University of Charleston, WV State among 9 schools leaving WVIAC - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

University of Charleston, WV State among 9 schools leaving WVIAC to form new conference

Nine members of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced this morning they are leaving to form a new conference.

The University of Charleston and West Virginia State University will join Concord University, Fairmont State University, Seton Hill University, Shepherd University, West Liberty University, Glenville State College and West Virginia Wesleyan College in leaving this WVIAC, according to a news release about the new conference.

The new conference will be all-sports and will seek membership in the NCAA Division II.

"The intent of a new conference is to align like-minded institutions in terms of budget and goals," the presidents of the nine institutions said in a joint statement. "We strongly believe that a 12-member all sports conference creates a solid foundation for its membership. The investment required for an all-sports league will level the playing field for all of its member institutions while positioning its members for growth."

The move will leave Alderson-Broaddus College, Bluefield State College, Davis & Elkins College, Ohio Valley University, the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and Wheeling Jesuit University in the WVIAC.