Frostburg State will become a full member of the Capital Athletic Conference, effective in 2010-11.

Frostburg State, currently a member of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference, will join Salisbury, St. Mary’s (Maryland), Hood, Stevenson, York (Pennsylvania), Marymount (Virginia), Mary Washington and Wesley as CAC members.

York and CAC President Sean Sullivan called Frostburg State “an institution that not only fits our philosophical makeup but also offers a highly competitive array of intercollegiate athletic teams.”

“The Bobcats joining CAC competition is a winning situation,” Sullivan said. “The CAC further enhances its level of play on the field with yet another successful program, and FSU is able to join a like-minded athletics conference that frequently makes waves at the national level. It’s a fantastic match.”

Similarly, Frostburg State President Jonathan Gibralter said CAC schools are in the Bobcats’ recruiting area, “making it easier for FSU to attract student-athletes and for their families to watch their sons and daughters participate in intercollegiate athletics.”

“We will miss the AMCC. It is an outstanding, competitive conference, but this is best for our students,” he said.

Meanwhile, CAC member Gallaudet has announced its withdrawal from the league after the 2009-10 academic year. The Bison will continue to play as full members of the conference in 2009-10, and Frostburg State will keep the CAC at nine teams when the Bobcats begin competing for conference championships in 2010-11.

Frostburg State will compete in 18 of 19 sports in the CAC. Three Frostburg teams – field hockey, women’s lacrosse and its renewed men’s lacrosse team – will find a conference home for the first time after having to compete as independent programs. Frostburg State fields 21 NCAA Division III varsity sports teams.

The Capital Athletic Conference is entering its 20th championship season in 2009-10.