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"Who We Are" About the Patriot League

Patriot League - Who We Are, What We Believe, What We Do
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The Patriot League, which was founded on the principles of admitting athletes who are academically representative of their class, is in its second decade of academic and athletic achievement. Participation in athletics at Patriot League institutions is viewed as an important component of a well-rounded education.

The Patriot League began as a successful Division I-AA (now called Football Championship Subdivision) football conference in 1986. Full League members include American, Army, Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Lehigh and Navy. Associate members include Fordham (football) and Georgetown (football).

These member institutions are among the oldest and most prestigious in the nation. Alumni from Patriot League colleges and universities have played a leadership role in the shaping of our country.

In the classroom, the Patriot League's full-member institutions, individually and collectively, consistently rank among the top Division I programs in the NCAA Graduation Rates Report. For the sixth straight year the Patriot League ranked first among all Division I conferences in student-athlete graduation rates according to the NCAA Graduation Rates report.

League members have also distinguished themselves on the field of play. The Patriot League sponsors championship competition in 23 sports (11 for men; 12 for women). Championship teams from 14 sports are guaranteed advancement into the NCAA Championships: baseball, men and women's basketball, field hockey, football, men's golf, men and women's lacrosse, men and women's soccer, softball, men and women's tennis and volleyball.

In the Patriot League's history, more than 210 teams have been selected for post-season play in the NCAA, ECAC or National Invitational tournaments. The Patriot League also boasts nearly 100 individual student-athletes who have qualified for NCAA Championships, the pinnacle of collegiate individual competition. In excess of 220 Patriot League student-athletes have earned All-America honors.

Along the timeline of Patriot League history about three-quarters of the Patriot League's 387 Scholar-Athletes of the Year also received All-Patriot League status for their exemplary athletic performance. Additionally, more than 70 of the Scholar-Athletes honored were named Players of the Year or Performers of the Meet in their respective sport.

In the Patriot League's history, 155 Patriot League student-athletes have been recognized as CoSIDA Academic All-Americans, while more than 9,000 more have qualified for the League's Academic Honor Roll by accumulating a 3.2 grade-point average and earning a varsity letter. Twenty-seven student-athletes have received NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships. Additionally, Patriot League student-athletes have earned three Fulbright Scholarships, a Rhodes Scholarship, a Luce Foundation Scholarship, a Marshall Scholarship, three NACDA/Disney Scholarships, five National Football Foundation Scholarships and three ECAC/Robbins Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards among their many accomplishments.

Today's Scholar-Athletes, Tomorrow's Leaders

Full Members

Institution Location Enrollment Nickname PL Sports Sponsored Affiliation
American University Washington, D.C.5,250Eagles15 (6 M; 9 W) 2001-
Bucknell University * Lewisburg, Pa. 3,350Bison 23 (11 M; 12 W) 1986-
Colgate University * Hamilton, N.Y. 2,800Raiders 22 (10 M; 12 W) 1986-
College of the Holy Cross * Worcester, Mass. 2,788Crusaders23 (11 M; 12 W) 1986-
Lafayette College * Easton, Pa. 2,381Leopards 22 (11 M; 11 W) 1986-
Lehigh University * Bethlehem, Pa. 4,700Mountain Hawks 23 (11 M; 12 W) 1986-
U.S. Military Academy West Point, N.Y. 4,000Black Knights; Cadets 19 (10 M; 9 W) 1990-
U.S. Naval Academy Annapolis, Md. 4,000Midshipmen; Mids 18 (10 M; 8 W) 1991-

* Indicates charter member

Associate Members

School Location Enrollment Nickname Sport Years Competed
Fordham University Bronx, N.Y.8,430RamsFootball1990-1994 (Full Member); 1990-present (Football)
Georgetown UniversityWashington, D.C.6,537HoyasFootball2001-present (Football)

The Patriot League was founded in 1984, but competition did not begin until the 1986 season

 

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