Towson football was formally welcomed into the Atlantic 10 Conference on what athletic director Wayne Edwards labeled "one of the most exciting days in the history of Towson athletics."

Linda Bruno, commissioner of the league, said the Tigers were the top choice from among five or six schools that inquired about membership because of its geographic fit and commitment to football.

Effective in 2004, the switch from the Patriot League will require approximately $600,000 in additional funding for football scholarships, according to Edwards.

In four years, the Tigers expect to be ready to offer the full Division I-AA complement of 63 grants.

"This is not just an athletic department commitment, but an institutional one," Edwards said.

The addition of Towson will give the Atlantic 10 a dozen football playing members, and league play will be split into two six-team divisions, with three crossover games for each school.