conference, is a respected member of NCAA Division I collegiate athletics. With a strong athletic program and a history of competition excellence, the academy is well-positioned to continue its success in the conference. As part of the MWC, the Falcons compete against top-notch institutions, providing its athletes with a platform to excel at the highest level.

Appendix:

• The Air Force Academy’s official website is www.goairforcefalcons.com.
• The Mountain West Conference’s official website is www.themwc.com.

Contact Information:

For media inquiries or questions regarding Air Force Academy athletics, please contact:
Email: athletics.info@usafa.edu
Phone: (719) 272-5216