Q&A with the AD

Allen Ward in his third year as ACU’s director of athletics. He is a veteran administrator with 28 years of NCAA Division I experience at Abilene Christian, Murray State University and the University of North Texas. Wildcat programs under his watch have achieved remarkable success in the classroom and in competition around the nation.

Which institutions will be members of the WAC?

The WAC’s Southwest Division will include Abilene Christian, Lamar, Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, Tarleton State and Texas-Rio Grande Valley. The West Division will include California Baptist, Dixie State, Grand Canyon, New Mexico State, Seattle, Southern Utah and Utah Valley.

Why the WAC?

The WAC will provide many strategic benefits for ACU and its athletics program, including a strong Division I brand identity, divisional play and travel efficiencies, enhanced recruiting footprint for students and student-athletes, continuation of our association with fellow Texas institutions, increased revenue opportunities, and enhanced media exposure. As conference realignment continues to be part of the Division I landscape, ACU’s move to the WAC will build upon the momentum we have realized as a Division I member. To win at the highest level by providing the most Christ-centered student-athlete experience in college athletics. That’s our mission and God has provided a new platform to honor him and achieve excellence.

How will the WAC increase the university’s academic reputation?

We will continue to attract student-athletes who reflect the academic composition of the overall student body. They now graduate at a higher rate than their peers and overall, we recently earned an exceptional NCAA APR (Academic Progress Rate) score of 992. The Wildcats are truly student and athlete when they wear the purple and white.

Will a move to the WAC affect ACU’s financial strength?

We are committed to being wise stewards who manage our resources responsibly and strategically. Although we are confident our athletics program is well positioned for competition in the WAC, continuing to grow external funding sources will remain a priority. The university is blessed by the continued generous support of its more than 86,000 alumni, allowing us to ensure our commitment is aligned with our expectations.

Will a move to the WAC require additional sports be added?

No. ACU meets the requirements for Division I membership and its 17 sports programs align well with fellow WAC members:

  • Football – Adam Dorrel, head coach
  • Women’s soccer – Casey Wilson, head coach
  • Women’s volleyball – Angela Mooney, head coach
  • Men’s cross country – Jarvis Jelen, head coach
  • Women’s cross country – Jarvis Jelen, head coach
  • Men’s basketball – Joe Golding, head coach
  • Women’s basketball – Julie Goodenough, head coach
  • Men’s indoor and outdoor track and field – Jerod Cook, head coach
  • Women’s indoor and outdoor track and field – Jerod Cook, head coach
  • Baseball – Rick McCarty, head coach
  • Men’s golf – Tom Shaw, head coach
  • Men’s tennis – Juan Nunez, director
  • Women’s tennis – Juan Nunez, director
  • Softball – Abigail Farler, head coach
  • Women’s beach volleyball – Angela Mooney, head coach
What is the WAC’s biggest competitive challenge?

Competition in the WAC will be a big challenge, especially in men’s basketball. But with it comes a tremendous upside for the university, its many fans and other friends, the local community, and all of West Texas in an unprecedented way. Joining the WAC is another example of the respect this particular program is garnering and the reputation we are building on a national scale. Ardent men’s college basketball fans know well the distinctive success stories being written at Gonzaga, Butler, Loyola Chicago and many others. If our commitment equals our expectations, I see no reason why ACU can’t join this exclusive group.

Will moving to the WAC require additional athletics facilities to be built?

No. ACU will feature some of the best facilities in the WAC, especially with completion of the Moody Coliseum renovation. Recent facility projects completed include the Byron Nelson Clubhouse and short-game practice facility, Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium, Jones Tennis Building, beach volleyball courts, Powell Fitness Center renovations, and an indoor hitting and pitching facility for women’s softball.

What is the timeline for this move?

ACU expects to become a full member of the WAC on July 1, 2021. As we close our chapter in the Southland, we do so with fond memories, lifelong friendships, a great respect for our colleagues, and a deep appreciation for the years of spirited competition and sportsmanship. We are grateful for commissioner Tom Burnett’s leadership, his tireless efforts, and his never-ending commitment to the league’s success. We are also truly appreciative of the conference staff for its extraordinary work and dedication.