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Sunday, October 12 - ESPN

Sunday vote favors Eagles' inclusion

Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Atlantic Coast Conference's presidents and chancellors voted Sunday to invite Boston College to join the league as its 12th member.

If the school accepts, the ACC would have enough members to stage a lucrative league championship football game.

"Now that the vote has been taken, we look forward to a strong academic partnership and collaboration should Boston College accept," North Carolina State chancellor Marye Anne Fox told The Associated Press on Sunday.

Boston College athletic director Gene DeFilippo would only say Sunday morning that he had ``no confirmation'' of the offer.

A message left for an ACC spokesman wasn't immediately returned. The league was expected to make a formal announcement later Sunday.

Miami and Virginia Tech were added to the nine-team conference in June and will begin play in 2004.

Boston College and Syracuse were the Big East schools in the ACC's original expansion plans, but were voted down in favor of adding the Hurricanes and Hokies.

ACC bylaws require campus visits of each school being considered for prospective membership. That requirement was satisfied before ACC presidents initially rejected Boston College for membership in June.

NCAA rules require that a conference have 12 schools to stage a league championship game.

No surprise there. The only remainig questions are who else goes where, when. Some say this Tuesday is the day, others say mid to late November. BE is still sending out a lot of mixed signals about who they will take. Could be Cincy, Louisiville along with Navy and Army for football only--but that's only 11. How about ECU to make 12?

Question: if TCU goes to the MWC which looks like is theirs for the taking do we still go to C-USA? I would say say yes because of the regional angle.

To be honest we don't deserve anything but it looks like this is going to fall in our lap so we have to take it.

Unofficial reports say that BC accepted today's ACC invitation.

BA Athletics

BC Accepts Offer To Join Atlantic Coast Conference
Decision based on academics, athletics, finances, Leahy says

Oct. 12, 2003

Boston College has accepted the Atlantic Coast Conference's invitation to join the league as its 12th member, University President William P. Leahy, S.J., announced Sunday afternoon.

"Our decision to join the Atlantic Coast Conference is based on my judgment in terms of what is in the best interest of Boston College academically, athletically and financially," Leahy said.

Clemson University President James F. Barker, chair of the Council of Presidents, announced earlier Sunday that the ACC had extended a formal invitation for membership to Boston College.

"This morning the conference's Council of Presidents reached a unanimous agreement to officially offer membership in the Atlantic Coast Conference to Boston College," said Barker. "This institution represents and shares the values for which the ACC has long been known.

"Through the ACC's first 50 years, the conference has earned a reputation for excellence in both academics and athletics. As we look to the future, we are confident that our schools, coaches and student-athletes will maintain that heritage.

"Our presidents and chancellors are very impressed with Boston College, not only with the quality and breadth of their athletic programs but also with their excellent academic success and reputation. They (will) be both an outstanding academic and athletic partner."

The following is a transcript of opening statements from Leahy and BC Director of Athletics Gene DeFilippo from Sunday afternoon's press conference. An extended transcript will follow shortly:

Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J.

President, Boston College

"This morning, Boston College received an invitation to join the Atlantic Coast Conference and we have accepted it. We made this decision for reasons you have heard me speak about previously.

"First, academics. The ACC is a good fit for us because it has five top 40 national institutions, as we are. It has a balanced mix of private and public institutions. Also, the demographics within the area of the ACC will enhance our student recruiting efforts in that area in the years ahead. In addition, the ACC has a program of academic corroboration and cooperation that is attractive to us.

"The second reason is athletics. The ACC is a strong, stable conference and membership in it secures the future of our intercollegiate athletics program.

"And third, finances. The move to the ACC will generate greater revenues in the future and that is important to us as an institution.

"I also want to say that we have enjoyed our years in the BIG EAST and I certainly wish its schools continued success.

"Our decision to join the Atlantic Coast Conference is based on my judgment in terms of what is in the best interest of Boston College academically, athletically and financially."


Gene DeFilippo

Director of Athletics, Boston College

"As Fr. Leahy said, indeed this is a very exciting day for Boston College and our athletic department. I, too, want to echo Fr. Leahy's comments.

"We have a tremendous amount of respect for the BIG EAST Conference, its presidents, its athletic directors. We are extremely excited to be having an opportunity to compete in the future in the Atlantic Coast Conference. As Father said, this really helps to secure our future, long-term. This is a great fit for us both academically and athletically and we are very excited."

Exit Fee and Timing Up in the Air

While Memphis, UAB and So. Miss are nervous that Conf. USA could unravel, if TCU were to bolt to MWC. Clear as mud :hmm:

http://msn.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/2003/1012/1636678.html