May 17, 2006
Indianapolis, Ind. - Valparaiso University and the Horizon League announced jointly Wednesday afternoon that Valparaiso has accepted a membership invitation to join the Horizon League effective July 1, 2007.
The announcement was made by Valparaiso President Alan F. Harre on the university's campus at a press conference along with Mark LaBarbera, Director of Athletics at Valpo, and Horizon League Commissioner Jonathan B. LeCrone.
"By becoming members of the Horizon League we give our student-athletes the opportunity to compete in a midwestern conference with a national reach," said LaBarbera. "We will be renewing and strengthening relationships and rivalries that have historic significance to our student-athletes, our alumni, and all of our constituents."
Valparaiso becomes the Horizon League's tenth current member, joining UIC, Butler University, Cleveland State University, the University of Detroit Mercy, Loyola University Chicago, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wright State University and Youngstown State University. The addition of Valparaiso marks the first membership change for the Horizon League since Youngstown State joined for the 2001-02 academic year.
"The addition of Valparaiso University as our tenth member marks a very exciting time for the Horizon League," said LeCrone. "As the fourth private school member, Valpo is an extraordinary fit for the League. They share our core values of academic achievement, community service and personal responsibility, and their location in the middle of our League's Midwest footprint in addition to their highly competitive athletic program enhance the profile of the Horizon League.
"The decision to add Valparaiso to the Horizon League was enthusiastically and unanimously approved by our Board of Directors. This promises to be a long and successful relationship."
UIC will begin competition with the Crusaders in the 2007-08 season in men's and women's cross country, men's soccer, volleyball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's swimming and diving, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's track and field, baseball and softball.
Members of the UIC Athletic Department had comments on Wednesday on the announcement of Valparaiso as the Horizon League's newest member.
Athletic Director Jim Schmidt
"The UIC Athletic Department welcomes an old friend back in Valparaiso. The Flames and Crusaders enjoyed many memorable confrontations on the playing field and a strong working relationship off of it as former charter members of the Mid-Continent Conference. It is great to have them back as a conference affiliate."
"This is a great day for the Horizon League and all of its member institutions. Valparaiso's alliance with the founding platforms of the Horizon League, their tradition of success within their athletic department and their location in the heart of the league makes them an ideal choice."
"Valparaiso's proximity to Chicago will be great for all of our fans. A friendly rivalry that has been somewhat dormant for the last few years should be quickly renewed."
Head Men's Basketball Coach Jimmy Collins
"I think it is a great fit for the Horizon League. We are getting a school that is first and foremost a top notch academic institution. Secondly, they have a history of success in their basketball program and are led by a Hall of Fame coach in Homer Drew. We are happy to welcome them to our league."
Head Women's Basketball Coach Lisa Ryckbosch
"From a women's basketball standpoint, the Horizon League has gotten better every year since I have been here at UIC. Every program has worked hard to improve. The addition of Valparaiso, which has a great basketball program, only continues to make our league stronger."
Head Volleyball Coach Nancy Mueller
"I think it is a great addition. Valparaiso's volleyball tradition speaks for itself. Carin Avery has done a great job of building that program and I look forward to competing against them in the near future."
