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The Southwest Conference (SWC) primarily consisted of universities located in Texas, but also included members from Oklahoma and Arkansas at various times.
Answer: True
Explanation: The conference's membership was predominantly composed of institutions within Texas, though it also incorporated universities from Oklahoma and Arkansas throughout its operational history.
The Southwest Conference was founded in 1914 and officially ceased operations in 1996.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Southwest Conference commenced operations in 1914 and concluded its existence in 1996, marking an 82-year span of collegiate athletics.
L. Theo Bellmont, the athletic director at the University of Texas, was solely responsible for the formation of the Southwest Conference.
Answer: False
Explanation: While L. Theo Bellmont was instrumental in initiating the formation of the Southwest Conference through his inquiries to potential member institutions, the establishment of the conference involved collaborative efforts and meetings among university representatives.
The first organizational meeting of the Southwest Conference was held on April 30, 1914, at the Rice Hotel in Houston.
Answer: False
Explanation: The initial organizational meeting was scheduled for April 30, 1914, but was postponed and subsequently held on May 5-7, 1914, at the Oriental Hotel in Dallas, Texas.
The Southwest Conference officially became an organized body on December 8, 1914.
Answer: True
Explanation: The formal establishment of the Southwest Conference as an organized body occurred on December 8, 1914, following a meeting at the Rice Hotel in Houston.
The University of Oklahoma left the Southwest Conference in 1925 to join the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
Answer: False
Explanation: The University of Oklahoma departed the Southwest Conference in 1919, not 1925, to join the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
The conference's name was officially shortened to Southwest Conference by 1925.
Answer: True
Explanation: By 1925, the conference had officially adopted the shorter designation of Southwest Conference, solidifying its identity.
Southwestern University departed the SWC in 1917.
Answer: True
Explanation: Southwestern University withdrew from the Southwest Conference in 1917, marking an early membership change.
Phillips University competed in the SWC for one year before departing in 1920.
Answer: True
Explanation: Phillips University participated in the Southwest Conference for a single year, departing in 1920.
What was the primary geographic focus of the Southwest Conference membership?
Answer: Schools predominantly based in Texas, with occasional members from Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Explanation: The Southwest Conference's membership was primarily centered in Texas, with intermittent inclusion of universities from Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Who is credited with initiating the formation of the Southwest Conference?
Answer: L. Theo Bellmont
Explanation: L. Theo Bellmont, serving as the athletic director for the University of Texas, initiated the process that led to the formation of the Southwest Conference.
When and where was the first organizational meeting of the Southwest Conference held?
Answer: May 5-7, 1914, at the Oriental Hotel in Dallas, Texas.
Explanation: The initial organizational meeting for the Southwest Conference took place on May 5-7, 1914, at the Oriental Hotel in Dallas, Texas.
Which universities did L. Theo Bellmont initially want to include in the conference, and did they join?
Answer: Louisiana State University and University of Mississippi
Explanation: L. Theo Bellmont's initial outreach included invitations to Louisiana State University and the University of Mississippi; however, both institutions declined to join the proposed conference.
In what year did the University of Oklahoma depart the Southwest Conference?
Answer: 1919
Explanation: The University of Oklahoma withdrew from the Southwest Conference in 1919.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) joined the Southwest Conference in 1918, the same year Rice University rejoined after an earlier departure.
Answer: True
Explanation: Southern Methodist University (SMU) was admitted to the conference in 1918. Rice University also rejoined the conference in the same year, having previously withdrawn.
The rivalry between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma continued as a significant non-conference matchup even after Oklahoma's departure from the SWC.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the University of Oklahoma's departure from the SWC in 1919, the intense rivalry with the University of Texas persisted as a prominent non-conference game, now known as the Red River Rivalry.
The Southwest Conference gained control of the Cotton Bowl Classic in 1940, enhancing its national prestige.
Answer: True
Explanation: The conference assumed control of the Cotton Bowl Classic in 1940, a move that significantly elevated its national profile and the importance of the bowl game.
Texas Technological College joined the SWC in 1958, coming from the Border Conference.
Answer: True
Explanation: Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University) was admitted to the Southwest Conference in 1958, transitioning from the Border Conference.
The University of Houston won the SWC football championship in its inaugural year of conference play in 1976.
Answer: True
Explanation: The University of Houston achieved success in its first year of SWC football competition in 1976 by winning the conference championship.
The Southwest Conference experienced a peak period of national success in football during the 1950s, with Texas and Arkansas dominating.
Answer: False
Explanation: The conference's peak periods of national football success were primarily in the 1930s and the 1960s, not the 1950s. Texas and Arkansas were particularly dominant in the 1960s.
SMU and TCU both claimed national football titles in 1935, and TCU won another AP national title in 1938.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the 1930s, SMU and TCU both laid claim to national football championships in 1935, and TCU secured another AP national title in 1938.
The University of Texas won the national football championship in 1963, and Arkansas secured one in 1964.
Answer: True
Explanation: The University of Texas achieved a national football championship in 1963, followed by the University of Arkansas securing one in 1964.
The 1969 Texas vs. Arkansas football game, known as the 'Big Shootout,' resulted in a tie.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1969 contest between Texas and Arkansas, famously dubbed the 'Big Shootout,' concluded with Texas winning 15-14, not a tie.
From 1940 until 1995, the SWC champion automatically received an invitation to the Cotton Bowl Classic.
Answer: True
Explanation: From 1940 through 1995, the champion of the Southwest Conference was guaranteed an automatic berth in the Cotton Bowl Classic.
The University of Houston commenced football play in the SWC during the 1972-73 academic year.
Answer: False
Explanation: The University of Houston began its football participation in the SWC for the 1976-77 academic year, although it joined the conference in other sports earlier.
Which university joined the Southwest Conference in 1918, the same year Rice University rejoined after leaving?
Answer: Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Explanation: Southern Methodist University (SMU) became a member of the Southwest Conference in 1918, concurrently with Rice University's re-entry into the conference.
What significant event related to the Cotton Bowl Classic did the Southwest Conference take control of in 1940?
Answer: The game itself
Explanation: In 1940, the Southwest Conference assumed control of the Cotton Bowl Classic, thereby enhancing its prestige and national standing.
Which university joined the SWC in 1958, moving from the Border Conference?
Answer: Texas Tech University
Explanation: Texas Tech University, previously a member of the Border Conference, joined the Southwest Conference in 1958.
During which decade did the Southwest Conference experience a period of dominance by Texas and Arkansas in national football championships?
Answer: 1960s
Explanation: The 1960s represented a period of significant national football success for the Southwest Conference, particularly for the University of Texas and the University of Arkansas.
What was the outcome of the 1969 Texas vs. Arkansas football game, often called the 'Big Shootout'?
Answer: Texas won 15-14
Explanation: The renowned 1969 football game between Texas and Arkansas, known as the 'Big Shootout,' concluded with a 15-14 victory for Texas.
When did the University of Houston's basketball program commence play in the SWC?
Answer: 1975-76
Explanation: The University of Houston's basketball program began competing in the Southwest Conference during the 1975-76 academic year.
The early 1980s were considered glory years for SWC basketball, highlighted by the 'Phi Slama Jama' teams from the University of Houston.
Answer: True
Explanation: The early 1980s marked a highly successful period for Southwest Conference basketball, notably featuring the University of Houston's celebrated 'Phi Slama Jama' teams.
The University of Arkansas's basketball program achieved multiple Final Four appearances during its SWC tenure, including in 1978 and 1990.
Answer: True
Explanation: The University of Arkansas's basketball program reached the Final Four in 1978 and 1990, among other significant NCAA tournament achievements during its time in the conference.
Arkansas fans' passion for their basketball team led to Reunion Arena in Dallas being nicknamed 'Barnhill South' due to the large presence of Hog fans.
Answer: True
Explanation: The fervent support from Arkansas fans at Reunion Arena during conference tournaments led to it being colloquially referred to as 'Barnhill South,' referencing their home arena.
The University of Texas Longhorns baseball program won NCAA titles in 1949, 1950, 1975, and 1983.
Answer: True
Explanation: The University of Texas baseball program achieved significant success, securing NCAA championships in 1949, 1950, 1975, and 1983.
The University of Arkansas track and field program won 14 NCAA national team championships during its time in the conference.
Answer: True
Explanation: The University of Arkansas's track and field program demonstrated exceptional performance, accumulating 14 NCAA national team championships during its tenure in the conference.
Michael Johnson (Baylor), Carl Lewis (Houston), and Mike Conley Sr. (Arkansas) were SWC track and field athletes who won Olympic gold medals.
Answer: True
Explanation: Several distinguished track and field athletes from SWC institutions, including Michael Johnson, Carl Lewis, and Mike Conley Sr., achieved Olympic gold medal status.
The primary sports contested by the Southwest Conference included football, men's basketball, baseball, and track and field.
Answer: True
Explanation: The core sports featured prominently within the Southwest Conference were football, men's basketball, baseball, and track and field.
The Southwest Conference garnered a total of 82 recognized national championships across various collegiate sports over its history.
Answer: False
Explanation: Over its 82-year history, the Southwest Conference accumulated a total of 64 recognized national championships across its various sports programs.
Legendary coaches like Paul "Bear" Bryant, Darrell Royal, and Lou Holtz were associated with the Southwest Conference.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Southwest Conference was home to numerous legendary football coaches, including Paul "Bear" Bryant, Darrell Royal, and Lou Holtz, among others.
Notable SWC football players included Davey O'Brien, Sammy Baugh, Earl Campbell, and Eric Dickerson.
Answer: True
Explanation: The conference produced many distinguished football players, such as Davey O'Brien, Sammy Baugh, Earl Campbell, and Eric Dickerson.
In a single season, three SWC kickers, including Russell Erxleben of Texas, kicked record-setting field goals of 60 yards or more.
Answer: True
Explanation: A notable display of kicking prowess occurred when three contemporaries from the SWC—Steve Little (Arkansas), Tony Franklin (Texas A&M), and Russell Erxleben (Texas)—each achieved record-setting field goals exceeding 60 yards in the same season.
Outstanding basketball coaches associated with the SWC included Nolan Richardson, Tom Penders, and Guy V. Lewis.
Answer: True
Explanation: The conference featured highly regarded basketball coaches such as Nolan Richardson, Tom Penders, and Guy V. Lewis.
Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler were prominent basketball players from the SWC, known for their time with the University of Houston.
Answer: True
Explanation: Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler were highly influential basketball players in the SWC, achieving significant recognition during their careers at the University of Houston.
Which SWC basketball teams were particularly prominent in the early 1980s?
Answer: University of Houston and University of Arkansas
Explanation: The University of Houston, with its 'Phi Slama Jama' teams, and the University of Arkansas were particularly prominent basketball programs in the Southwest Conference during the early 1980s.
Which SWC baseball program achieved significant national success, and what were some of its accomplishments?
Answer: University of Texas
Explanation: The University of Texas Longhorns baseball program achieved considerable national success, including NCAA titles in 1949, 1950, 1975, and 1983, alongside numerous College World Series appearances.
Which of the following SWC track and field athletes won an Olympic gold medal?
Answer: Randy Matson
Explanation: Randy Matson, a track and field athlete from Texas A&M, was among the SWC athletes who achieved Olympic gold medal status.
Which SWC member's baseball program had ended in 1980?
Answer: Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Explanation: Southern Methodist University (SMU) discontinued its baseball program in 1980.
Which of the following was NOT listed as a legendary football coach in the Southwest Conference?
Answer: Tom Landry
Explanation: While Tom Landry was a significant figure in football, he is not listed among the legendary coaches specifically associated with the Southwest Conference in the provided materials; coaches like Paul "Bear" Bryant, Hayden Fry, and Gene Stallings are mentioned.
Which SWC basketball players were known as the "Triplets"?
Answer: Marvin Delph, Ron Brewer, Sidney Moncrief
Explanation: The basketball players Marvin Delph, Ron Brewer, and Sidney Moncrief from the University of Arkansas were collectively known as the "Triplets" during their time in the SWC.
The decline of the Southwest Conference in the 1980s was primarily due to a lack of competitive balance among its member schools.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary factors contributing to the Southwest Conference's decline in the 1980s were widespread NCAA recruiting violations and subsequent probations, rather than a lack of competitive balance.
The University of Arkansas, Baylor University, and Rice University were the only SWC programs that avoided NCAA probation in the 1980s.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the 1980s, a period marked by numerous NCAA violations, the University of Arkansas, Baylor University, and Rice University were the only member institutions that successfully avoided probation.
SMU's football program received the NCAA 'death penalty' in 1987, resulting in the cancellation of their 1987 season and limitations for 1988.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1987, Southern Methodist University's football program was subjected to the NCAA 'death penalty,' which led to the cancellation of its 1987 season and significant restrictions for the subsequent year.
The SMU football scandal and subsequent probation significantly boosted the conference's market share in television coverage.
Answer: False
Explanation: The SMU football scandal and the resulting NCAA probation, which included prohibitions on live television appearances for the affected program, diminished the conference's market share in television coverage.
After the 1988 Cotton Bowl Classic, all subsequent SWC football champions lost their bowl games.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the 1988 Cotton Bowl Classic, a trend emerged where all subsequent Southwest Conference football champions were defeated in their respective bowl game appearances.
The Supreme Court ruling in NCAA v. Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma (1984) allowed the NCAA to maintain exclusive control over college athletics television rights.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Supreme Court's 1984 decision in NCAA v. Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma invalidated the NCAA's exclusive control over television rights, enabling conferences to negotiate their own broadcast agreements.
The College Football Association (CFA) was formed to negotiate television broadcast rights collectively for Division I-A football programs.
Answer: True
Explanation: The College Football Association (CFA) was established as a consortium to collectively negotiate and manage television broadcast rights for its member Division I-A football programs.
What was a primary factor contributing to the decline of the Southwest Conference in the 1980s?
Answer: Numerous NCAA recruiting rule violations and probations
Explanation: Widespread NCAA recruiting rule violations and the subsequent probations imposed on member institutions were significant factors in the decline of the Southwest Conference during the 1980s.
Which SWC football program received the NCAA 'death penalty' in 1987?
Answer: Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Explanation: Southern Methodist University (SMU) was the SWC football program that received the NCAA 'death penalty' in 1987.
How did the NCAA probation rules affect the conference's television presence following the SMU scandal?
Answer: It prohibited schools on probation from appearing on live television, diminishing market share.
Explanation: NCAA rules prohibiting programs on probation from live television appearances, a consequence of scandals like SMU's, negatively impacted the conference's overall television market share.
What trend was observed in bowl game performances for SWC football champions after the 1988 Cotton Bowl Classic?
Answer: They consistently lost their bowl games.
Explanation: Following the 1988 Cotton Bowl Classic, a pattern emerged where all subsequent Southwest Conference football champions experienced losses in their bowl game appearances.
What was the impact of the 1984 Supreme Court ruling in NCAA v. Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma?
Answer: It allowed individual conferences to negotiate their own television contracts.
Explanation: The 1984 Supreme Court ruling in NCAA v. Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma fundamentally altered college sports broadcasting by permitting individual conferences to negotiate their own television contracts.
What was the primary function of the College Football Association (CFA)?
Answer: To negotiate television broadcast rights collectively for Division I-A football programs.
Explanation: The College Football Association (CFA) served as a collective bargaining entity for Division I-A football programs, primarily focused on negotiating television broadcast rights.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) invited the University of Arkansas and the University of South Carolina to join in 1990, causing disruption within the CFA.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Southeastern Conference's expansion in 1990 to include the University of Arkansas and the University of South Carolina created significant internal friction within the College Football Association (CFA).
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) officially left the CFA in February 1994 to negotiate television deals independently.
Answer: True
Explanation: In February 1994, the Southeastern Conference formally withdrew from the CFA, signaling its intent to pursue independent television contract negotiations.
In 1995, the SEC and the Big Ten Conference broke away from the CFA and signed a national television deal with CBS.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 1995, the SEC and the Big East Conference, not the Big Ten, broke away from the CFA to establish a national television deal with CBS.
The dissolution of the Southwest Conference was a primary catalyst for major realignment in college athletics, leading to the formation of the Big 12 Conference.
Answer: True
Explanation: The dissolution of the Southwest Conference served as a significant impetus for widespread realignment within collegiate athletics, culminating in the establishment of the Big 12 Conference.
Baylor University, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Texas Tech University joined the Big Eight Conference members to form the Big 12 Conference.
Answer: True
Explanation: The formation of the Big 12 Conference involved the merger of four SWC members—Baylor, Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech—with the institutions comprising the former Big Eight Conference.
Rice University, SMU, and TCU joined Conference USA after the SWC dissolved.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following the SWC's dissolution, Rice University, SMU, and TCU accepted invitations to join the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), while the University of Houston became a charter member of Conference USA.
The final football game played in the history of the Southwest Conference was between the University of Houston and Rice University.
Answer: True
Explanation: The concluding football game in the annals of the Southwest Conference was the Bayou Bucket contest contested between the University of Houston and Rice University.
The Southwest Conference was officially dissolved in May 1996.
Answer: True
Explanation: The official dissolution of the Southwest Conference occurred in May 1996, following the conclusion of championship events in various sports.
In the 1995-96 season, SMU played its home football games at Texas Stadium.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the final season of the Southwest Conference in 1995-96, Southern Methodist University utilized Texas Stadium for its home football contests.
SMU's baseball program ended in 1980, meaning they did not have a listed baseball stadium for the 1995-96 season.
Answer: True
Explanation: Southern Methodist University discontinued its baseball program in 1980; consequently, no baseball stadium was listed for the university in the context of the 1995-96 season.
Texas Memorial Stadium at the University of Texas was the largest football stadium among SWC members in the 1995-96 season.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the 1995-96 season, Texas Memorial Stadium, home to the University of Texas, possessed the largest seating capacity among the football stadiums utilized by Southwest Conference institutions.
The Frank Erwin Center at the University of Texas was the largest basketball arena among SWC members in the 1995-96 season.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Frank Erwin Center at the University of Texas served as the largest basketball arena within the Southwest Conference during the 1995-96 season.
After its dissolution, the official records of the Southwest Conference were moved to the University of Oklahoma.
Answer: False
Explanation: The official records of the Southwest Conference were relocated to Texas Tech University in 1997, not the University of Oklahoma.
Kyle Kallander is recognized as the SWC historian, while Bo Carter holds the rights to SWC brands and copyrights.
Answer: False
Explanation: Kyle Kallander, the final commissioner, holds the rights to SWC brands and copyrights, while Bo Carter is recognized as the SWC historian.
Rice University's baseball program won the College World Series national title in 2003.
Answer: True
Explanation: Rice University's baseball program achieved a significant post-SWC milestone by winning the College World Series national championship in 2003.
Which conferences broke away from the CFA in 1995 and signed a national television deal with CBS?
Answer: SEC and Big East Conference
Explanation: In 1995, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big East Conference withdrew from the CFA and entered into a national television agreement with CBS.
Which SWC members joined the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) after the SWC dissolved?
Answer: Rice, SMU, TCU
Explanation: Following the dissolution of the Southwest Conference, Rice University, Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Texas Christian University (TCU) became members of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
What was the final football game played in the history of the Southwest Conference?
Answer: Houston vs. Rice
Explanation: The final football game contested within the Southwest Conference was the Bayou Bucket matchup between the University of Houston and Rice University.
What were the official records of the Southwest Conference relocated in 1997?
Answer: Texas Tech University
Explanation: In 1997, the official records of the Southwest Conference were transferred to the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library at Texas Tech University.
Who is recognized as the SWC historian?
Answer: Bo Carter
Explanation: Bo Carter, the former assistant commissioner, is recognized as the historian for the Southwest Conference.
Which of the following universities was NOT a full member of the Southwest Conference at its conclusion in 1996?
Answer: University of Oklahoma
Explanation: The University of Oklahoma was not a full member of the Southwest Conference at the time of its dissolution in 1996, having departed much earlier.
What was the capacity of the Frank Erwin Center at the University of Texas in the 1995-96 season?
Answer: 16,300
Explanation: The Frank Erwin Center at the University of Texas had a seating capacity of 16,300 during the 1995-96 season.