Darrell's Moody's Nevada Appeal column

Darrell Moody offers an interesting column including an interview featuring Idaho Coach Don Verlin, but more so because of the schools mentioned as future WAC possibilities:

WAC Notebook: Verlin has tough challenge at Idaho
Darrell Moody
Nevada Appeal
June 3, 2008

...EXPANSION IN FUTURE?

The conference desperately needs another member, especially for men's and women's basketball and baseball.

The WAC has just nine basketball programs, which is hard to deal with in terms of scheduling. Baseball has seven teams presently and could use another. Boise State is adding softball, giving the conference an even number of schools now.

A school the WAC should keep its eye on is Utah Valley University, which just passed its first NCAA certification peer review. The second phase of the certification process will take place a year from now when the NCAA Division I membership committee considers whether to recommend Utah Valley in active Division I membership after six years as a provisional school.

Adding UVU would make great sense. The school doesn't have football, but the conference doesn't really need a school that plays football. Presently, the school offers 15 sports, which is the same as what Nevada currently offers.

“We'd love to be part of the WAC,” said UVU athletic director Michael Jacobsen. “Our location and the sports (offered) make it perfect. The WAC would be our No. 1 choice. The WAC is a great conference....”

Go here for the full column.