Big Sky Conference expansion?

[Jacks76]

What is the present status of future expansion in the Big Sky? Now that Northern Colorado is a full-fledged member, will the 'Sky expand to include a 10th team in future seasons?

Paul

[IaaScribe]

I'm pretty sure they're done, unless they finally take Southern Utah after denying SUU the last 20 times or so that they've applied.

The Dakotas are going to the Mid-Con, meaning the Great West lives. Cal Poly wouldn't want to move over to the Big Sky.

[dbackjon]

Only wrinkle would be if the B-ball coaches make enough noise about wanting an even number of teams in the Big Sky for scheduling. In some regards, Denver Univ would be perfect for the BSC - nice travel partner, leaves the football at 4 home/4 away.

[Jacks76]

Is Denver presently in Division II?

Paul

[TexasTerror]

Only wrinkle would be if the B-ball coaches make enough noise about wanting an even number of teams in the Big Sky for scheduling. In some regards, Denver Univ would be perfect for the BSC - nice travel partner, leaves the football at 4 home/4 away.

Denver needs to jump out of their current conference status...

Big Sky would be great for Denver. However is Denver a solid enough program for the Big Sky?

[chattanoogamocs]

Is Denver presently in Division II?

Paul

Denver is in the Sun Belt Conference

[dbackjon]

Denver is in the Sun Belt Conference

And a long way from any other SBC teams - bad fit for DU.

[FargoBison]

Denver needs to jump out of their current conference status...

Big Sky would be great for Denver. However is Denver a solid enough program for the Big Sky?

From what I've heard Denver thinks they are too good for the Big Sky and want to be in the either the WCC or MVC.

[TexasTerror]

From what I've heard Denver thinks they are too good for the Big Sky and want to be in the either the WCC or MVC.

Denver sure hasn't proven they are good enough for the Sun Belt! What makes them think they can go to the WCC or MVC?!?

[FargoBison]

Denver sure hasn't proven they are good enough for the Sun Belt! What makes them think they can go to the WCC or MVC?!?

I have no clue, market size perhaps. Fulerton offered them an invite to join the Big Sky and they declined a few years ago. Who knows what they want to do now but I could see them holding out for the WCC for a while.

[poly51]

I'm pretty sure they're done, unless they finally take Southern Utah after denying SUU the last 20 times or so that they've applied.

The Dakotas are going to the Mid-Con, meaning the Great West lives. Cal Poly wouldn't want to move over to the Big Sky.

Cal Poly would not move out of the Big West for other sports. Sac State should move out of the Big Sky into the Big West and the Great West. The Big West includes UC Davis, Pacific, Cal Poly, UC Santa Barbara and several LA area schools. That would put the entire conference within 500 miles, Davis and Pacific less than 50 miles, from Sac.

[grizband]

I hate the argument that we need to add a team with a larger market size. NDSU has a rabid following, excellent I-AA facilities, yet we pass them over because they are too far away, or aren't from a big enough market. I think NDSU and SDSU would have been great additions to the Big Sky (not that I don't think UNC will be good, I do), who were over looked because of distance and city size.

[mtgrizfan4life]

Why not have Sac State join the same conference as Cal Poly and Cal Davis. I think geographically that would make sense. I would love to have any of the Dakota schools or Denver added if it were possible.

[GrizRchattybound]

Why not have Sac State join the same conference as Cal Poly and Cal Davis. I think geographically that would make sense. I would love to have any of the Dakota schools


:thumbsup:

[poly51]

Why not have Sac State join the same conference as Cal Poly and Cal Davis. I think geographically that would make sense. I would love to have any of the Dakota schools or Denver added if it were possible.

We will take Sac State but you can't have the Dakotas. You already took Northern Colorado.

[Tim James]

Its a shame that Southern Utah keeps getting turned down. They are a perfect fit geography wise.

[MylesKnight]

Its a shame that Southern Utah keeps getting turned down. They are a perfect fit geography wise.

What is the general reason for SUU getting the shaft? What are the differences between this University and say Weber State and/or Northern Arizona?

[Mike Johnson]

When Northern Colorado was picked up, Southern Utah was told some reasons why they weren't. Southern Utah has been making some moves in order to remedy that situation including adding scholarships (from 40 to 57 this past year), adding sports, and increasing booster support. According to the AD, they are remedying the situation should the Big Sky come looking again.

In some respects, it might make sense if Sacramento State went to the Big West/Great West and Southern Utah went to the Big Sky.

DU's final Sagarin rating last year was 71.44 for 178th. It was consistent with Sacramento State (4th of 8 in the Big Sky), San Francisco (6th of 8 in the West Coast), and Evansville and Illinois State (9th and 10th out of 10 in the Missouri Valley). By way of comparison, Northern Colorado had a final rating of 59.41 for 314th. Utah Valley, another non-football school in the area who could provide a 10th basketball institution without affecting the football situation--at least until they add football down the road, had a 67.03 for 247th. Southern Utah came in at 65.70 or 265th.

Last year, the Big Sky travelling partners were:

Montana and Montana State
Eastern Washington and Portland State
Weber State and Idaho State
Sacramento State and Northern Arizona

I am not sure how Northern Colorado would fit into this, but Denver would certainly be a good travel partner geographically for them.

[mtgrizfan4life]

Nothing against Sac State, but it just does not make sense having them in the Bigsky. Have they ever considered a move? How Receptive are Sac State fans and California in general to a move? I think that would also give 1AA West more recognition with that many schools in the same conference from the same state. Honestly CA is the only State, possibly CO that can accomodate 3 1AA schools in the same conference. How does Sac State rate compared to Cal Poly and Davis as for following, and all the other parameters involved in athletics? I have always thought Sac State is out of place in the Bigsky. I would think joining up with Poly and Davis would also free up money toward building their programs verses using it for travel expenses. Maybe it makes too much sense and that is why they have not made the move. After all that is how life works in too many aspects of it :)

[Mike Johnson]

The financial size of the program could be an issue. From Equity in Athletics, the reported athletic revenues and expenses of the Big Sky, West Coast, and other schools in the area were:

School ************ Revenues ****** Expenses
Denver *********** 18,134,606 ***** 18,134,606

Montana ********** 14,776,817 ***** 12,123,443
Montana State ***** 10,413,864 ***** 10,140,543
Northern Arizona **** 8,219,125 ****** 8,219,124
Portland State ****** 7,897,745 ****** 7,825,062
Idaho State ******** 7,022,554 ****** 7,022,554
Eastern Washington ** 6,625,291 ****** 6,625,291
Sacramento State *** 6,284,830 ****** 5,335,093
Weber State ******** 5,637,919 ****** 5,637,919
Northern Colorado *** 4,865,324 ****** 4,865,324

Loyola Marymount ** 13,592,357 ***** 13,366,670
San Diego ********* 12,583,678 ***** 11,307,489
Santa Clara ******** 10,628,100 ***** 10,334,094
Gonzaga ************ 9,856,196 ***** 7,437,313
Peperdine *********** 9,529,231 ***** 9,529,231
San Francisco ******** 8,677,854 ***** 6,124,313
St. Mary's *********** 7,763,332 ***** 7,763,332

UC Davis *********** 13,037,958 **** 13,037,958
Cal Poly ************* 9,257,538 ***** 9,140,621
North Dakota State **** 7,668,848 ***** 7,668,848
South Dakota State **** 6,280,833 ***** 6,547,381
Southern Utah ******** 4,317,587 ***** 4,317,587

Utah Valley ********** 2,987,781 ***** 2,987,781

Denver has a larger budget than any team in the Big Sky or the West Coast. It is consistent with the higher end teams in the WAC and the lower end teams in the Mountain West (and that without football).

Maybe Denver is already too big for the Big Sky or the West Coast.

[Mike Johnson]

Honestly CA is the only State, possibly CO that can accomodate 3 1AA schools in the same conference.

It wasn't all that long ago when Idaho had three Big Sky teams. Of course, two of them are now in the WAC.

Southern Utah and Utah Valley would love nothing more than to prove that Utah could accommodate 3 IAA schools in the same conference as well. But, I think they have the opposite issue as Denver--they are still a little too small financially for the Big Sky to consider them seriously.

[Tim James]

If Sacramento State joined the Big West and Great West for football then what would they do if they Great West collapsed ? They'd have to drop football because I doubt they wanna be an independent. They like the Big Sky because they can play football and basketball in the same conference and its a stable league. The WAC makes sense but they'd have to upgrade their facilites before a move could happen. Yes it makes sense that Sacramento State joins the Big West but The Great West isnt a stable league and if teams leave to go elsewhere(The Dakotas)that their football program would be screwed. At least they have the security of the Big Sky now.

[Tim James]

The financial size of the program could be an issue. From Equity in Athletics, the reported athletic revenues and expenses of the Big Sky, West Coast, and other schools in the area were:

School ************ Revenues ****** Expenses
Denver *********** 18,134,606 ***** 18,134,606

Montana ********** 14,776,817 ***** 12,123,443
Montana State ***** 10,413,864 ***** 10,140,543
Northern Arizona **** 8,219,125 ****** 8,219,124
Portland State ****** 7,897,745 ****** 7,825,062
Idaho State ******** 7,022,554 ****** 7,022,554
Eastern Washington ** 6,625,291 ****** 6,625,291
Sacramento State *** 6,284,830 ****** 5,335,093
Weber State ******** 5,637,919 ****** 5,637,919
Northern Colorado *** 4,865,324 ****** 4,865,324

Loyola Marymount ** 13,592,357 ***** 13,366,670
San Diego ********* 12,583,678 ***** 11,307,489
Santa Clara ******** 10,628,100 ***** 10,334,094
Gonzaga ************ 9,856,196 ***** 7,437,313
Peperdine *********** 9,529,231 ***** 9,529,231
San Francisco ******** 8,677,854 ***** 6,124,313
St. Mary's *********** 7,763,332 ***** 7,763,332

UC Davis *********** 13,037,958 **** 13,037,958
Cal Poly ************* 9,257,538 ***** 9,140,621
North Dakota State **** 7,668,848 ***** 7,668,848
South Dakota State **** 6,280,833 ***** 6,547,381
Southern Utah ******** 4,317,587 ***** 4,317,587

Utah Valley ********** 2,987,781 ***** 2,987,781

Denver has a larger budget than any team in the Big Sky or the West Coast. It is consistent with the higher end teams in the WAC and the lower end teams in the Mountain West (and that without football).

Maybe Denver is already too big for the Big Sky or the West Coast.

If Denver didnt have hockey their revenus would not be nearly that high.

[Mike Johnson]

No doubt hockey is a big part of their program. Unfortunately, Equity in Athletics only breaks out football and men's and women's basketball as individual sports, but DU reported:

$6,757,361 revenue for all men's sports
$6,041,370 revenue for all women's sports
$5,335,875 unallocated by sport or gender.

In contrast, Cal State-Sacramento reported:

$1,465,641 revenue for all men's sports
$1,120,657 revenue for all women's sports
$3,597,522 revenue unallocated by sport or gender.

[WYOBISONMAN]

The Dakotas will not be an option for the Big Sky. The invite from the MidCon shut that door.

[BisonBacker]

I think the Dakota's (NDSU and SDSU) will be in the gateway in the next couple of years. It just makes sense, if that happens the GWFC is up in the air and dependant on the possible move ups from the NCC to fill in and keep it alive but the strength of the conference takes a big hit.

[Mike Johnson]

The Dakotas will not be an option for the Big Sky. The invite from the MidCon shut that door.

It simply means that NDSU and SDSU are in the same boat as SUU. They are in the Mid-Continent and in the Great West in football, but would still jump at an invitation to the Big Sky. The Mid-Continent is a highly volatile conference that rarely has more than a couple of years without changes in its membership.

[BisonBacker]

It simply means that NDSU and SDSU are in the same boat as SUU. They are in the Mid-Continent and in the Great West in football, but would still jump at an invitation to the Big Sky. The Mid-Continent is a highly volatile conference that rarely has more than a couple of years without changes in its membership.
Big difference however. The gateway is a football only conference, NDSU and SDSU would stay in the Mid-Con. I don't see that changing so if your point was to infer NDSU and or SDSU would jump at the BSC don't fool yourself it isn't going to happen. Outside of the Montana schools there isn't alot of attraction to the BSC (no diss meant to Weber). xcoffeex

[BisonBacker]

Not to mention the Mid-Con's footprint from a recruiting standpoint for all other sports is much better for us then the BSC.

[ucdtim17]

How the hell does Denver spend so much money without football? Gold plated locker rooms? LMU as well for that matter

[poly51]

If Sacramento State joined the Big West and Great West for football then what would they do if they Great West collapsed ? They'd have to drop football because I doubt they wanna be an independent. They like the Big Sky because they can play football and basketball in the same conference and its a stable league. The WAC makes sense but they'd have to upgrade their facilites before a move could happen. Yes it makes sense that Sacramento State joins the Big West but The Great West isnt a stable league and if teams leave to go elsewhere(The Dakotas)that their football program would be screwed. At least they have the security of the Big Sky now.
If Sac State moved to the Big West/Great West that would increase the stability of the Great West a lot. With 3 California schools and the 2 from the Dakotas and maybe another from North Dakota it would be a solid confrence.
Sac State went to the Big Sky with Cal State Northridge which made sense. After Northridge dropped out it the Big West/Great West makes more sense.

[BisonBacker]

If Sac State moved to the Big West/Great West that would increase the stability of the Great West a lot. With 3 California schools and the 2 from the Dakotas and maybe another from North Dakota it would be a solid confrence.
Sac State went to the Big Sky with Cal State Northridge which made sense. After Northridge dropped out it the Big West/Great West makes more sense.
I understand your wanting to make the conference more stable but do you really want a bottom feeder from the BSC? Doesn't help out the conference in the rankings that's for sure. Look at what UNC did to the BSC's ranking.

[dbackjon]

How the hell does Denver spend so much money without football? Gold plated locker rooms? LMU as well for that matter

Hockey, Lacrosse and Soccer for men - especially the Hockey.

[poly51]

I understand your wanting to make the conference more stable but do you really want a bottom feeder from the BSC? Doesn't help out the conference in the rankings that's for sure. Look at what UNC did to the BSC's ranking.
It would be good for the Great West. Sac State is on the move up. They already have a good rivalry with Cal Poly and a great one with UC Davis. Also Sacramento could have a huge fan base if they put out a good product. Also I have heard some talk of Pacific restarting football which would be terrific.

[ncbears]

I understand your wanting to make the conference more stable but do you really want a bottom feeder from the BSC? Doesn't help out the conference in the rankings that's for sure. Look at what UNC did to the BSC's ranking.


Screw you. We aren't the worst team in the conference. ASS.

[BisonBacker]

Screw you. We aren't the worst team in the conference. ASS.

A little touch today are we? Hey its ok to admit you guys are struggling right now. If you were in the GWFC I'd say the only team you would have a chance at beating and that's a big if is SDSU as they are down this year also. As for the name calling I suspect its either you don't like the truth or your about 13 years old. xcoffeex

[BisonBacker]

Screw you. We aren't the worst team in the conference. ASS.

I think we have a new candidate here for I-AA/AGSs Most Hypersensitive Posters, By Team? xlolx

[Jacks99]

A little touch today are we? Hey its ok to admit you guys are struggling right now. If you were in the GWFC I'd say the only team you would have a chance at beating and that's a big if is SDSU as they are down this year also. As for the name calling I suspect its either you don't like the truth or your about 13 years old. xcoffeex

Hey, SDSU isn't having THAT bad of a year:eek:

[DaBears]

A little touch today are we? Hey its ok to admit you guys are struggling right now. If you were in the GWFC I'd say the only team you would have a chance at beating and that's a big if is SDSU as they are down this year also. As for the name calling I suspect its either you don't like the truth or your about 13 years old. xcoffeex

I've been hearing your comeback since I was about 8 years old when the little girls in school would tell me that I just "need to grow up" which is the equivalent to your response. So if NCbears is 13 years old, that makes you an 8 year old girl.

Don't forget Bison that for more than a decade now, UNC has owned you.

I agree that we are struggling and I don't like it but I also can't stand the smug bison with your little comments acting like you have already made it at the D-IAA level. This is a marathon not a sprint and in the end the Bison won't be so smug. Also, don't forget that two years ago when we were still struggling, about the only game we won that season was against your awesome team. Wow, you are impressive.

I also read an interesting stat on the smack board. Over the last 13 meetings, UND holds a 10-3 record against your powerhouse bison. That is priceless!!! HA HA HA. That is what really has your panties in a bunch!

[DaBears]

Hey, SDSU isn't having THAT bad of a year:eek:


As for you bunnies--don't even get me started. All I can say is that your team was a joke at D-II and I really knew that UNC was sucking bad when we lost to you.

[ncbears]

The Bears have owned both the bunnies and bison the past 10 years. We've got a better coach, coaching staff then the past couple years and will have 63 scholies by next year. Thursdays game was the first game we hadn't played a top 25 team and should have won it. By the way bunny fans, while we were losing to top 25 teams, you were losing to a d3 team. A FREAKING D3 TEAM! xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx

[BisonBacker]

I've been hearing your comeback since I was about 8 years old when the little girls in school would tell me that I just "need to grow up" which is the equivalent to your response. So if NCbears is 13 years old, that makes you an 8 year old girl.

Don't forget Bison that for more than a decade now, UNC has owned you.

I agree that we are struggling and I don't like it but I also can't stand the smug bison with your little comments acting like you have already made it at the D-IAA level. This is a marathon not a sprint and in the end the Bison won't be so smug. Also, don't forget that two years ago when we were still struggling, about the only game we won that season was against your awesome team. Wow, you are impressive.

I also read an interesting stat on the smack board. Over the last 13 meetings, UND holds a 10-3 record against your powerhouse bison. That is priceless!!! HA HA HA. That is what really has your panties in a bunch!
I can see this thread turning into my dad can beat up your dad mentality which apparently some of the UNC backers on this board prefer but I will stay out of that ridiculous arguement. To say you owned us is laughable. I only wish we could have met on the field this year and see how you would own us. I believe the last time you came to Fargo you got your collective Asses handed to you and you went back to Greeley licking your wounds. At least if you want to throw around some kind of smack try to make it legit. xidiotx

[DaBears]

I think we have a new candidate here for I-AA/AGSs Most Hypersensitive Posters, By Team? xlolx

There is your 8 year old girl "you just need to grow up" tactic. The rules of your game allow you to insult others with impunity and as soon as they respond you respond with an "ooohhhh aren't we a little sensitive." Those little girls annoyed me in grade school and, apparently, you still annoy me.

[Jacks99]

I think we have a new candidate here for I-AA/AGSs Most Hypersensitive Posters, By Team? xlolx

Time to add them to the Poll!xidiotx

[BisonBacker]

There is your 8 year old girl "you just need to grow up" tactic. The rules of your game allow you to insult others with impunity and as soon as they respond you respond with an "ooohhhh aren't we a little sensitive." Those little girls annoyed me in grade school and, apparently, you still annoy me.

First off if stating facts bother you then you shouldn't read the board. Your team stinks right now and the BSC's ranking and the GWFC's ranking at the beginning of the year had the BSC above the GWFC. When it was pointed out that you guys were no longer in the GWFC and should have been added to the BSC's the two conferences flip-flopped and all of a sudden the GWFC was ranked ahead of the BSC. Now why do you suppose that happened? As far as the name calling I believe if you go back and re read the thread you will see it was started by NCBears. I know these little things called the facts bother you when you don't have a leg to stand on in your arguement but the fact remains in our head to head NDSU has won 22 games lost 8 and there are no ties. Wow if you call that owning us I guess you can, I hope we can get on your schedule again as I would like to see you own us again and then we could change those wins to 23 xidiotx

[dbackjon]

I think the last couple of pages need to go to the smack shack....


:nono:

Play nice in this forum.....

[Go Bison]

Guys, this is not the smack board. The tread is about Big Sky expansion.

The only school I can see the Big Sky adding right now is Denver, but I don't think they are interested.

[Go Bison]

I think the last couple of pages need to go to the smack shack....


:nono:

Play nice in this forum.....

You beat me to it.

[pcola]

There is always a lot of talk around SiouxSports.com regarding the possibility in the Big Sky some day. Here is the thread for the ongoing conversation.
http://siouxsports.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6605

The biggest hurdle that UND would have to overcome is the same one that SDSU and NDSU ran into, geography. I've seen where some posters have questioned whether UND can financially go Division I, but from the mouth of President Kupchella.

Based on meetings with key stakeholder alumni groups, letterwinners and others, I believe we will be able to raise the funds sufficient to compete at the Division I level,” said Kupchella.

Go Sioux !!!

[SochorField]

I think Slackramento State is crazy if they want OUT of the Big Sky. They seem so proud to be there.

Slack is competitive with the Big West in all other sports. But, like I said, they seem proud to be in such a good football conference, as they should be....should maybe start winning some football games though.

Moving out of the Sky is seen as a step down at this point. Maybe that's what the Hornets need! :smiley_wi

The Great West Conference would catch fire if Slack was added, with lots of geographic rivalries: NDSU/SDSU, Cal Poly/UC Davis, UC Davis/Slack State, and whoever Southern Utah plays...where are those guys anyway?:rolleyes:

[eagle1]

I seriously don't think that the Big Sky needs to expand with another football school. If Denver doesn't want in then the Big Sky should not go begging. As for UNC being in the Big Sky, they are a much better fit than the Dakotas and I for one sure am glad that the Dakotas got into the Mid Con so we don't have to look at them every time expansion talk comes up. Nothing against the Dakotas but the Big Sky is a western conference and the Dakota are so midwest that they just do not fit the foot print of the conference. I think that eventually they will be a part of the Gateway which I think is a natural fit for them. Just my :twocents: ! Go Eagles!!!

[Cap'n Cat]

I hate the argument that we need to add a team with a larger market size. NDSU has a rabid following, excellent I-AA facilities, yet we pass them over because they are too far away, or aren't from a big enough market. I think NDSU and SDSU would have been great additions to the Big Sky (not that I don't think UNC will be good, I do), who were over looked because of distance and city size.

Agreed, 10,000%

:nod: :nod:

[BearsCountry]

I hate the argument that we need to add a team with a larger market size. NDSU has a rabid following, excellent I-AA facilities, yet we pass them over because they are too far away, or aren't from a big enough market. I think NDSU and SDSU would have been great additions to the Big Sky (not that I don't think UNC will be good, I do), who were over looked because of distance and city size.

The Gateway will proablly thank the Big Sky in a few years for this mistake.

[eagle1]

Go ahead and thank the Big Sky and enjoy traveling to Fargo and Brookings!

[BearsRadio]

On the Denver issue, those in the athletic department there would like to move to the Big Sky, but former Chancellor and sugar daddy Daniel Ritchie has illusions of becoming a member of the WAC or Big West. The Big Sky is beneath his view of where DU should be.

Budgets at DU run so high because of their national power status in hockey. They sell out (almost?) every game--9000--plus have TV and Radio deals in place. Hoops gets just a radio deal.

As for the Dakotas--as long as Eastern Washington, Northern Arizona, Sac State and Portland State are in the BSC, they will not become members. None of those four programs want to have to deal with the crappy travel that comes from attempting to get to Brookings and Fargo. Given that teams are at the mercy of the commercial airlines, it is truly a challenge for NDSU and SDSU.

[swaghook]

How is it so hard to fly into Fargo?:confused: Fargo is served by four different airlines.

[BearsCountry]

Go ahead and thank the Big Sky and enjoy traveling to Fargo and Brookings!

Plane ride is a plane ride.

[star2city]

Perhaps there is another school the Big Sky is seriously considering:

Steve Hallstrom, the sports director at a Fargo television station and co-author of the Bison Media Blog (http://www.areavoices.com/bisonmedia/?page=comments&blog=3686), had this to say about U of North Dakota's likelihood of gaining Big Sky membership:


* to all, I know that several in UND admin believe that they will be in the Big Sky as soon as they are D1 playoff eligible, with or without NDSU. They might know something, or they might just be that confident of their program and it's value to a league. Also to all, thanks for the gratitude on the post. Nice to have the work appreciated, I know I speak for Jeff, too.

Posted by: Steve Hallstrom on 9/27/2006 1:35 PM



Note to non-North Dakotan's: observe the response.

[swaghook]

Perhaps there is another school the Big Sky is seriously considering:

I know that several in UND admin believe that they will be in the Big Sky as soon as they are D1 playoff eligibleInsert NDSU and you have the same comment made just a couple of years ago. Best of luck but don't hold your breath. Time will tell, I'm just happy that NDSU didn't hold out for the BSC when the Mid-Con came calling. If UND has any luck on their side the Mid-Con will look at them in a few years as well.

[aztecjim]

How about an Ohioans view of the future?
Great West-E Washington,Portland State,CSU-Sac,UC-Davis,Cal Poly,N Arizona,Idaho St.

Big Sky-Montana,Montana State,Weber State,NDSU,UND,SDSU,S Utah

If(when) South Dakota moves up,Big Sky. If any California schools return to football(Pacific,CSU-LB,etc.),Great West and Idaho State moves to the Big Sky,if they want. Utah Valley goes to the Mid-Con(unless THEY add football). Denver to the WCC.

[Jacks76]

Why would NAU bolt from the Big Sky with the west coast teams like PSU and EWU? Or Idaho St.? Great West should only include teams on the west coast, in my honest opinion.

Paul

[SochorField]

I think I've posted this a few times, various places...

I would love to see the Great West (or whatever it will be called) become something like this in the future:

GREAT WEST:

North
North Dakota State
South Dakota State
North Dakota
South Dakota
Southern Utah
Dixie State (DII Ind. presently)

South
UC Davis
Cal Poly
Crack State
San Diego
Humboldt State (DII Ind. If they still HAVE football, AND can ever move up)
Pacific (if they re-instate football, hope they do)

...this is probably pretty rediculous, but its fun to think about. 12 teams would be great, and would rival the Big Sky.

[I Bleed Purple]

I think DU would be a good school for the Big Sky. I don't remember much about their basketball program. I know several years ago we beat 'em pretty good. They did win a hockey Frozen Four a couple of years ago, so the money comes from that.

On a side note, out of state tuition to DU is DAMN expensive. I wouldn't be surprised if it's more than 4 times any Big Sky OoS tuition is. My sister is ten years removed from graduating from DU and is still no where near paying off her student loans.

[AZGrizFan]

On the Denver issue, those in the athletic department there would like to move to the Big Sky, but former Chancellor and sugar daddy Daniel Ritchie has illusions of becoming a member of the WAC or Big West. The Big Sky is beneath his view of where DU should be.

Budgets at DU run so high because of their national power status in hockey. They sell out (almost?) every game--9000--plus have TV and Radio deals in place. Hoops gets just a radio deal.

As for the Dakotas--as long as Eastern Washington, Northern Arizona, Sac State and Portland State are in the BSC, they will not become members. None of those four programs want to have to deal with the crappy travel that comes from attempting to get to Brookings and Fargo. Given that teams are at the mercy of the commercial airlines, it is truly a challenge for NDSU and SDSU.

OK. Let me get this straight. We won't consider NDSU and SDSU because of the school locations?? Few of the current BSC locations are anything near travel nirvana. Tried flying into Flagstaff lately? How about San Luis Obispo? Missoula ain't no picnic either. Pocatello is a veritable wasteland, and Bozeman isn't on many airlines regular schedules. I think that is a big fat cop-out, and I for one would LOVE to see NDSU and SDSU in the BSC. Kick Sac State to the GWFC, have an even 10 teams and be done with it. If we lose them to the Gateway, the BSC will be the worse for it. :twocents: :twocents: :twocents: :twocents: :twocents:

[AmsterBison]

Although I was pretty irked at the Big Sky for shooting down NDSU, if adding the Bison would have made the BSC unstable, then it wouldn't have been a good deal for anybody. You gotta keep that autobid.

BTW, the U of North Dakota would be a pretty good addition to the Big Sky - not as good as NDSU, but not too bad. Hopefully you give them some consideration. Maybe adding just one team from the remote tundra of the Dakotas would be more palatable than adding two.

[BearsRadio]

[QUOTE=AZGrizFan]OK. Let me get this straight. We won't consider NDSU and SDSU because of the school locations??

I'm just telling you what I know--the presidents and ADs at the western most schools in the Big Sky said no to NDSU and SDSU because of the headaches it would cause travelling-wise.

As for flying into Fargo--yes 4 airlines go there, but all four would force a team to do a layover to catch a flight in.

[Bison_Kent]

That really is not true BearsRadio. Northern Colorado and Weber State would have direct flights if they flew commercial. United has flights from Fargo to Denver and Delta has flights from Salt Lake to Fargo.

Of course for football, most teams charter flights that could fly directly from their closest airport directly to Fargo. The point is valid for non-football sports as they likely fly commercial.

[BearsRadio]

You are correct about two having direct flights, but even in the past NoCo didn't fly United because of $$$. Minneapolis layover then on to Fargo...The rest would have to come through Denver or go to Minneapolis.

As for charter, how many of the teams in the BSC do? Montana, I'm sure of, but who else? UNC isn't.

[Jacks76]

I think NAU's AD or President objected to having to travel so far (based on expenses alone). Traveling to Montana is already expensive enough.

Paul