Old Dominion Joins Conference USA

The list of schools joining Conference USA continues to grow with Thursday's addition of Old Dominion.

Conference Commissioner Britton Banowsky announced the expansion Thursday saying the Monarchs become apart of the conference beginning in July 2013.

"We are extremely pleased to add Old Dominion to Conference USA," said Banowsky. "They are a tremendous university with, not only a great tradition in athletics, but an extremely bright future. Their leadership team has a bold vision for the University, which fits well with our plan for the future of the Conference."

Al 16 Old Dominion sports will join C-USA competition in 2013-14. Based in Norfolk, Virginia, the University has nearly 25,000 students.

The Monarchs join the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte), Florida International University (FIU), Louisiana Tech University, University of North Texas and University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) who all finalized comprehensive membership agreements to begin competition in Conference USA for 2013 earlier this month.

05/04/12 Related Story: Conference USA Expands Adding Five Teams

"Our new 14-member model will significantly expand the Conference's market penetration and enable us to continue to stage our championship game," Banowsky added. "Moreover, we will be able to compete in two divisions that are geographically balanced, fan-friendly and sensitive to the needs of our student-athletes."

Old Dominion is leaving the Colonial Athletic Association to join Conference USA.

Current C-USA members that will remain in the league in 2013-14 include East Carolina University, Marshall University, Rice University, University of Southern Mississippi, Tulane University, The University of Tulsa, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and University of Texas El Paso (UTEP).

"The Presidents and Chancellors of Conference USA universities are pleased to include Old Dominion in our future plans," said Dr. Scott Cowen, Tulane University president and Chair of Conference USA's Board of Directors. "They possess all the attributes of a tremendous University and will make a great addition to our Conference. With the six new members in place, we are stable and poised for great things in the future."