UVU athletics: Utah Valley University accepts invitation to join WAC

The move positions UVU in a conference that is more geographically and regionally conducive to its situation. UVU is expected to realize an estimated travel savings of over 32 percent. In addition, the WAC carries an automatic berth into NCAA tournaments. The Wolverines are expected to add men's soccer as part of its migration to the WAC, which UVU hopes to be able to do, in part, with financial support from the local community.

The WAC is the sixth oldest among the nation's 11 Division I-A conferences. Its history traces back to July 27, 1962, when the original six-team league of Arizona, Arizona State, Brigham Young, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming began competition. The WAC has experienced tremendous success over the years. Since 2000, a total of 43 football teams have been invited to bowl games, including more than half of its teams in 2008 with a record-tying five. The conference has sent teams to BCS bowl games three times since 2006. In men's basketball, the WAC has sent at least two teams to the NCAA Tournament in 24 of the past 29 seasons. In baseball, the WAC has boasted two national champions since 2003.

Kellen Hiser is sports information assistant at Utah Valley University. For more information on Wolverine athletics, visit WolverineGreen.com.