Loyola-Maryland to join Patriot League

Loyola-Maryland will leave the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and join the Patriot League next July, the league said Wednesday. Loyola is to field teams in 17 sports in the Patriot League for the next academic year. Boston University is to join the league at the same time. \"Loyola University is an outstanding addition to our membership as a private institution with an excellent academic reputation and rich athletic history,\" said Lafayette College President Daniel H. Weiss, who is chairman of the Patriot League\'s council of presidents. \"The decision to add Loyola reflects the presidents\' commitment to the stability and long-term positioning of the league.\" The addition of Boston University and Loyola-Maryland will give the Patriot League 10 full-time members. Current conference members are: American University, Army, Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Lehigh and Navy. Loyola had been a member of the MAAC since 1989 and won the men\'s basketball conference title last spring. The change will leave the MAAC with nine members, including founding members Fairfield, Iona, Manhattan and St. Peter\'s.