The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Council of Presidents has announced unanimous approval for Quinnipiac University to join the MAAC, as announced by the conference office today. Quinnipiac will join the MAAC, effective on July 1, 2013 with competition slated for the 2013-14 academic year.
“We are delighted to be joining the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference that will continue to advance us both athletically and academically,” said Quinnipiac University President John L. Lahey. “We also want to thank the Northeast Conference which has provided collegiality and support to Quinnipiac’s athletic teams since our becoming a Division I program.”
Current MAAC membership includes Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Manhattan College, Marist College, Niagara University, Rider University, Saint Peter’s College and Siena College. Quinnipiac previously played in the MAAC Hockey league from 1998 until the 2005-06 when it joined ECAC Hockey, which it will remain a member of for men’s and women’s ice hockey.
“In evaluating potential new member schools, the MAAC membership has sought to maintain a brand that stresses excellence in academics and athletics and Quinnipiac University fully meets that criteria,” notes Richard J. Ensor, Esq., Commissioner of the MAAC. “The MAAC will be a great home for Quinnipiac University and the conference looks forward to their participation with the start of the 2013-14 academic year.”
"This is a very historic day for Quinnipiac University,” director of athletics and recreation Jack McDonald said. “It is truly an honor to be extended an invitation from the MAAC Presidents Council and Commissioner Rich Ensor. Since first working with Rich Ensor to start the MAAC Hockey League in 1998, I have always admired the academic mission of the MAAC membership, as well as the outstanding reputation of its athletic programs.
"Quinnipiac will be forever grateful to the Northeast Conference for fourteen years of excellent membership, friendship, sportsmanship and great athletic competition," he said. "Without the invitation to the NEC in 1998, Quinnipiac would not be where it is today in Division I."
WHAT QUINNIPIAC COACHES ARE SAYING ABOUT THE MAAC
Tom Moore, Men’s Basketball Head Coach:
"On behalf of the Quinnipiac men's basketball program, we are extremely excited to be joining the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The league is filled with storied programs that have a long history of great rivalries and post-season success. We will be forever grateful to the Northeast Conference for the opportunity they provided us. It is difficult to leave the NEC during such an exciting time of the conference's growth."
Tricia Fabbri, Women’s Basketball Head Coach:
“We are grateful to the Northeast Conference for many great years of competition – we would not be where we are now without our 14 years of membership with the NEC. I am very much looking forward to joining the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, which has great athletic traditions and an outstanding academic reputation.”
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT QUINNIPIAC
Dr. Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., President of Saint Peter's University and the MAAC Council of Presidents:
“The Bobcats of Quinnipiac bring a strong athletics tradition to the MAAC. I look forward to seeing them build upon this heritage within our conference. The University's academic prowess is well known, as well. They are a perfect fit for a conference like the MAAC which has always emphasized the ‘student’ portion of the term ‘student-athlete.’”
Mike Trangese, Former Commissioner of the BIG EAST Conference:
"Quinnipiac's academic and athletic growth has been noticed by everyone and I think they would be a perfect fit for the MAAC. Their leadership, academic reputation and facilities are top notch. Congratulations to President Lahey, Athletic Director Jack McDonald and MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor."
