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FROSTBURG, Md. -- Frostburg State officials formally accepted an invitation to join the Mountain East Conference at a press conference held on the FSU campus on Thursday morning. 

Frostburg State's membership status in the MEC is contingent upon acceptance into the NCAA Division II three-year membership process. If accepted into the NCAA Division II process, Frostburg State would be slated to begin competition in the MEC beginning with the 2019-20 academic year. Full membership in the MEC will ultimately be contingent upon Frostburg State achieving active membership status in NCAA Division II.

"Upon visiting this campus and meeting the leadership here at Frostburg State, FSU’s coaches, and student-athletes representing the majority of FSU athletic programs, it became clear that Frostburg State not only fits within our geographic footprint but also aligns well with the values, the goals, and the mission of the Mountain East Conference and our membership," said MEC Commissioner Reid Amos. "With successful admission into the NCAA Division II membership process, we expect Frostburg State to be a highly competitive and highly valued member of the Mountain East Conference."

"The conference you’re in helps define the institution and plays an important role," said Frostburg State President Dr. Ronald Nowaczyk. "Fit is very important. We feel like this is a true partnership, and we also see this as an opportunity to help students in Maryland compete at the Division II level." 

"We are honored to have been invited into the Mountain East Conference and the open-mindedness of Frostburg faculty, staff, and student-athletes here at Frostburg State through this process," said Frostburg State Director of Athletics Troy Dell. "Decisions like this aren’t made in a vacuum and we appreciate the support of all those involved."