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AIR FORCE ACADEMY, COLO. (AP) -- The Air Force Academy will remain in the Mountain West Conference instead of bolting for the Big East.

Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, the academy's superintendent, said on Wednesday that he recently spoke with Big East Commissioner John Marinatto and informed him of the school's intention to stay put.

Gould said Air Force is electing to remain in the Mountain West out of loyalty to the league and keeping alive traditional rivalries with teams such as Colorado State.

In this ever-changing landscape of college football, Gould said this decision sends an "important statement." He also said, "We belong out West and for now that's where we're going to stay."

The Big East is trying to rebuild after the planned departures of Syracuse, Pittsburgh and West Virginia.

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