Marquette Won’t Move to Midwestern Collegiate Conference

Marquette University Friday turned down an offer to join the Midwestern Collegiate Conference and the University of Dayton has delayed a decision on a similar bid.

The conference, known primarily for its basketball teams, includes Xavier, Loyola, St. Louis, Butler, Detroit and Evansville. Oral Roberts dropped out this year.

Marquette officials were split on whether to join the MCC, so the school decided to keep the independent status it has held for 106 years, said Athletic Director Bill Cords. James Scott, Marquette’s vice president for student affairs, made the final decision, Raymonds said.

Dayton delayed its decision after learning that Marquette turned down the MCC’s offer, said league spokesman Bret Gilliland.

Dayton President the Rev. Raymond L. Fitz, Chairman of the Athletic Committee Dennis Gerdeman and Athletic Director Thomas J. Frericks met Friday to discuss the situation.

Dayton officials said a decision concerning membership was expected early next week.