Big things are happening at Shawnee State University.
SSU is making waves in the world of college athletics, officially joining the Mountain East Conference (MEC) and announcing the long-awaited addition of football to its sports lineup — all while keeping every current sport and expanding its athletic footprint in downtown Portsmouth.
This move marks a bold new era for the Bears, who will become the MEC’s 12th full-time member in July 2026, pending NCAA Division II membership approval.
📣 What’s New at a Glance:
- 🏈 Football is Coming:
After years of community chatter and student interest, SSU will launch its first-ever varsity football team — no later than the 2028 season.
- 🎓 NCAA Division II Transition:
Shawnee State plans to apply for NCAA Division II membership by October 1, 2025, beginning MEC competition in the 2026-27 season.
- 🤝 Full MEC Member:
SSU will participate in 19 of the MEC’s 23 sports, joining a respected group of NCAA Division II programs in Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland.
- 💪 Keeping All Current Sports:
No cuts here — SSU will retain all current sports and add more. That means even more opportunities for student-athletes.
🏟️ Revitalizing a Piece of History
Shawnee State University is also expanding its physical footprint in a major way:
- ✅ Acquired Spartan Stadium & Branch Rickey Park
The university now owns 23 acres, including two iconic Portsmouth sports venues.
- ⚒️ Planned Renovation of Spartan Stadium
Home of the historic Portsmouth Spartans (NFL ancestors of the Detroit Lions), the stadium will be revitalized as part of a broader vision to create a comprehensive sports complex for:
- Varsity athletics
- Intramural and recreational activities
- Youth leagues and camps
- Community events
“This move marks an exciting new chapter for Shawnee State University,” said SSU President Dr. Eric Braun. “The Mountain East Conference shares our values of community, collaboration, and innovative growth.”
🏆 Sports Lineup: Then and Now
Men’s Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball 🏆 (2021 NAIA National Champions)
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Swimming
- Indoor & Outdoor Track
- Football (New)
Women’s Sports:
- Basketball 🏆 (1999 NAIA National Champions)
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Swimming
- Indoor & Outdoor Track
- Volleyball
🐻 Why It Matters
- SSU’s athletics are a pillar of the community and a major driver of local pride and student engagement.
- Adding football and revitalizing historic venues will not only grow the university’s presence but also revitalize Portsmouth’s sports culture and boost economic activity in the region.
- Joining NCAA Division II elevates SSU’s competitiveness and academic-athletic balance — opening more doors for students across the Midwest.
🏅 About the Mountain East Conference
- 11 current member schools
- 23 NCAA championship sports
- 7 NCAA national championships
- 2,800+ student-athletes earned academic honors in 2024-25
- Headquartered in Bridgeport, WV
To learn more, visit: mountaineast.org
🗣️ Stay tuned as SSU gears up for this monumental transition. The Bears are getting bigger, bolder, and ready to roar.