MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.— The Midwest Lacrosse Conference (MLC) welcomes the University of Dubuque to its membership in the 2022 season, the league announced today.

The University of Dubuque is going to be a great addition to the MLC", stated commissioner Kelly Anderson Diercks. "Dubuque's academics, geography and competitiveness make it a natural fit for our league."

The Spartans men's lacrosse program began varsity competition in the 2014 season, and has been an affiliate member of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW).

"We are excited to join the Midwest Lacrosse Conference," said Director of Athletics, Dan Runkle. "We look forward to being a full-fledged conference member and the opportunity to be an automatic qualifier in the NCAA tournament."

Dubuque has competed against many members of the MLC and surrounding conferences during their time as a varsity program.

"I am extremely excited to bring our program to the MLC," said head coach Kasey Burst. "As the first Division III Lacrosse team in Iowa, it feels right to finally be a part of the first league to sponsor men's lacrosse in the Midwest. I want to thank our Director of Athletics Dan Runkle, and President Dr. Jeffrey Bullock for supporting our program in this decision. I also want to thank the MLC, and Conference Commissioner Kelly Anderson Diercks for welcoming us to the MLC with open arms. University of Dubuque men's lacrosse hopes to represent this league with great character and integrity on and off the field from 2021-22 and on." 

Founded in 1852, UD is a private university in Dubuque, Iowa, that offers undergraduate, graduate, and theological seminary positions.

Dubuque will join the following members of the MLC in 2022: Cornell College, Lake Forest College, Monmouth College, North Central University, Northland College, and University of Northwestern- Saint Paul. The MLC began play in 2010.