Montana getting a WAC invite

[StungAlum]

It is being reported that Montana will be getting a WAC invite, apparently O'Day told a group of alumni a few hours ago. It's also being reported on Tweitter.

Nothing has been confirmed.

So what's next?

I want to know something, I think it's important that something in writing saying exactly what the plans are for the program come out. I'm tired of the speculation at this point. The WAC said they wouldnt invite anyone until Spring and now we're getting reports from an AD saying that the WAC is inviting teams!

If Sac gets no mention and doesnt present to the WAC on the 28th, I'll lose all respect for the administration. This is the last time a chane to move to the FBS may be available for a very, very long time if ever again.

 

[OldHornet]

A twitter posting does not confirm an invitation is coming to Montana - this posting was from a no-body!

I actually believe no news is good news. It would be to easy for the administration to comment on the Davis and Cal Poly moves as "vital to the long term success of all three programs". Gonzo could have actually generated some good will the faculty by adding to the comments from UCD and Cal Poly - "the move isn't financially feasible". That would really go over well on campus!

Until we see a press release from the WAC there really isn't anything to tell. I really hope we make the move but if we don't, the people on this board will continue to support the programs. Unfortunately the people that don't currently pay attention, won't pay attention moving forward.

BEAT MONTANA!

 

[superhornet]

I'll believe it when I see it....

 

[SactoHornetAlum]

I want to know where and what two sports are they going to add...

 

[Siouxfan]

I want to know where and what two sports are they going to add...

Montana could most easily add women's soccer and skiing - no new facilities needed.

The Twitter was from the reporter for the Billings Gazette, so it is a twitter with substance.

If Montana accepts, that effectively might throw out Portland St or less likely Sac St. San Jose St and Hawaii need west coast schools, so it's still possible that the WAC might take all three.

Benson said he wanted invites out within a couple of months. It's also possible that the WAC may be offering invites at different intervals to gradually move schools into FBS and to protect against Hawaii and La Tech leaving.

 

[SactoHornetAlum]

I want to know where and what two sports are they going to add...

Montana could most easily add women's soccer and skiing - no new facilities needed.

The Twitter was from the reporter for the Billings Gazette, so it is a twitter with substance.

If Montana accepts, that effectively might throw out Portland St or less likely Sac St. San Jose St and Hawaii need west coast schools, so it's still possible that the WAC might take all three.

Benson said he wanted invites out within a couple of months. It's also possible that the WAC may be offering invites at different intervals to gradually move schools into FBS and to protect against Hawaii and La Tech leaving.

They already have women's soccer. Softball is one they don't have. Is there a WAC sport that's required they don't have?

 

[Siouxfan]

They already have women's soccer. Softball is one they don't have. Is there a WAC sport that's required they don't have?

That's right. They'd probably just add softball and play in a Missoula facility.

Doesn't the WAC only require Football, M/W Basketball, and W volleyball?

Most conferences usually only mandate 4 - 8 sports, not the 14 sports like the Big Sky.

 

[SDHornet]

If this is the case an official statement will more than likely be released in the near future. Now UM has to deal with the in-state politics of leaving MSU behind.

 

[SJHornet]

Interesting move if its true. I would think UTSA or Texas State would get an invite first. Also, On the WAC board someone mentioned they will be getting an invite within a year. Not sure if I believe it. Once an official statement is released I'll believe it. Whats the point of the meetings in Dallas on September 29th if the WAC is going to start handing out invites now?

IF this is true, I wonder if Sac officials make a push to get into the WAC considering the "flagship member" is leaving? Do the Dakotas get an invite to the Sky should the Griz accept? Does Montana State push political officials for Montana to either stay put or bring them with? Should rumors be true, Its going to get interesting.

 

[Green Cookie Monster]

A major problem for Sac State right now is that no state budget has been approved. It would be career suicide to announce upgrading to FBS and spending $$M to do so, when there is no budget and people are going to start getting IOU's again. Bad timing for Sac State all around.

 

[Da Griz]

If this is the case an official statement will more than likely be released in the near future. Now UM has to deal with the in-state politics of leaving MSU behind.

That, the money, and the fact that Sac State might beat us this year.

 

[superhornet]

I would think UTSA or Texas State would get an invite first.

IMO, that depends on what they want to do with HI.

If they want to keep HI, the closer the conference footprint is to the Left Coast, the better. That bodes well for the hopes of Sac/Davis/PSU/CP because it's easier for HI to get to those places than to San Antonio or Denton.

If they don't care or if they're trying to squeeze HI out, the West Coast schools STILL look good (because of the confernece name), but not quite so much. In that case, TS/UTSA stock rises, particularly if they're looking to find a way to keep LA Tech, which seems to be a bastard child right now.

Montana? They look good regardless if taken on their own. If they get tied into internal state politics a la Boise/Idaho, that could shoot them down since I can't see the WAC wanting the Kitties at this point.