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Wednesday, 08 February 2012 12:35

Written by Jenn Menendez

(updated 12:40 p.m.)

The Big East made it official adding the University of Memphis today.

Memphis will begin competing in the Big East during the 2013-14 academic year. They bring football membership to 12 schools, total membership to 17.

It is the latest addition behind UCF, Houston and Southern Methodist as full members followed by Boise State, San Diego State and Navy as football members.

On a conference call with media Marinatto said Memphis concludes expansion for the Big East with football playing members. 

• In regards to the 2012 season a question was posed to Marinatto if any of these expansion teams will be considered for the 2012 season. (Opening the door for say, WVU to bolt with fewer problems.)

Marinatto: "The question is related to the impeding litigation we’re involved with two fronts. It really would be inappropriate to get into that at this point. I’m going to not talk about that specifically on this call today if that’s OK."

• He also would not comment on when the Big East is prepared to release its football schedule for 2012.

"For the same reasons I’m not able to comment on the impending litigation I’m not going to comment on the schedule. We’re on target to do what we normally do. I’m not going to get into the specifics of when we’re going to release our schedule."

• He was also asked if litigation was nearing some sort of close and said he's "not at liberty" to discuss that.

***

From Commissioner John Marinatto in a Big East release:

“Over the past decade, the University of Memphis has demonstrated an unwavering commitment of competing at the highest level in college sports,” he said. “The University has positioned itself for long-term success by upgrading facilities and investing wisely in various areas of the athletic department including coaching and administration.  We are confident that the addition of this outstanding athletics program located in a top 50 media market and in the heart of the nation’s largest conference footprint will further propel the BIG EAST and the University of Memphis to even greater levels of success in the future.”

From Dr. Shirley C. Raines, University of Memphis President:

“This is an historical day for the University of Memphis,” she said. “On behalf of the faculty, staff, alumni, fans, students and especially, our student-athletes, we are thrilled to accept the invitation from the BIG EAST Conference to become a member in all sports in 2013.  We are grateful to President Judy Genshaft and the entire Big East Conference Board for their unanimous vote for the University of Memphis and Tiger athletics.”

From Memphis AD R.C. Johnson:

“This is an exciting day for Tiger athletics,” said Johnson.  “Many years ago we set as a departmental goal the task of being the best that we could be in every athletic endeavor.  With today’s invitation to join many of our friends in such a prestigious conference means we have achieved one of our top missions.”

***

Spring football will begin Sunday, March 11, go for 15 practices, and finish with the Gold-Blue Spring Game on Saturday, April 21.

Pro timing day will held on Friday, March 16. 

Practices will be held on:

• Tuesday, March 13

• Thursday, March 15
• Sunday, March 18
• Tuesday, March 20
• Thursday, March 22
• Tuesday, April 3
• Thursday, April 5
• Sunday, April 8
• Tuesday, April 10
• Thursday, April 12
• Sunday, April 15
• Tuesday, April 17
• Thursday, April 19

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