Feb 5, 2010 11:43:51 AM

The Liberty League will add Springfield as an associate member in football in 2012, restoring the conference's lineup in the sport to eight schools.

Springfield will replace Susquehanna, which will play in the Centennial Conference beginning this fall. The Pride currently is an associate member of the Empire 8. The Liberty League will play with seven members through the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

"The Liberty League is a highly competitive conference comprised of outstanding academic and athletic institutions," said Springfield President Richard B. Flynn. "It also allows us a well-balanced home and away schedule. We look forward to becoming a part of this conference."

Springfield will join full Liberty League members Hobart, Rensselaer, Rochester, St. Lawrence and Union (New York) and associate members WPI and Merchant Marine in conference football competition. The school competes in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference in most other sports.

 "We're delighted to welcome Springfield College as an associate member in the sport of football into the Liberty League," said Jim McLaughlin, league president and Union director of athletics. "We look forward to the participation and contribution of Springfield College for many years to come and we're excited to be increasing our presence in the New England area."

Springfield Athletics Director Cathie Schweitzer said the school is "looking forward to building and rekindling relationships" with Liberty League members.

"This move makes sense from a geographical and economic standpoint for Springfield College, and should benefit many of our constituencies, including fans, students, families, and friends of the football program," she said.

Pride football coach Mike DeLong expressed excitement about "the chance to compete in such a highly regarded conference, and on a more regional basis."

The move will be concurrent with the Empire 8's addition of Buffalo State as an associate member, announced last month. The Empire 8 also will add Frostburg State and Salisbury as associate members in 2011. As a result, the Empire 8 continues with eight football-playing members, including three associate members.