CUI, GCU Will Join MPSF in 2018
June 30, 2016 WOODLAND, CA--- The Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Administrative Committee has granted membership to Concordia University Irvine and Grand Canyon University in men's volleyball beginning with the 2017-18 academic year. MPSF Volleyball in the 2018 season will also include Brigham Young University, California Baptist University, Pepperdine University, Stanford University, University of California Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California to complete an eight-team conference.
The MPSF schedule will feature a home and away, double-round robin format for a total of 14 conference matches. The MPSF Championship Tournament will maintain its current format of an eight-team quarterfinal, hosted by the top-four seeds, followed by the semifinal and championship matches hosted by the best remaining seed to advance from the quarterfinals. The MPSF will be one of five NCAA Division I and II conferences in 2018, whose champions will earn automatic bids into the NCAA Tournament.
"It is with great anticipation that the MPSF joins with Grand Canyon University and Concordia University to continue our legacy as one of the top conferences in NCAA men's volleyball," said MPSF Executive Director Al Beaird. "The addition of both schools will provide the MPSF with a strong, highly competitive eight-team conference."
Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Grand Canyon's athletic programs primarily compete in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The Antelopes will play their final men's volleyball season in the Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) in 2017 before making the transition to the MPSF. Grand Canyon finished 2016 with its best record in the eight-year history of the program at 17-12.
Located in Irvine, California, Concordia started a men's volleyball program on the NAIA level in 2013, when it won a national championship in its inaugural season. The Eagles' athletic programs were in year two transitioning and first year competing on the NCAA Division II level during the 2015-16 academic year.
MPSF men's volleyball will serve up its 25th season of competition in 2017. The conference owns 16 NCAA Men's Volleyball Championships, and 85 national titles across 11 sports dating back to its inaugural year of 1992-93.
WHAT CONCORDIA AND GRAND CANYON SAY:
Mo Roberson, Concordia Director of Athletics:
"We are excited for this opportunity afforded to us by MPSF Executive Director Al Beaird, and MPSF members in voting Concordia University Irvine into the MPSF for the 2017-18 season. It is arguably the best men's volleyball conference in the country at any level. Once I was afforded the opportunity to lead this amazing department, this was one of the boxes I wanted and needed to check. With the support and help of Al Beaird, Dr. Gary McDaniel and Coach Shawn Patchell, we were able to get it done. My administration charged me with elevating our athletics program and this certainly helps move us in that direction."
Shawn Patchell, Concordia Head Coach:
"We are thrilled to be voted into the MPSF in 2018. It is exciting to be a part of the growth of men's volleyball and we look forward to competing in the most storied and best volleyball conference in the nation. Many thanks to President Krueger, Dr. Gary McDaniel, and Mo Roberson for their energy in making this transition to the NCAA and MPSF possible."
Mike Vaught, Grand Canyon Vice President of Athletics:
"Joining the MPSF for men's volleyball connects us to schools committed to academic and athletic excellence in our region of the country. Competing against top-ranked programs in this conference will only enhance the experience of our program as it continues to rise and will be a great test for our student-athletes."
Matt Werle, Grand Canyon Head Coach:
"We are extremely excited to make the transition into the MPSF for the 2018 season. This will allow for an exciting amount of conference matches with some of the best competition in the country. We look forward to the new challenges ahead."