University of Virginia Library

ACC Is Secure

"Their move will not break up
the conference," was how
University Director of Athletics
Eugene Corrigan explained South
Carolina's withdrawal Monday from
the Atlantic Coast Conference.

South Carolina, after planning
the move for some time, finally
broke with the conference it has
been a member of since its
inception 18 years ago.

"I was not at all surprised," said
Mr. Corrigan, "as they (USC) had
been leading up to this for the
better part of a year. Ever since
December they had seriously
considered the actual move.
Personally, myself and the athletic
department are sorry to see them
go after all these years.

"But this will not break the
conference up," Mr. Corrigan
continued, "and I don't think that
any other conference schools will
be dropping out since Clemson
released a statement at the recent
ACC tourney. By no means will the
ACC fold."

With South Carolina's departure
the ACC is left with an odd number
of member schools-seven. This is
not an ideal situation, but,
according to Mr. Corrigan, "it could
be worse." NCAA rules state that a
conference can be made up of as
few as five participants.

"Future scheduling is doubtful,"
said Mr. Corrigan, "due to
transportation costs. However, all
currently scheduled meetings
between the two schools (USC and
Virginia) will be played."

"There probably will be no rush
by non conference teams to join
(the ACC) with the withdrawal of
South Carolina. No active recruiting
by this conference (ACC) will take
place."