BY COLBY GAINES, STAFF WRITER
Loyola Chicago University, currently representing the Missouri Valley Conference, will become the newest member of the A-10, the league announced on Tuesday. This addition will make Loyola the 15th league affiliate as of July 1, 2022.
“Welcoming Loyola University Chicago was not a difficult decision,” said Dr. Mark C. Reed, Saint Joseph’s University president and chair of the Atlantic 10’s President’s Council. “Due to its similarity with our member institutions, including the value Loyola places on conducting successful athletics in harmony with a nationally recognized, broad-based educational profile.
“On behalf of the leadership of the Atlantic 10, I welcome Dr. Rooney, Steve Watson and the entire Loyola family into our outstanding conference.”
With a NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of a whopping 99%, the Chicago-based university has lived up to Reed’s praise. With over 17,000 students currently enrolled, in addition to 80+ undergraduate programs and 140 graduate programs across the six Chicago campuses, Loyola will be a hefty addition to the A-10 that will be welcomed with open arms.
Loyola has also been nationally recognized for its exceptional athletics. The university is only the fourth program within the A-10 to have appeared in a men’s basketball Final Four in the last 25 years, as well as the ninth program with a Final Four appearance collectively. In 2020, the Loyola men’s basketball team recorded a record of 21-11, conceding only two losses at home. Additionally, the Ramblers won the Men’s Basketball National Championship in 1963.
The university’s success goes beyond basketball, however., Loyola funds seven men’s and eight women’s NCAA sanctioned sports. Their men’s soccer team has won its conference tournament championship twice (2007, 2016) and also have won two national titles in men’s volleyball (2014, 2015). Notable athletes from Loyola include middle-distance runner Tom O’Hara, volleyball player Thomas Jaeschke and basketball players Mike Novak, Jerry Harkness, Les Hunter, Wayne Sappleton, Alfredrick Hughes, LaRue Martin and Blake Schilb.
“Loyola’s commitment to the high-level scholastic achievement of all of its students, coupled with its excellent athletic profile, from success in basketball, soccer, and volleyball to outstanding facilities and resources is a perfect fit for the A-10,” praised A-10 commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade. “I am honored to welcome Loyola University Chicago to the Atlantic 10 Conference, and we look forward to working closely with an exceptional group of administrators, coaches, and student-athletes.”
gainesca21@bonaventure.edu
