are called the Spirit. The campus is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) since the 2018–19 academic year; while its football team competes in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) since the 2018 fall season. They are also a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), primarily competing as an independent in the West Region of the Division I level. OUAZ competes in 27 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball, water polo and weightlifting; while women's sports include basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, stunt, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball, water polo and weightlifting; and co-ed sports include competitive cheer and competitive dance. Student life The campus in Ottawa, Kansas, offers more than 30 student groups, clubs and organizations, including the oldest student-run newspaper in Kansas, The Campus. The school offers drama, music, fraternities and sororities, honor societies, campus ministry opportunities, and other activities. The campus in Surprise offers music ensembles, academic and professional clubs, campus ministries, and club teams such as bowling, lacrosse and outdoor adventures. Notable people Faculty Irene Rima Makaryk, distinguished professor Alumni Wayne Angell, former Federal Reserve governor, Kansas State Representative and Bear Stearns chief economist Mitch Barnhart, Athletic Director, University of Kentucky Leonard Erickson, researcher of DNA repair Howard K. Gloyd, herpetologist, credited with describing several new species of reptiles Robin Harris, comedian Marvin Harvey, basketball coach Timon Marshall, Arena Football League player Merritt C. Mechem, territorial Supreme Court justice and one-term Republican governor of New Mexico Dorothy C. Stratton, director of the United States Coast Guard Women's Reserve (SPARS) during World War II DeDe Dorsey, National Football League (Indianapolis Colts (2006-Super Bowl XLI Champions) and Detroit Lions) Derrick Ward, National Football League (played football for Ottawa University for one semester, and did not graduate from this institution) Mary Watson Weaver, composer References External links Ottawa Braves athletics website Ottawa–Arizona Spirit athletics website Education in Franklin County, Kansas Universities and colleges affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA Educational institutions established in 1865 Buildings and structures in Ottawa, Kansas Private universities and colleges in Kansas 1865 establishments in Kansas