Nine universities hailing from West Virginia and Pennsylvania announced on Monday that they were leaving the West Virginia intracollegiate Athletic Conference to form a new alliance.
The University of Charleston, Concord, Fairmont State, Glenville State, Seton Hall, Shepherd, West Liberty, West Virginia State and West Virginia Wesleyan are the institutions wanting to break free from the league, which was formed in 1924.
All of the aforementioned schools have football programs in place, and are planning to create a new conference that consists of 12 schools.
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The new league is expected to be in place for the 2013-2014 academic year. Schedules for the 2012-2013 seasons won't be affected by the move.
The schools say they plan to seek membership in NCAA Division II
"The intent of a new conference is to align like-minded institutions in terms of budget and goals. We strongly believe that a twelve-member all sports conference creates a solid foundation for its membership," stated the presidents from the nine institutions in a joint statement. "The investment required for an all-sports league will level the playing field for all of its member institutions while positioning its members for growth."
Required documentation for the new league must be submitted to the NCAA before Dec. 1.
