Nov. 4, 2003

Villanova released a statement today on the addition of the University of Cincinnati, DePaul University, University of Louisville, Marquette University, and the University of South Florida to the Big East Conference:

"The addition of five institutions to one of the nation's elite athletic conferences ensures that the Big East will remain a potent national force. These institutions add to the highly competitive foundation that the Big East has built its tradition upon over the past quarter century.

"Villanova welcomes its new Big East partners and looks forward to continuing the spirit of cooperation that has long characterized this conference. We are appreciative of the strong bond that exists with our longtime Big East partners that allowed us to reach this new beginning.

"This is an exciting new chapter for the Big East and we at Villanova are proud to be a part of it."

Click here to view the offical release issued by the Big East Conference