Tri-State Conference (1923–1934)

The Tri-State Conference was an intercollegiate athletic conference that existed in the United States from 1923 to 1934. It comprised small colleges and universities located primarily in the tri-state area of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, although membership fluctuated during its existence.

The conference was formed to provide a structured competitive environment for institutions that were smaller than those belonging to larger, more established conferences like the Big Ten. Schools competed in various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track and field.

While the exact membership varied from year to year, institutions that were commonly associated with the Tri-State Conference included schools such as Platteville State Teachers College (now University of Wisconsin-Platteville), La Crosse State Teachers College (now University of Wisconsin-La Crosse), and possibly institutions from Iowa and Illinois that focused on teacher training or technical education.

The Tri-State Conference dissolved in 1934. This dissolution was likely due to a combination of factors including the financial pressures of the Great Depression, changing institutional priorities, and potential movement of member schools into other existing or newly formed conferences. After the conference folded, many of the former member institutions joined other leagues or continued as independent athletic programs.