BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Boise State University has accepted an invitation to join the Mountain West Conference in 2011.
Boise State, currently a Western Athletic Conference member, would become the Mountain West Conference's 10th member. The move would be effective July 1, 2011.
Mountain West Conference commissioner Craig Thompson says BSU was invited to join the 11-year-old conference to boost its strength.
Supporting that assessment are officials and coaches at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
"This is the culmination of a lot of work, thought and careful assessment by the Mountain West Board of Directors to make the best decision for the conference. We want to ensure that the Mountain West continues to stay as strong as possible and Boise State meets that criteria," said Lt. Gen. Michael C. Gould, Superintendent, United States Air Force Academy. "This is a dynamic time and I'm in close consultation with the Mountain West Conference Board of Directors and we'll continue to examine further possibilities for the conference."
"We welcome Boise State and think they will make a great addition to the Mountain West Conference," said Dr. Hans Mueh, Director of Athletics at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs.
“Boise State adds to the desire of the presidents, athletic directors and coaches from the universities of the Mountain West Conference who want the additional dollars and exposure which comes with an automatic BCS bid," said USAFA Head Football Coach Troy Calhoun. "Boise State has large and explosive athletes that will fit with the many football players at current MWC universities that will eventually be drafted by the NFL.”
The men's basketball coach, Jeff Reynolds echoed his fellow coaches' remarks. “The Mountain West Conference is an outstanding basketball league and, with the addition of Boise State, has just gotten stronger.”
BSU President Bob Kustra says this shows Boise State University has demonstrated academic and athletic success.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Story added to via information from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
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