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The Southwest Conference

A Chronicle of Collegiate Rivalry and Legacy

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A Storied Past

Genesis of the SWC

The Southwest Conference (SWC) emerged from a desire to formalize intercollegiate athletics in the region. Spearheaded by L. Theo Bellmont, the University of Texas athletic director, initial inquiries in early 1914 garnered positive responses from several institutions. The foundational meeting convened on May 5 and 7, 1914, in Dallas, Texas, leading to the establishment of the Southwest Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. This marked the beginning of a significant era in American collegiate sports.

Shifting Landscapes

The conference's early years were characterized by membership adjustments. Southwestern University and Rice University briefly departed before rejoining. Phillips University participated for a single year, while Oklahoma and Oklahoma A&M left to join the burgeoning Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association. By 1925, the conference officially adopted the name Southwest Conference (SWC), solidifying its identity. For much of its existence, the SWC comprised universities primarily from Texas, with the University of Arkansas serving as its sole non-Texan member for an extended period.

The Golden Eras

The SWC experienced periods of national prominence, particularly in the 1930s and 1960s. In football, the 1930s saw SMU and TCU vying for national titles, with TCU claiming the AP championship in 1938 and Texas A&M in 1939. The 1960s were dominated by Texas and Arkansas, with Texas winning the 1963 national championship and Arkansas securing titles in 1964. The legendary 1969 contest between #1 Texas and #2 Arkansas, dubbed the "Big Shootout," remains an iconic moment in college football history. The conference also excelled in basketball, notably with Houston's "Phi Slama Jama" teams, and produced numerous national champions in baseball and track and field.

The Foundation

The Call for Organization

The impetus for forming the Southwest Conference originated with L. Theo Bellmont, the athletic director at the University of Texas. Recognizing the need for structured competition, Bellmont circulated questionnaires to educational institutions across Texas and neighboring states to gauge interest in establishing a formal athletic conference. The enthusiastic response paved the way for the inaugural meeting.

Inaugural Meetings

The initial organizational gathering was scheduled for April 30, 1914. Due to scheduling conflicts for some prospective members, the meeting was ultimately held across two dates, May 5 and 7, at the Oriental Hotel in Dallas. Bellmont chaired these sessions, which laid the groundwork for the conference. A subsequent formal meeting on December 8 at the Rice Hotel in Houston officially established the Southwest Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Early Membership Dynamics

The conference's formative years saw a dynamic membership landscape. Southwestern University withdrew in 1916, while Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Texas Christian University (TCU) joined in 1918 and 1923, respectively. Rice University also experienced a brief departure and return. Phillips University competed for a single year in 1920. The departure of the University of Oklahoma in 1919 and Oklahoma A&M in 1925 marked the initial geographic expansion and subsequent contraction, setting the stage for the conference's future composition.

Peak Performance

Football Dominance

The SWC was a powerhouse in college football for decades. The conference controlled the prestigious Cotton Bowl Classic from 1940 onwards, often hosting games with national championship implications. The 1930s and 1960s were particularly dominant periods, showcasing legendary teams and rivalries. The "Big Shootout" between Texas and Arkansas in 1969, decided by a narrow margin, remains one of the most celebrated games in the sport's history.

Basketball Excellence

In the early 1980s, SWC basketball reached new heights, highlighted by the University of Houston's electrifying "Phi Slama Jama" teams. The University of Arkansas also established itself as a consistent contender, making multiple NCAA tournament appearances, including Final Four berths in 1978 and 1990. The Razorbacks' sustained success in the late 1980s and early 1990s made their home games feel like extensions of their on-campus arena.

Diamond Dominance

The SWC also boasted strong baseball programs. The University of Texas Longhorns achieved significant success, capturing national titles in 1949, 1950, 1975, and 1983, alongside numerous conference championships. The Arkansas Razorbacks consistently fielded competitive teams, reaching the College World Series multiple times. Texas A&M and Rice University also emerged as strong contenders in the conference's later years, contributing to the SWC's rich baseball legacy.

The Decline and Dissolution

Scandals and Probation

The 1980s marked a challenging period for the SWC, as numerous programs faced NCAA sanctions for recruiting violations. Southern Methodist University (SMU) received the infamous "death penalty," leading to the cancellation of seasons and severe restrictions. These scandals eroded the conference's national standing and television marketability, contributing to a decline in competitive performance across major sports.

Television and Realignment

Changes in the college sports television landscape, including independent deals by powerhouse programs and the expansion of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), created pressure for realignment. The SWC's inability to secure lucrative national television contracts, coupled with the fragmentation of its member institutions' interests, ultimately precipitated its demise. The formation of the Big 12 Conference in 1994, incorporating several SWC members, signaled the end of an era.

The Final Whistle

The Southwest Conference officially dissolved in May 1996, following the conclusion of its championship events. Its member institutions dispersed to various conferences, including the newly formed Big 12, the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), Conference USA, and the SEC. The final football game played in the conference was the Bayou Bucket Classic between Houston and Rice.

Enduring Impact

Championship Pedigree

Throughout its 82-year history, the Southwest Conference garnered a remarkable 64 recognized national championships across various collegiate sports. Its alumni roster includes countless legendary athletes and coaches who achieved national and international acclaim, leaving an indelible mark on sports history.

Notable Figures

The conference was a breeding ground for talent. In football, figures like John Heisman, Paul "Bear" Bryant, Darrell Royal, and Hayden Fry coached within the SWC. Athletes such as Davey O'Brien, Sammy Baugh, Earl Campbell, Mike Singletary, Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, and Carl Lewis honed their skills in the conference. These individuals, among many others, contributed significantly to the SWC's rich heritage.

Archival Footprint

The official records of the Southwest Conference, spanning from 1914 to 1996, are preserved at the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library at Texas Tech University. This archive serves as a vital repository for the conference's history, containing extensive documentation, images, and memorabilia from its member institutions.

Member Universities

Core Institutions

The Southwest Conference primarily featured universities from Texas, with Arkansas being a notable exception for much of its history. These institutions formed the backbone of the conference, competing fiercely across multiple sports.

Southwest Conference Members (Full Time)
Institution Acronym Location Joined Left Type Subsequent Conference
University of Arkansas U of A Fayetteville, Arkansas 1915 1992 Public Southeastern Conference (SEC)
Baylor University BU Waco, Texas 1915 1996 Private (Baptist) Big 12 Conference
University of Houston UH, UofH Houston, Texas 1972 1996 Public Conference USA, AAC, Big 12
Rice University Rice Houston, Texas 1915 1996 Private WAC, Conference USA, AAC
Southern Methodist University SMU University Park, Texas 1918 1996 Private (Methodist) WAC, Conference USA, AAC, ACC
University of Texas at Austin UT, UT Austin Austin, Texas 1915 1996 Public Big 12 Conference, SEC
Texas A&M University A&M, TAMU College Station, Texas 1915 1996 Public Big 12 Conference, SEC
Texas Christian University TCU Fort Worth, Texas 1923 1996 Private (DOC) WAC, Conference USA, MWC, Big 12
Texas Tech University TTU, Tech Lubbock, Texas 1956 1996 Public Big 12 Conference

Conference Venues

Football Stadiums

The SWC featured iconic football stadiums, many of which remain significant venues today. These grounds hosted legendary matchups and witnessed the development of numerous collegiate football stars.

SchoolStadiumCapacity (1995-96)
BaylorFloyd Casey Stadium50,000
HoustonAstrodome56,000
RiceRice Stadium70,000
SMUCotton Bowl / Texas Stadium68,000 / 65,675
TexasTexas Memorial Stadium77,500
Texas A&MKyle Field70,210
TCUAmon G. Carter Stadium44,008
Texas TechJones Stadium50,000

Basketball Arenas

The conference's basketball arenas were often electric environments, hosting thrilling games and showcasing the league's premier talent. Many of these venues continue to be central to their respective university's athletic programs.

SchoolArenaCapacity (1995-96)
BaylorFerrell Center10,084
HoustonHofheinz Pavilion9,000
RiceAutry Court5,000
SMUMoody Coliseum9,000
TexasFrank Erwin Center16,300
Texas A&MG. Rollie White Coliseum7,800
TCUDaniel–Meyer Coliseum7,200
Texas TechLubbock Municipal Coliseum8,344

Baseball Stadiums

The SWC's baseball venues were crucial to its championship legacy. These fields witnessed the development of numerous future Major League Baseball players and hosted intense conference rivalries.

SchoolStadiumCapacity (1995-96)
BaylorOld Baylor Ballpark1,500
HoustonCougar Park4,000
RiceCameron Field1,000
SMUMorrison-Bell Field (program ended 1980)N/A
TexasDisch–Falk Field6,649
Texas A&MOlsen Field6,100
TCUTCU Diamond1,500
Texas TechDan Law Field5,500

Championship Sports

Football

Football was arguably the most prominent sport in the SWC, driving much of its national recognition and revenue. The conference championship often determined participants in major bowl games, including the Cotton Bowl.

Men's Basketball

The SWC consistently produced highly competitive men's basketball teams, with several programs achieving national acclaim through deep NCAA tournament runs and standout players.

Baseball

Baseball was another sport where SWC teams excelled, with multiple national championships and numerous College World Series appearances, showcasing the conference's strength in developing top baseball talent.

Conference Leadership

Stewards of the SWC

The Southwest Conference was guided by a series of commissioners who navigated its complex history, from its founding through periods of great success and eventual dissolution. Their leadership shaped the conference's policies and direction.

  • James W. St. Clair (1938–1945)
  • James H. Stewart (1945–1950)
  • Howard Grubbs (1950–1973)
  • Cliff Speegle (1973–1982)
  • Fred Jacoby (1982–1993)
  • Steven J. Hatchell (1993–1995)
  • Kyle Kallander (1995–1996)

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References

References

  1.  The MVIAA split into the Big 6 (still operating legally as the MVIAA) and the MVC in 1928 with Oklahoma joining the former and Oklahoma State the latter.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Southwest Conference Wikipedia page

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