Avila University has long been a cornerstone of the Kansas City community, known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and commitment to academic excellence. But did you know that Avila also boasts a competitive football program? That’s right, nestled in the heart of campus, lies the Avila Eagles’ football field – a place where hard work and dedication meet camaraderie and teamwork.
As with any college football program, the Eagles’ placement within the NCAA division hierarchy is a huge point of pride for the school. Avila football currently competes in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, pitting the Eagles against schools from all across the country. It’s an exciting opportunity for Avila’s student-athletes to showcase their skills and compete at a high level, all while representing their school on the national stage.
But being a Division II school is no small feat. It takes a lot of hard work, commitment, and dedication by both the coaching staff and players to find success in such a competitive atmosphere. From film sessions and practice drills to game-day rituals and pre-game jitters, being a part of Avila football is an experience like no other. So whether you’re a die-hard Eagles fan or simply curious about college sports, there’s no denying the passion and grit that goes into every play on the Avila football field.
Avila Football Division History
Avila University, located in Kansas City, Missouri, has a rich history in athletics. The Avila Eagles football team competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), specifically in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) division. The HAAC has twelve member institutions that compete in various sports including football, basketball, and soccer.
The Avila Eagles football team has been a prominent member of the HAAC division since the mid-2000s. The team has made multiple appearances in the NAIA playoffs and been crowned conference champions multiple times. The program has had successful seasons in the past, including an 11-2 record in the 2015 season. The team is known for its exciting offensive style and hard-hitting defense.
Avila Football Division History: Milestones
- The Avila Eagles football team joined the Heart of America Athletic Conference in 2004.
- In 2006, the team made its first-ever appearance in the NAIA playoffs.
- Avila won its first conference championship in 2013.
- The 2015 season was one of the most successful in program history with an 11-2 record, a #5 national ranking, and another conference championship.
- Avila has produced multiple All-American players including tight end Ryan Sheehan and linebacker Walter Williams.
Avila Football Division History: Conference Records
The Avila Eagles football team has had success within the Heart of America Athletic Conference division. The program has had a winning record within the conference in multiple seasons. Below is a table of Avila’s conference records since joining the HAAC:
| Season | Conference Record |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 5-3 |
| 2005 | 3-6 |
| 2006 | 6-2 |
| 2007 | 5-3 |
| 2008 | 5-4 |
| 2009 | 3-6 |
| 2010 | 5-4 |
| 2011 | 4-4 |
| 2012 | 6-4 |
| 2013 | 7-2 |
| 2014 | 5-4 |
| 2015 | 8-1 |
Avila’s success in conference play has ultimately led to playoff berths and recognition on a national level within the NAIA division. The team and program look to continue their success and make strides for more conference championships and playoff appearances in the future.
Impact of Divisions on Avila Football Program
The Avila University football program is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competes in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC). The program’s division and conference affiliation have a significant impact on its success and the experience of its student-athletes.
- Competition Level: The HAAC is one of the toughest NAIA conferences in the country, with teams regularly ranked in the top 25 nationally. This level of competition pushes Avila football players to consistently strive for excellence and improve their skills. It also attracts talented student-athletes who want to play against the best competition.
- Recruiting: Avila football coaches must sell the program’s strengths to high school athletes who are often more familiar with NCAA Division I and II schools. They must highlight the advantages of playing in the HAAC, such as the opportunity to compete for conference championships and national recognition.
- Facilities and Resources: Compared to NCAA Division I and II programs, NAIA schools generally have fewer resources to devote to athletics. This can impact everything from game-day experiences to recruiting budgets to training facilities. Avila football coaches and players must be creative and resourceful in order to compete at a high level with these limitations.
Despite these challenges, Avila football has found success in the HAAC in recent years. Under head coach Eric Hicks, the Eagles have made two trips to the NAIA playoffs and won the conference championship in 2016. The program’s ability to overcome the challenges of its division and conference affiliation speaks to the resilience and determination of Avila student-athletes and coaches.
The table below compares some key metrics for Avila football with other NAIA schools:
| School | Winning Percentage (Last 5 years) | Conference Championships | Playoff Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avila University | .516 | 1 | 2 |
| Baker University | .675 | 5 | 6 |
| Benedictine College | .732 | 3 | 4 |
| William Penn University | .643 | 2 | 4 |
Although Avila has a slightly lower winning percentage than some of its HAAC rivals, the program’s championship and playoff appearances demonstrate its ability to compete at a high level despite its division and conference affiliation. With the right leadership, talent, and resources, Avila football can continue to build on its successes and establish itself as a top-tier NAIA program.
Avila Football Division Alignment Changes
The Avila University Eagles football program has seen multiple changes in its division alignment since its inception in 2000. These changes have affected the team’s competitiveness, conference standings, and scheduling. Below are the most notable division alignment changes that have impacted Avila football:
Conference Affiliations
- From 2000-2001, Avila was an independent team with no conference affiliation.
- In 2002, the Eagles joined the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) in the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA).
- In 2019, the HAAC merged with the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) to form the Heart KCAC Conference.
Switch from NAIA to NCAA Division II
In 2017, it was announced that Avila was transitioning from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. This move allows Avila to have more postseason opportunities and increased scholarship offerings.
The transition process takes a minimum of three years, with Avila currently in year 2 of this process. The Eagles will become full NCAA Division II members in 2022-23.
Divisional Changes within the Heart Conference
When Avila joined the Heart Conference, the conference split into two divisions: North and South. Avila was placed in the South division with six other teams.
| Year | Division | Standing |
|---|---|---|
| 2002-2005 | South | 1st or 2nd place in division every year |
| 2006-2009 | North | No division titles |
| 2010-2018 | South | 3 division titles (2011, 2013, 2015) |
| 2019-Present | Currently No Divisions | N/A |
With the current conference alignment, Avila competes against all conference opponents with no divisional splits. The Eagles continue to strive for success in the Heart KCAC Conference and in their transition to NCAA Division II.
Comparison of Avila football in different divisions
Avila football has undergone various changes throughout the years, particularly in terms of which division they belong to. Here is a brief comparison of how Avila football performs in different divisions:
- NCAA Division I – Avila University is currently not competing in NCAA Division I. However, they previously competed in this division for women’s soccer.
- NCAA Division II – Avila University’s football team previously competed in NCAA Division II from 2000 to 2005. During this time, the team had a winning percentage of .209.
- NCAA Division III – Avila University’s football team has been competing in NCAA Division III since 2006. As of 2021, their overall record is 59-86 with a winning percentage of .407.
- Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) – From 2006 to 2016, Avila University’s football team competed in HAAC, which is a member of the NAIA. During this time, they won four conference championships and had an overall record of 69-47 with a winning percentage of .595.
Based on these numbers, Avila University’s football team has had the most success in the HAAC conference. However, their performance in NCAA Division III also deserves recognition, as they have consistently maintained a winning record since joining the division. Although their experience in NCAA Division II was not as successful, it is still an important part of their history and shows the team’s resilience despite challenges.
Here is a table summarizing Avila University’s overall record and winning percentage in each division:
| Division | Years Competed | Overall Record | Winning Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCAA Division I | 1996-1998 (women’s soccer) | 7-14-1 | .333 |
| NCAA Division II | 2000-2005 | 19-76 | .209 |
| NCAA Division III | 2006-present | 59-86 | .407 |
| HAAC | 2006-2016 | 69-47 | .595 |
Overall, Avila University’s football team has shown resilience and a commitment to improvement across all divisions they have competed in. With their consistent winning record in NCAA Division III and past success in HAAC, the team continues to strive for excellence and success in their future competitions.
Current Standings and Rankings of Avila Football Team
Avila football competes in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, which includes 11 schools spanning from Iowa to Missouri. The conference is split into a North and South division, and as of the 2021 season, Avila competes in the South division.
- MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Benedictine College
- Central Methodist University
- William Penn University
- Culver-Stockton College
- Avila University
- Missouri Valley College
Currently, the Avila Eagles football team has a conference record of 2-2 and an overall record of 3-2 for the 2021 season. As of October 4th, 2021, they are ranked 8th in the South division according to the Heart of America Athletic Conference standings.
| Team | Conference Record | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|
| MidAmerica Nazarene University | 4-0 | 5-1 |
| Benedictine College | 4-0 | 5-0 |
| Central Methodist University | 2-2 | 3-2 |
| William Penn University | 2-2 | 2-3 |
| Culver-Stockton College | 2-2 | 2-3 |
| Avila University | 2-2 | 3-2 |
| Missouri Valley College | 0-4 | 0-5 |
It’s worth noting that the Avila Eagles have shown improvement from their 1-10 season record in 2019 and went 3-1 in the abbreviated 2020 season. With five games left in the season, they are still in contention for a playoff spot.
Avila Football Division Opponents and Rivalries
When it comes to college football, the division a team is in can have a huge impact on their opponents and rivalries. Avila football competes in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) Division I.
- Mid-States Football Association: Avila is a member of the Mid-States Football Association, which includes both NAIA Division I and II teams. Avila competes in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) division of the MSFA, which includes 13 teams from Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois.
- Opponents: Some of the notable opponents on Avila’s football schedule include Baker University, Evangel University, and Grand View University. These teams have had a long-standing rivalry with Avila and games between them are always highly anticipated.
- New Rivals: Recently, Avila has developed a rivalry with Benedictine College, a fellow HAAC team from Atchison, Kansas. The two teams have played some close and intense games in recent years, adding a new dynamic to Avila’s schedule.
Playing in the NAIA Division I means that the competition is fierce. Avila football has many tough opponents to face on the field, and the rivalries between certain teams make the games even more exciting.
Here is a table listing all of the teams in the Heart of America Athletic Conference division of the Mid-States Football Association:
| Team Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Baker University | Baldwin City, KS |
| Benedictine College | Atchison, KS |
| Culver-Stockton College | Canton, MO |
| Evangel University | Springfield, MO |
| Graceland University | Lamoni, IA |
| Grand View University | Des Moines, IA |
| Missouri Valley College | Marshall, MO |
| Peru State College | Peru, NE |
| William Penn University | Oskaloosa, IA |
| Central Methodist University | Fayette, MO |
| Lindenwood University-Belleville | Belleville, IL |
| Saint Ambrose University | Davenport, IA |
| MidAmerica Nazarene University | Olathe, KS |
Avila football has some tough competition in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, but the team is always ready to face their opponents head-on and give it their all on the field.
Importance of Winning Division Championships in Avila Football Culture
In the world of Avila football, winning division championships is crucial to a team’s success. It not only brings recognition and prestige to a team, but it also instills a winning mentality and builds a strong team culture that can lead to future success. Here’s a breakdown of why winning division championships is so important in Avila football culture:
- Recognition: Winning a division championship means a team has come out on top in their division, which is no small feat. It brings recognition from the community, media, and other teams, and is a sign of a well-coached and competitive team.
- Prestige: Division championships come with trophies and other awards that are symbols of a team’s success and dedication. It’s something teams can proudly display and serves as a constant reminder of their hard work and achievement.
- Winning Mentality: Winning division championships builds a strong winning mentality and can be a catalyst for future success. It shows that the team can rise up to the challenge and compete at a high level.
Aside from recognition and prestige, winning division championships also builds a strong team culture and sense of pride. Players feel a sense of accomplishment and ownership in their team’s success, which can bring a cohesive and supportive team dynamic. It also draws in more talented players who want to be part of a successful and competitive team.
Here’s a look at some notable Avila football teams who have won division championships:
| Team | Year | Division |
|---|---|---|
| Avila Mustangs | 2017 | Division 3 |
| Avila Eagles | 2015 | Division 2 |
| Avila Sharks | 2013 | Division 1 |
Each of these teams had a strong winning mentality and cohesive team culture, which led to their division championship wins.
In conclusion, winning division championships is a crucial part of Avila football culture. It brings recognition, prestige, a winning mentality, and a stronger team culture. It’s something all Avila football teams should strive for and be proud of when achieved.
FAQs: What division is Avila Football?
Q1: What is Avila Football?
A: Avila Football is a varsity football program sponsored by Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri.
Q2: What division is Avila Football?
A: Avila Football is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competes in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
Q3: What is the highest level of competition in NAIA?
A: The highest level of competition in NAIA is the Football Championship Series (FCS), which Avila Football competes in.
Q4: How has Avila Football performed in recent years?
A: Avila Football has had a winning record in two of the past three seasons, including a 9-3 record in 2019 and an appearance in the NAIA playoffs.
Q5: Where does Avila Football play their home games?
A: Avila Football plays their home games at Zarda Family Athletic Complex on Avila University’s campus.
Q6: Can I watch Avila Football games online or on TV?
A: Yes, many Avila Football games are streamed live online, and some may be broadcast on local TV channels.
Closing Thoughts: Thanks for Reading!
Thanks for taking the time to read about Avila Football’s division and history. As a member of the NAIA, Avila Football competes against other small colleges and universities across the country. Whether you’re a die-hard Eagles fan or just starting to follow the team, we hope you’ll continue to support Avila Football in their pursuit of excellence. Don’t forget to check back for updates on the team and upcoming games!