Ohio Valley School History

The Ohio Valley Conference is a college sports conference that has existed since 1948. It consists of 12 schools located in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. The conference is best known for its basketball programs but also sponsors other sports such as football, baseball, and softball.

The Ohio Valley Conference was founded by six universities: Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), Murray State University (MSU), Morehead State University (MSE), Austin Peay State University (APSU), Western Kentucky University (WKU), and Middle Tennessee State College which later became Middle Tennessee State University (MTSC). These six original members have remained with the OVC since its inception in 1948, when it was initially called the "Ohio River Valley Athletic Conference."

Over time, more universities joined, including Southeast Missouri St., Jacksonville St., UT Martin, Eastern Illinois Univ., SIUE, and Tennesse Tech, who are all current members today. Each school has had its unique history within this great athletic organization over these past 72 years!

EKU Colonels- Since joining in 1948, they have won 14 regular season championships and 6 tournament titles, making them one of the most successful teams. They were also part of an impressive streak where, from 1980 to 1990, they made 11 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances!

MSU Racers– This program dates back to 1922 when it first began competing as a member of Division I athletics before becoming part of OVC play in 1949. Since then, Murray State has become one of the top teams, winning 13 regular-season championships and 10 tournament titles! They've even made 7 NCAA Tournament appearances during this span, including 4 Sweet 16s!

MSE Eagles - Joining up shortly after EKY & MSY back in 1949, Morehead stae quickly built themselves up into being one if not the most successful team overall within the OVC, having won 17 Regular Season Championships along with 9 Tournament Titles! Not only that, but they have gone on to make 8 NCAAT appearances throughout their long history here at OVC play!

APSU Governors – Since 1927, Austin Peay has been an integral part of the Ohio Valley Conference since joining back in n1949. Throughout their tenure here, they have managed to win 1 regular season championship.