SAC
OKLAHOMA CITY – Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Commissioner John Martin announced that it has selected Jim Powers as the new Assistant Commissioner of the Sooner, effective July 1. With the hire, Powers will be elevated from a part-time role as the Conference Information Director to a newly created position, which will have an impact on everything from conference championships, weekly and annual awards, and coordination of statistics and media.
“The Sooner Athletic Conference is excited for Jim’s expanded role in the conference,” said Sooner Athletic Conference Commissioner John Martin. “For the last year, Jim has elevated our brand and increased our exposure nationwide. I’m excited to see all the ways Jim‘s energy, expertise, and dedication will make the SAC ‘best in class’.”
Powers’ time at the SAC began in the fall of 2023, the first conference information director to not have a dual role at a member school. In his first year, Powers was largely responsible for the new and improved design of SoonerAthletic.org and aided the conference Sports Information Directors in garnering 11 NAIA National Players of the Week honors, which is a record high for the conference.
“I would like to thank John Martin and the Athletic Director Executive Board for the opportunity to continue with the SAC in this expanded role,” stated Powers. “This will allow me to continue the work that we have started, and it will also allow me to use the skills that I have learned in working at championships across many levels of competition to help elevate the student-athlete experience.”
Powers has a wealth of experience from a variety of levels of sports, including high school, NAIA, and NCAA Divisions I and II. Through those experiences, he will aim to assist the SAC in streamlining championship events and improve the overall student-athlete experience from the conference office.
“Jim is a veteran of this industry and has already shown his value to the SAC,” said Brad Cygan, NAIA Director of Athletics Communications. “Jim’s experience throughout the amateur sports landscape and serving in a variety of roles for the NAIA National Office will position him well to assist in the conferences’ continued growth and success.”