June 21, 2021
Centenary University to Join Atlantic East Conference
Membership in the Atlantic East Conference will strengthen the Cyclone athletics brand and expand the University’s potential recruitment marketing along the eastern seaboard.
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, June 18, 2021—Centenary University today announced its intent to become a member of the Atlantic East Conference, with the University’s Cyclone athletics teams expected to begin Atlantic East competition this fall.
The move supports Centenary’s ongoing initiative to elevate athletics programs to enhance the experience of the University’s student-athletes. That has included the construction of a new, on-campus baseball complex, improvements to the softball fields, and the addition of a field hockey team.
“Our teams are excited about playing in the Atlantic East Conference,” said Travis Spencer, Centenary University’s Director of Athletics. “Joining a new conference only breathes opportunity into our programs and institution. It’s going to take some work, but our coaches and players will be ready for the challenge. We look forward to what this move can do to improve the Centenary audience.”
All Centenary University teams will participate in Atlantic East Conference competition, with the exception of the University’s wrestling team, a sport not offered by the Atlantic East Conference. However, since the University’s current conference, the Colonial States Athletics Conference (CSAC), also doesn’t offer wrestling, this move does not represent a change for the nationally ranked Cyclone wrestling team. In addition, Centenary’s field hockey and women’s lacrosse teams will continue to compete in the CSAC for the 2021-2022 academic year, before transitioning to the Atlantic East Conference beginning in 2022-2023. Centenary will continue to compete as an NCAA DIII school.
Centenary University President Bruce Murphy, Ed.D., hailed the move as an opportunity to grow Cyclone athletics: “Through this transfer to the Atlantic East Conference, we will increase recognition of the Cyclone brand and expand our recruiting potential along the eastern seaboard. We’re excited to begin this new chapter of competition, which will enhance the experience of our student-athletes.”
The current members of the Atlantic East Conference are Cabrini University, Immaculata University, Marywood University, Wesley College, Gwynedd Mercy University, Marymount University, and Neumann University.
“The Atlantic East is extremely excited to have Centenary join the conference,” said Chris Domes, Ed.D., Atlantic East committee chair and president of Neumann University. “This addition gives the conference an enhanced presence in the Mid-Atlantic Region, as it’s the first full member in New Jersey.”
ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township. The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in Parsippany, as well as online and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.