The University of Denver men’s lacrosse team will move to the Big East Conference for immediate competition for the 2014 season, it was announced today. Denver will join members Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, St. John’s and Villanova, as well as Rutgers, which will remain with the league for one season.
“The invitation to join a collective group of universities with such a rich tradition of lacrosse support speaks volumes about the recognition our program has garnered on the national collegiate landscape,” says Peg Bradley-Doppes, vice chancellor for athletics and recreation. “Additionally, the alignment with these institutions certainly fosters our belief in the academic enterprise as they are all considered among the finest in America.”
Head coach Bill Tierney says the move will increase DU’s visibility in the world of college lacrosse.
“In this ever-changing world of college athletic conferences and being only one of two Division I programs out west, the University of Denver lacrosse program must stay at the forefront of opportunities that best serve us, as we move into the future,” Tierney says. “The opportunity to align ourselves with some historically great lacrosse schools in a historically strong conference, and to solidify the University of Denver’s annual opportunity to compete for an automatic qualifier for the NCAA tournament, has made this an easy move to make.”
The Pioneers are leaving the Eastern College Athletic Conference, which they have been a part of since the 2010 season. During its four years in the ECAC, Denver has secured three regular season titles and one tournament championship. The Pioneers also have made the NCAA Tournament for four straight seasons, including two trips to Championship Weekend.