UCF officially to the Big East

For weeks UCF students and fans have heard that the official announcement of the Knights' joining the Big East in all sports would come "next week."

Well, during a media teleconference today, "next week" became today as UCF was formally welcomed to the Big East Conference, set to join in all sports in 2013.

"This is truly a great day for the University of Central Florida," President John Hitt said. "... Academically and athletically, UCF and the Big East are great partners."

Also added in all sports were Houston and Southern Methodist. Boise State and San Diego State were added in football only.

The teleconference featured statements from Big East Commissioner John Marinatto, South Florida President Judy Genshaft and the presidents of the five new members.

Throughout the teleconference were two common themes, that the Big East would now be a truly national conference and praise for the conference's resilience and ability to reinvent itself over the years.

"We always felt confident that if we made the right moves we'd keep our AQ-status and we've done that," Marinatto said.

Marinatto stated that there has been no discussion to changing the name of the conference and also that while there are plans in place for an East and West division split, the athletic directors of the involved universities have not yet decided on which school will be where.

A few questions asked by media directly referenced the rivalry between UCF and USF, and for his part Hitt expressed his excitement over the resumption of the series.

"I foresee a really super rivalry. I think we could sell out each stadium," Hitt said. "We look forward to have a fierce rivalry on the field and the court, but a really respectful one in the stands."

UCF has announced its own press conference regarding the Big East move. That will take place at 9 a.m. Thursday morning at Bright House Networks Stadium and feature Hitt, interim Athletic Director Adm. Al Harms and several UCF coaches.