‘They only check every single box’ – The Athletic

Steve Watson has known Bernadette McGlade, the 10th commissioner of the Atlantic, since she assumed the position in 2008, when he was the athletic director of league member St. Bonaventure. Since Watson switched gigs and became AD at Loyola Chicago in 2014, he often told his former boss that they would one day chat about a reunion. He’s joking, but he’s not necessarily joking. For mobile Ramblers and above, the Atlantic 10 represents the next step in the quest to differentiate itself from mid-range mediocrity.

On Tuesday, Loyola made good on Watson’s promise, announcing that it was leaving the Missouri Valley for Atlantic 10. For a while, the conversations leading up to the move were more organic than they were. clearly. Membership is a regular agenda item at the convention, and Loyola is always on the lookout for opportunities. But neither side is necessarily focused on the other. Not much was intentional about the first move as there was a gradual push towards the idea of ​​a new partnership, but as these tended to progress, discussions went from concept to practice. moves pretty quickly. All put together in the last 10 days, the details are out and the A10 presidents will take their votes. The decision to add Loyola was unanimously agreed, and although the school still has to map out its exit strategy from the Valley, the plan is to officially return in July 2022 and begin competing in the tournament in next season. The move is open to all sports for women’s golf and men’s volleyball, which A10 does not sponsor.

This was a rare no-brainer move in reorganizing the conference, one that made both new members and members stronger. Loyola aligns with A10’s mission as a top-priority basketball organization, and with its recent post-season success, immediately adds to the league’s appeal.