Boston College Athletics
ACC Will Begin Expansion Talks With BC
May 16, 2003 | Boston College Athletics
May 16, 2003
Clemson University President James F. Barker, chair of the Atlantic Coast Conference Council of Presidents, announced Friday that the ACC, having voted to expand to 12 schools, will enter formal discussions with Boston College, the University of Miami and Syracuse University regarding their potential membership in the Conference. Formal action on the admission of new members is pending, based on Conference by-law requirements, which include visits to the three campuses and discussions with each school's President.
"Over the past 18 months, our Conference has been involved in an intense and thorough strategic planning evaluation on the long-term direction of the ACC," said Barker. "The priorities of this evaluation have been academic compatibility, commitment to student-athlete welfare, long-term financial stability and national athletic excellence.
"Today, our member institutions reached agreement to begin formal discussions with Boston College, the University of Miami and Syracuse University to join the Atlantic Coast Conference. These three institutions represent and share the values for which the ACC has long been known."
Further action on expansion will follow on-site visits and discussions with the three institutions in accordance with the ACC by-laws. A proposal submitted by the University of Virginia to include Virginia Tech in the expansion to 12 schools fell short of the necessary votes.
"I think it is the ultimate compliment to our students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans that the Atlantic Coast Conference is interested in entering into formal discussions with Boston College," BC Director of Athletics Gene DeFilippo said. "The ACC is an outstanding conference, both academically and athletically.
"There has been no invitation extended to join the league, nor has there been an acceptance on anyone's part. This is merely the beginning of formal discussions."
Boston College was a charter member of the BIG EAST Conference, which was founded in 1979. Boston College fields 17 women's and 14 men's sports, including baseball (M), basketball (M/W), cross country (M/W), fencing (M/W), field hockey (W), football (M), golf (M/W), ice hockey (M/W), lacrosse (W), rowing (W), sailing (M/W), skiing (M/W), soccer (M/W), softball (W), swimming/diving (M/W), tennis (M/W), indoor and outdoor track/field (M/W), and volleyball (W).
The Atlantic Coast Conference, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, currently consists of Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Virginia and Wake Forest.
