Blue Lights College is taking the next step toward building a well-rounded and competitive athletic program by joining with other like-minded colleges to form the New South Athletic Conference with play beginning this fall.
BLC will be joined by Carolina Christian College (Winston-Salem, North Carolina), Hosanna Bible College (Durham, North Carolina), and Virginia University of Lynchburg (Virginia) for the 2020-21 academic year. Discussions with other schools are continuing now.
“This is something that we have been working on for over two years, and it is very exciting to see it come to fruition,” said Mike Davis, athletic director at BLC who will also serve as director for the conference. “It gives all our schools the opportunity to play for a title, grow some natural rivalries, as well as help with scheduling and recruiting.”
Play in the NSAC will begin this fall with men’s basketball. The season will culminate with the inaugural NSAC Men’s Basketball Tournament February 12 and 13, 2021, in Durham. Women’s basketball is now in the planning stages for the 2021-22 season.
“Our program is so excited for the New South Athletic Conference that we've been trying to put together for a while now,” BLC men’s basketball coach Mario Pharr said. “Conference affiliation will benefit the college in stepping toward our goals. Even more beneficial for the players will be the accolades for them to achieve throughout the season.”
The beginning of athletic competition is still contingent upon the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in time for the start the basketball season. “We’re hopeful that by this fall we will be in a place for the college sports we love to return,” added Davis.
More information can be found at newsouthconference.com.
