There were presentations made earlier today in Dallas. But, as expected, there were no formal invitations made. Montana, UTSA and Texas State petitioned for full membership. Seattle and Denver petitioned for basketball-only membership. Two of these five represent large potential markets for the WAC, while Montana brings in about 25 years of consistency. There are other schools that want to petition the WAC as well, and should get the chance to make their case. These schools are rumored to be Portland State and Sacramento State. Montana State may also wish to join their brother and rival school.
While all of these schools have scholarships to add, only these six football schools have both the facilities and fan support to make the move to the FBS in the next 5 to 6 years. Cal Poly, Cal Davis and Northern Arizona lack the facilities. Weber State lacks the fan support.
One school no mentioned in all of this expansion talk that could be an asset to the WAC is Eastern Washington. They have the market, fan support and facilities to make be a strong addition to the WAC. Could it be that no one knows where Cheney, Washington is? It is only 17 miles southwest of Spokane. The only competition in their metro area is Gonzaga, who has not had a football team since the Nixon administration. It is a nice, quiet bedroom community. If this campus does not want to move up, it could be that they wish to take over as the 'beast of the Big Sky' in the absence of Montana. They are in a good position to do so.
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