June 4, 2001
Indianapolis, Ind. - With the goal of emphasizing the overall development of the student-athlete, the nine-member Midwestern Collegiate Conference is changing its name to the Horizon League and pledging a renewed focus on academics, personal responsibility, and community outreach for the league. The announcement was made this afternoon by Dr. Nancy Zimpher, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and co-chair of the Horizon League Board of Directors branding sub-committee.
"Today, Horizon League embarks on an exciting vision for its student-athletes. A cornerstone of the Midwestern Collegiate Conference has been our strong emphasis on academic success, personal responsibility and community outreach. We want to expand on those values with new initiatives," Zimpher said.
"As a Division I athletic conference, we have discussed and are concerned by the perception of many that there are serious problems in college athletics, including the notion that the enterprise has moved away from its fundamental mission of education. We believe our league can be an example of what is right in college athletics."
According to Zimpher, the new conference name and logo symbolizes the celebration of past academic and athletic successes and community involvement, as well as a new perspective that takes a long-term view of the college student-athlete's journey through not only the college years, but his or her entire life.
"Make no mistake, the Horizon League is not moving away from the ideal of our teams being champions in every sport," Zimpher said. "More than ever, we want to win. But today's announcement is another step in creating a better athletic environment, sense of purpose, and dedication to community service and personal responsibility for our student-athletes."
"We think we're establishing a solid message and direction today that will help our member schools with recruiting by attracting top-notch athletes, as well as top-notch people. We are looking to create a complete life-style experience for our student-athletes, one that just doesn't happen on the athletic fields and courts."
Jonathan LeCrone, commissioner of the Horizon League, said that today's announcement signals major changes in the way the conference administration will conduct business.
"We've researched the success of our student-athletes and concluded it is our commitment to athletics, community, academics and personal responsibility that makes our league special," LeCrone said. "It is time to sharpen our focus in these areas and celebrate the story of our student-athletes."
"As administrators of the league, we will take the lead in promoting the ideals on which the Horizon League is founded."
