Valparaiso offically accepts offer to join Missouri Valley Conference

CEDAR FALLS — Valparaiso University announced Thursday it has officially accepted an invitation to join the Missouri Valley Conference.

It will replace Wichita State as the 10th member of the league. Wichita State left the MVC in April to join the American Athletic Conference.

'We are thrilled to join the Missouri Valley Conference,' said Valparaiso President Dr. Mark Heckler. 'This is an important step forward for all of our athletics programs and an opportunity to advance the national standing of Valparaiso University. The Valley is one of the nation's most historic athletic conferences, and we look forward to actively engaging with its outstanding member institutions and Valley leadership to strengthen both the conference and Valpo Athletics.'

Valpo will officially join the MVC on July 1.

'We are truly excited to welcome Valparaiso to our family,' said Missouri Valley Conference Commissioner Doug Elgin. 'Valpo has a great tradition in athletics and a strong academic profile; they'll be a great fit in all of the sports the Missouri Valley Conference offers.'

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