With no fewer than 7 teams having been nationally ranked in the NAIA during the past two seasons the competition will be fierce. The conference schedule is split into two divisions, West and East. The West sees Carey up against former GCAC foes the University of Mobile (AL), Belhaven University (MS) and Spring Hill College (AL). Added to the new division will be Faulkner in Montgomery, Alabama and cross town neighbors, Auburn University-Montgomery.

On the East, Lee University (TN), Brewton-Parker (GA), Emmanuel (GA), Shorter (GA), Southern Polytechnic (GA), Southern Wesleyan (SC) and Truett-McConnell (GA) make up the division.

Coach Nigel Boulton is excited about the move saying, "The new conference is about as strong as it gets. There will be no easy games in the West Division and the cross division match-ups are just as tough. One thing is for sure, whoever comes out of this conference headed for nationals will have an exceptional chance of going all the way (to the final)."

The Crusaders will face tough out of division road trips to Lee University and Southern Polytechnic on back to back days and an out of conference trip to St. Thomas in Houston, Texas along with Texas Brownsville on the same weekend. NCAA D-2 power West Florida is also on the road schedule. At home Carey welcomes Mid-Continent (KY) to open the season at home on August 27th. Other non-conference home games are against LSUS (LA), Northwood (FL), Concordia (AL), Milligan (TN) and National Champions Lindsey Wilson College (KY).

SSAC DIVISIONAL SCHEDULE

Oct 12 @ Faulkner

Oct 19 @ Mobile

Oct 23 AUM

Oct 26 SPRING HILL

Oct 30 @ Belhaven