Out of nowhere, the Atlantic 10 has announced the conference will add recent Final 4 competitor, Loyola Chicago, to the conference starting the 2022-23 academic year.
The conference formally announced the Conference Presidents Council accepted Loyola's application to become the league's 15the member.
"Welcoming Loyola University Chicago was not a difficult decision for the Presidents Council, due to its similarity with our member institutions, including the value Loyola places on conducting successful athletics in harmony with a nationally recognized, broad-based educational profile," said Saint Joseph's University President Dr. Mark C. Reed, who serves as the chair of the A-10 Presidents Council. "On behalf of the leadership of the Atlantic 10, I welcome Dr. Rooney, Steve Watson and the entire Loyola family into our outstanding conference."
The Ramblers have a long hoops history, having won the 1963 National Championship and appeared in the 2018 Final 4. Loyola Chicago went 26-5 this past season under former head coach, Porter Moser, advancing to the Sweet 16 for their fifth appearance in program history.
"I am honored to welcome Loyola University Chicago to the Atlantic 10 Conference, and we look forward to working closely with an exceptional group of administrators, coaches and student-athletes," stated Atlantic 10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade. "Loyola's commitment to the high-level scholastic achievement of all of its students, coupled with its excellent athletic profile, from success in basketball, soccer and volleyball to outstanding facilities and resources, is a perfect fit for the A-10. The addition expands the A-10 footprint into the Chicago market, giving the conference a presence in three of the top five media markets in the United States."
The conference formally announced the Conference Presidents Council accepted Loyola's application to become the league's 15the member.
"Welcoming Loyola University Chicago was not a difficult decision for the Presidents Council, due to its similarity with our member institutions, including the value Loyola places on conducting successful athletics in harmony with a nationally recognized, broad-based educational profile," said Saint Joseph's University President Dr. Mark C. Reed, who serves as the chair of the A-10 Presidents Council. "On behalf of the leadership of the Atlantic 10, I welcome Dr. Rooney, Steve Watson and the entire Loyola family into our outstanding conference."
The Ramblers have a long hoops history, having won the 1963 National Championship and appeared in the 2018 Final 4. Loyola Chicago went 26-5 this past season under former head coach, Porter Moser, advancing to the Sweet 16 for their fifth appearance in program history.
"I am honored to welcome Loyola University Chicago to the Atlantic 10 Conference, and we look forward to working closely with an exceptional group of administrators, coaches and student-athletes," stated Atlantic 10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade. "Loyola's commitment to the high-level scholastic achievement of all of its students, coupled with its excellent athletic profile, from success in basketball, soccer and volleyball to outstanding facilities and resources, is a perfect fit for the A-10. The addition expands the A-10 footprint into the Chicago market, giving the conference a presence in three of the top five media markets in the United States."
