MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Thomas University Athletics program will soon begin a new era of play, as the Night Hawks will join the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) following the conclusion of the upcoming 2022-23 year.
 
In their recent summer meeting, the SSAC Board of Presidents unanimously approved the Green & White to join its already-growing conference.  Thomas is set to become the 12th, full-time member, and the third accepted member in the past two years.
 
TU effectively begins its membership July 1, 2023, set to begin conference play in the 2023-24 year. 

"Thomas University is committed to prioritizing what is best for our student-athletes and the mission of the university" said Athletic Director Rick Pearce.  "A move to the SSAC at this time puts our student-athletes in the best position to succeed academically and competitively. We want to thank the SSAC Board of Directors, Commissioner Mike Hall and all the member institutions for the opportunity to join this great conference and we look forward to working with them to maintain and strengthen the level of sportsmanship and competition for which the SSAC is known."

"TU is excited to join the Southern States Athletic Conference" said James A. Sheppard, Thomas University's President.  "We are grateful to all of our new colleagues for the warm welcome that they have extended and we are looking forward joining them in the near future as we continue in the NAIA tradition of excellence through character driven athletics."
 
The SSAC was as equally excited when the vote passed. 

"Thomas is going to make a great addition to our league in 2023-24" said SSAC Commissioner Mike Hall.   "There is already a lot of familiarity as many of our current members already play them in several sports. I'm excited to welcome the Night Hawks into our conference!"
 
With the conference transition on the horizon, Thomas will not say goodbye to the SUN Conference altogether, as the Night Hawks will continue as affiliate members in Flag Football and Swimming, with intentions to also compete in Football in Fall 2023.
 
For up-to-date information on games and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by-play, and feature stories of your TU teams by following them via Twitter at @TU_Night_Hawks.