Marymount (Va.) University and Penn State Harrisburg announced Monday that they are two of six institutions to join the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), effective immediately. 

Both institutions are still full members of the CAC, but will have additional post-season championship opportunities, as well as other benefits, as members of the ECAC.

Other CAC institutions that have ECAC membership include Frostburg State University, Salisbury University and Wesley College.

Former CAC member Hood College, Arcadia University, Alfred State University and SUNY-Maritime College have been granted membership by the ECAC Board of Directors and will be eligible for all ECAC postseason play and awards effective immediately. With the addition of six institutions, the ECAC now has 311 member institutions competing in NCAA Divisions I, II and III.

The ECAC provides the opportunity for a championship experience by conducting high-level championship tournaments and events. The conference enhances the student-athlete experience by administering nearly 100 preseason and postseason events in 32 men's and women's sports for over 120,000 student-athletes each year.

The conference also publicizes the achievements of its member institutions' student-athletes through weekly and postseason awards. Annually, the media relations bureau recognizes more than 2,500 student-athletes. The ECAC publishes the weekly Lambert Football Poll, administers weekly honors, yearly All-Stars and other information highlighting member institutions' student-athletes, coaches and fans.

Penn State Harrisburg competes in NCAA Division III and enters its first season with the Capital Athletic Conference as its primary conference. The Lions will be able to qualify for ECAC championship play and awards in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, softball and women’s volleyball. 

“We are extremely excited to join the ECAC,” Marymount Director of Athletics Debbie Warren said. “The ability to provide increased recognition and championship opportunities for our student-athletes is a huge addition to Marymount athletics.”

One of the founding members of the Capital Athletic Conference, Marymount University will now be afforded the opportunity to send 14 teams to ECAC championships. The Saints student-athletes can participate in ECAC sponsored championships in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s golf, men’s and women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s swimming and diving.