NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- At the meeting of the President's Council on February 15, 2012, Christopher Newport University notified the USA South Athletic Conference of its intention to withdraw and pursue membership in the Capital Athletic Conference.

Christopher Newport will continue to participate as a full member of the USA South Athletic Conference through the 2012-13 academic year.  Thereafter, Christopher Newport will remain as an affiliate member in football for the 2013, 2014 and 2015 seasons.

Christopher Newport President Paul Trible said, “The USA South Athletic Conference has been our home since 1972.  My colleagues and I have great respect for all of our sister institutions and appreciation for the rivalries and memorable moments that we have shared through the years.  The future of the USA South Athletic Conference will be exciting and successful.”

Christopher Newport Director of Athletics, C.J. Woollum shared, “We will carry fond remembrances of our years in the USA South.  We are excited about the challenges that lie ahead and the new opportunities that will be there for our student-athletes and coaches.”

Jim Gray, Chair of the USA South President's Council, stated the following: “The Presidents of the USA South are grateful to Paul Trible for his leadership and service within the Conference and the NCAA throughout these many years. Christopher Newport's teams have shown extraordinary sportsmanship, intense competitiveness and unparalleled success and we are appreciative of their contributions to the USA South.”

“Christopher Newport has a long and storied history in the USA South Athletic Conference,” stated Commissioner Rita Wiggs.  “With President Trible's leadership, they have hired outstanding staff, coaches and athletic administrators as well as built some of the finest facilities in NCAA Division III.  Their athletic teams have brought regional and national recognition to their institution and to the Conference. I know the same level of competitiveness and success will continue with the move to the Capital Athletic Conference.”
 
Christopher Newport has formally applied for membership in the Capital Athletic Conference which includes Mary Washington, St. Mary's College of Maryland, Salisbury University, Frostburg State University, Marymount University, Wesley College and York College of Pennsylvania.  Members of the Capital Athletic Conference will visit the Christopher Newport campus in March and a decision on Christopher Newport's membership will be made soon thereafter.