20th Anniversary

The all-sport Patriot League celebrates its 20th anniversary during the 2010-11 academic year. The Colonial League was founded and began full round-robin play in football only in 1986. Three years later, Carl Ullrich was appointed the first full-time Executive Director and in 1990, the Colonial League changed its name to Patriot League and became an all-sport conference (22 sports). The initial membership included Bucknell University, Colgate University, Fordham University, the College of the Holy Cross, Lafayette College, Lehigh University and the United States Military Academy. In 1991, the United States Naval Academy joined the League as a full member. In 2001, American University joined the ranks of the Patriot League as its eighth full member. Meanwhile, the sport of women's rowing became the League's 23rd sport in 2004.

Patriot League Historical Timeline

Throughout this academic year, we will look back at the 20 years of the League and highlight some of the accomplishments both athletically and in the classroom. We will also provide both written and video interviews featuring past Patriot League student-athletes and what they have achieved during their career following graduation from one of the Patriot League institutions. The feature stories will also include current and past coaches and administrators from the League. This section also includes a historical look at all of the past head coaches during the first two decades of the League, as well as a "This Day in Patriot League" section that includes some of the top moments in League history. Also, we will be looking to engage fans from across the League to provide their favorite memories during the past 20 years of athletic competition in the Patriot League. Please follow the anniversary celebration on the League's social network outlets for news throughout the year: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Patriot League History