Journal Star sports editor
@kirkwessler
The news Thursday morning was no shocker. Valparaiso University accepted a 16-day-old invitation to join the Missouri Valley Conference, replacing Wichita State.
The announcement, made in simultaneous press releases from Valpo and the Valley, included requisite and predictable happy statements from what these days we call “stakeholders.”
Valparaiso president Mark Heckler said his university is “thrilled” to join the MVC. Valley commissioner Doug Elgin said the league is “truly excited” to welcome Valpo. At Bradley, a news release quoted athletics director Chris Reynolds using the word “pleased,” and men’s basketball coach Brian Wardle being “excited.