First, my apologies to the traditional all-black college, Texas Southern. Although they would make a great addition to the WAC. Of course, I would not be willing to break with years of tradition. The "Black Ivy League" had a tremendous tradition. Here is the current WAC short-list according to a variety of sources.
Schools with Football
1. California Polytechnic University at San Louis Obisbo
Needs to expand football stadium to above 15,000. Plans to join WAC were in the works before the conference expansion/realignment mania began. Already has enough sports to move to the FBS. Desire to move up may not be a strong with Fresno State joining the Mountain West. Top-flight academics and are the only Division I football program on the Central Coast of California.
2. Weber State University, Ogden, Utah
Has the facilities in place and is upgrading the football stadium and track. Top-flight basketball program. Community is growing. Needs to add 1 sport. Proximity to Utah State University makes them a natural rival and will help with travel budgets. Competition for local recruits could lead to the current WAC school to block the move, especially if USU is invited to join the MWC and no longer sees a need to preserve the WAC.
3. Portland State University (Oregon)
Has the facilities in place and is in a market that would be great for the WAC. They share their football stadium with the Portland Timbers of the MLS. Their basketball arena is small but they have use of the old Veterans Memorial Colosseum or Rose Garden Arena if needed. Has cut several sports recently and would need to add them back to make the move to the FBS.
4. Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas
Recently restarted a football program. Otherwise have strong community support and good facilities. Proximity to Houston makes the market attractive.
5. Stephen F. Austin University, Nacadoches, Texas
Needs to upgrade some facilities and add some sports. Location in northeast Texas will help keep Louisiana Tech in the WAC.
6. Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas
Proximity to Houston would make them a good addition to the WAC, but also need to upgrade some facilities and add some sports.
7. California State University at Sacramento
Currently affiliated with the WAC in baseball, but are currently looking to leave football program in the Big Sky and join other sports to the Big West. They may no longer be interested in the WAC.
Schools without Football
1. Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah*
They are in the middle of the WAC footprint and have some nice facilities. They are about 5 miles down the road from BYU. They are a relatively new college with a small alumni base.
2. University of Texas at Arlington*
Dropped football in the mid 1980s, and studied bringing it back. There is a lot of competition for fans in the Dallas metro.
3. California State University at Bakersfield*
Recently move up from Division II where they were a powerhouse.
Not on the list:
Northern Arizona University, probably due to proximity.
Already turned down an opportunity to join the WAC
1. North Texas--prefers to remain in the Sun Belt or wait for an opportunity to join C-USA
2. Montana--Economic circumstances and loss of traditional rivalry with Montana State. May reconsider if the WAC decides to consider Montana State
3. University of California at Davis--Economic, needs to expand football stadium. Recently completed a new 10,000 seat stadium but it was over budget.
2 comments:
Not sure if UTA will actually bring football back. They already tried once and then shut it down for economic reasons.
Utah Valley would be a great addition for the WAC. Nice basketball arena, great baseball stadium, new track facility, and recently upgraded soccer and softball complexes. Rapidly growing school that is going places. Top program in the Great West -- would love to be in the WAC.
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