PHILADELPHIA -- Temple University announced today that it will continue to play Division I-A football and will actively seek a conference affiliation as soon as possible.
A 12-member athletics task force that has been studying the future of Temple football since last summer made the recommendation to the Chairman of Temple's Board of Trustees, Howard Gittis.
"I enthusiastically support the Task Force's recommendation, and I am grateful for the conscientious work of the Task Force. Football will continue to have a place at Temple," said Mr.Gittis "There are challenges ahead for Temple football, with the most pressing being a conference affiliation. We are confident that our football program will be part of a Division I-A conference in the near future."
Temple's football affiliation with the Big East Conference ended at the conclusion of the 2004 season. In 2005 the team will play as a Division I-A independent. The Owls' 2005 schedule features six home games at Lincoln Financial Field, including Miami (Fla.), Maryland and North Carolina State, and five away contests.
"The task force was created to take an in-depth look at all aspects of Temple athletics, with football at the forefront," said Temple President David Adamany. "Our goal is to not just have a football program, but to have one that will make Philadelphia and the Temple community proud."
