Western Illinois University has had a few big announcements recently. The Leathernecks have shifted their association from the Summitt League to the Ohio Valley Conference, or OVC starting this fall for nearly all WIU athletics. The Leatherneck football and men’s soccer teams will play one more year in their respective conferences…..the Missouri Valley Football Conference and the Summitt League. All other sports will be full OVC members starting in the fall.
According to the official OVC website, The Ohio Valley Conference was founded in 1948, making it the eighth-oldest Division I athletic conference and sponsors 19 championship sports. The league consists of 11 member institutions in six states, including include Eastern Illinois University, Lindenwood University, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Morehead State University (charter member), Southeast Missouri State University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, University of Southern Indiana, Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, the University of Tennessee at Martin and now, Western Illinois University.
WIU Director of Athletics Paul Bubb joined me on the WRAM Morning Show this morning and discussed the process that went into the move.
WIU also announced the addition of three new sports for women at the school. Here’s Director of Athletics Paul Bubb with more on that story.
For the entire interview with WIU Director of Athletics, Paul Bubb, go to the SPORTS PODCAST section.
