Loyola Announces Decision to Join Patriot League in 2013-14
MAAC Sports
Edison, N.J. - Loyola University Maryland has announced its decision to join the Patriot League effective at the beginning of the 2013-14 academic year.
“I am disappointed with Loyola University’s decision to withdraw from membership in the MAAC, which I learned about in a telephone call from Loyola President Brian Linnane this morning,” noted Richard J. Ensor. “Loyola was a good member and they made a business decision not reflective on the MAAC, but consistent with decisions made by many schools that have changed conferences in recent months. Over the past two years the league has discussed in detail how league realignment has impacted Division I conferences and unfortunately it now has extended to the MAAC. The MAAC Council of Presidents has a scheduled conference call for next Tuesday and the presidents will review this matter at that time.”
Loyola joined the MAAC prior to the 1989-90 academic year and currently competes in 16 of the league’s 24 sports.
Loyola won two MAAC Championships in 2011-12 – men’s basketball and men’s golf. It was Loyola’s second men’s basketball championship in 23 years (1994). The women’s basketball program has won one league title, also in 1994.
Although the MAAC has been stable since 1997-98, in the 33 years of the league’s existence it has experienced significant changes in membership. These include the withdrawal of three schools in 1990 (Army, Fordham and Holy Cross) and the loss of La Salle in 1992.
The MAAC has added six new schools in the last 25 years: Canisius College (1989), Niagara University (1989), Siena College (1989), Marist College (1997), and Rider University (1997), plus the now departing Loyola.
The MAAC was founded in 1980 by six charter members: the U.S. Military Academy, Fairfield University, Fordham University, Iona College, Manhattan College and Saint Peter's College (now University).