Jul. 30—The Big Sky Conference made official its additions of Southern Utah and Utah Tech this month, in time for the two universities' football programs to take part in the league's annual football kickoff weekend at Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Airway Heights.
Coaches at both programs articulated the various benefits that the Thunderbirds and Trailblazers expect to reap, while coaches and officials from across the Big Sky described the move as a fortification of the league's status as the best in the FCS.
Having 13 teams isn't new to the Big Sky; it carried that many from 2012 to 2021, albeit not these same 13 teams. And Eastern Washington and Idaho are minimally impacted by the specific addition of Southern Utah and Utah Tech.
But by swelling to 13, the Big Sky has swallowed up every remaining scholarship FCS program within its geographic footprint, and the effect of that will ripple through its other, more tenured 11 programs.
"I thought it would be a great move for our entire athletic department, and it has been," Utah Tech head football coach Lance Anderson said. "... I just think this is a much better geographic fit for us."
#utah #Tech #move #geographic
Coaches at both programs articulated the various benefits that the Thunderbirds and Trailblazers expect to reap, while coaches and officials from across the Big Sky described the move as a fortification of the league's status as the best in the FCS.
Having 13 teams isn't new to the Big Sky; it carried that many from 2012 to 2021, albeit not these same 13 teams. And Eastern Washington and Idaho are minimally impacted by the specific addition of Southern Utah and Utah Tech.
But by swelling to 13, the Big Sky has swallowed up every remaining scholarship FCS program within its geographic footprint, and the effect of that will ripple through its other, more tenured 11 programs.
"I thought it would be a great move for our entire athletic department, and it has been," Utah Tech head football coach Lance Anderson said. "... I just think this is a much better geographic fit for us."
#utah #Tech #move #geographic
14 hours ago
