Idaho's WAC hopes boosted by N. Texas

BOISE — Idaho athletic director Rob Spear hopes North Texas' decision to stay in the Sun Belt Conference bolsters the Vandals' chances at joining the Western Athletic Conference.

Idaho has been lobbying for admission into the WAC, and last week conference commissioner Karl Benson toured the Moscow campus.

Spear also made a presentation to athletic directors in the conference, including an overview of the state and university and information about traveling in Idaho.

"We wanted to show them what the WAC would do for the U of I and what the university would do for the WAC," Spear said. "I thought it was well-received."

The WAC dropped to eight schools in April when Texas-El Paso left for Conference USA.

North Texas was one of the favorites to join the WAC, but school president Norval Pohl said UNT is staying in the Sun Belt.

"We just didn't think it fit. We took a long time to analyze this," Pohl said.

He said Idaho, which also is a member of the Sun Belt, would be a better fit. "I think it's probably in their best interests."

If the WAC decides to continue expansion efforts, the Vandals may be the only candidate left. Two other schools in the Sun Belt, Middle Tennessee and Louisiana-Lafayette, have been mentioned as possible WAC candidates but have no interest in joining, Sun Belt Commissioner Wright Waters said.

Benson would not say much about his visit to Idaho.

"It appears they have a commitment to improve and upgrade their facilities," Benson said. "They have a plan in place."

Spear said new Idaho president Tim White will make a similar presentation to the WAC presidents next week. The WAC presidents could vote on expansion when they meet June 3-4 in California.

The WAC has undergone significant changes in the past few months. Members now include Boise State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Louisiana Tech, Nevada, San Jose State and newcomers New Mexico State and Utah State.