Arkansas–Fort Smith Lions

Arkansas–Fort Smith Lions
Arkansas–Fort Smith Lions
University	University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
Conference	The MIAA
NCAA	Division II
Athletic director	Curtis Janz
Location	Fort Smith, Arkansas
Varsity teams	11 (5 men's, 5 women's, 1 co-ed)
Basketball arena	Stubblefield Center
Baseball stadium	Crowder Field
Tennis venue	Fort Smith Athletic Club
Mascot	Numa
Nickname	Lions
Colors	Navy blue and white;
Website	uafortsmithlions.com

The Arkansas–Fort Smith Lions (also UAFS Lions and UA Fort Smith Lions) are the athletic teams that represent the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sports. The Lions compete as members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) for all 10 varsity sports.

History

In the fall of 2009, UAFS formally entered provisional NCAA Division II status. The "provisional" status was scheduled to be removed in 2010. However, on July 9, 2010, the university's membership application was rejected by the NCAA Division II Membership Committee, which led to the university filing an appeal.^[2] On July 8, 2011, the university was granted full NCAA Division II membership.^[3] Previously, the university competed in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), specifically at the Bi-State Conference of Region II.

On June 27, 2023, UAFS announced that it would be moving its athletic programs from the Lone Star Conference to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. University officials cited reduced travel times and better potential for rivalries as reasons for the move.^[4]

Conference affiliations

NCAA

Heartland Conference (2009–2019)
Lone Star Conference (2019–2024)
Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (2024–present)

Varsity teams

List of teams

Men's sports

Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Golf
Tennis

Women's sports

Basketball
Cross Country
Golf
Tennis
Volleyball

Individual sports

Men's basketball

National Champions: 1981, 2006
Region II Champions: 2001, 2002, 2006
Bi-State Conference Champions: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

Women's basketball

National Champions: 1995
Region II Champions: 2004, 2005, 2006
Bi-State Conference Champions: 2003

Women's volleyball

Region II Champions: 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006
Bi-State Conference Champions: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

The volleyball program also holds the distinction of being named an NJCAA Academic All-American Team seven years in a row (1999–2005).

References

^ "University of Arkansas–Fort Smith Graphic Standards" (PDF). Retrieved January 31, 2017.
^ "NCAA Denies UAFS’ Initial Bid For Active Division II Status"
^ "NCAA Grants UAFS Active Member Status". UAFS News. Archived from the original on November 8, 2011. Retrieved July 11, 2011.
^ Anderson, Ryan. "UA-Fort Smith to change athletic conferences to cut down on travel". nwaonline.com. Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Retrieved 2 August 2023.

External links

Official website

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[1] "University of Arkansas–Fort Smith Graphic Standards" (PDF). Retrieved January 31, 2017.

[2] "NCAA Denies UAFS’ Initial Bid For Active Division II Status"

[3] "NCAA Grants UAFS Active Member Status". UAFS News. Archived from the original on November 8, 2011. Retrieved July 11, 2011.

[4] Anderson, Ryan. "UA-Fort Smith to change athletic conferences to cut down on travel". nwaonline.com. Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Retrieved 2 August 2023.

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