MARIETTA, Ga. — Life University Athletics is proud to announce that men's wrestling will begin competing as a Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) championship sport beginning with the 2026–27 season through a partnership between the SSAC and The Sun Conference.

The seven institutions set to compete include Andrew, Brewton-Parker Christian, Keiser, Life, New College of Florida, Southeastern, and St. Thomas.

The inaugural SSAC men's wrestling championship is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2027, at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. The championship will remain in Montgomery for its first two years before rotating to Florida for the following two years, providing a centralized location for participating Sun Conference institutions. The two conferences have previously partnered to host championships in men's and women's swimming as well as men's and women's indoor track & field.

Director of Athletics Jayme Pendergast expressed her excitement for the new conference home while recognizing the program's previous affiliation.

"The addition of men's wrestling as a Southern States Athletic Conference sport is exciting," said Pendergast. "We are grateful for the Appalachian Athletic Conference and the opportunity to be an affiliate the last several years, as they have great leadership and support. We look forward to continued success and great competition within this new conference makeup. Wrestling is a valuable sport on our campus and we look forward to competing under the SSAC brand."

SSAC Commissioner Mike Hall highlighted the strength of the new championship and the continued collaboration between the two conferences.

"Adding men's wrestling as a championship sport is an exciting opportunity for the SSAC and our member institutions," said Hall. "We appreciate the continued partnership with The Sun Conference and the chance to work together again to provide a strong championship experience for our student-athletes. With the quality of programs involved, this has the chance to immediately become one of the top wrestling conferences in the NAIA."

Sun Conference Commissioner Dustin Wilke echoed Hall's enthusiasm for the partnership.

"The Sun Conference has long valued its tremendous partnership with the SSAC, and this collaborative effort to sponsor men's wrestling represents another meaningful step forward in that relationship," said Wilke. "This venture will create a mutually beneficial opportunity for student-athletes and member institutions from both conferences, and we are excited to be part of what will immediately become a highly competitive and entertaining wrestling conference."

Head Coach Omi Acosta also emphasized the significance of the move for Life University's nationally recognized program.

"This is a great move for our program and for the sport," said Acosta. "Joining the SSAC gives our student-athletes a true conference experience and the opportunity to compete against quality programs throughout the Southeast. As always, our goal is to continue challenging ourselves against the best competition available. We are excited for this new chapter, and I look forward to competing in the SSAC and seeing how far this team can go."

The conference is expected to be one of the strongest in the NAIA from its inaugural season. Life and Southeastern finished the 2025–26 campaign ranked No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, in the final NAIA Men's Wrestling Ratings. Keiser finished No. 19, while Brewton-Parker Christian and St. Thomas also received votes in the final poll.

As Life University prepares for the 2026–27 season, the Running Eagles look forward to competing for the inaugural SSAC men's wrestling championship and continuing the program's tradition of national success under a new conference banner.