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Western Illinois University Begins New Era in Ohio Valley Conference

| By: WIU Athletic Communications

Leathernecks officially become members of OVC today

MACOMB -- A new era for Western Illinois University Athletics starts today as the Leathernecks enter the Ohio Valley Conference for every sport but football and men's soccer. The Leatherneck men's soccer and football programs begin play in the OVC next fall after completing one last season in the Summit League and Missouri Valley Football Conference, respectively.

"Today does mark a new era for Leatherneck Athletics," Western Illinois Director of Athletics Paul A. Bubb said. "We are working hard to get prepared for the opening conference games with volleyball and women's soccer, as well as cross country, this fall."

Western Illinois was a founding member of both the Summit League, formerly the Mid-Continent Conference and Missouri Valley Football Conference, formerly the Gateway, before making the announcement to move to the Ohio Valley on May 18. Today, that move becomes official.

Leathernecks in 15 different sports will participate in the OVC this fall, joining Eastern Illinois, Southeast Missouri, Lindenwood, Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, Little Rock, Morehead State, Southern Indiana, Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech and Tennessee Martin.

"As an NCAA Division I program, our teams as well as the university, are a good match for the teams and other universities that comprise the Ohio Valley Conference," Bubb said. "I am anxious to begin play in this established league which has just celebrated their 75th Annivessary. I look forward to the day we win our first OVC Championship."
 
 
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