Idaho Athletic Diector Says UI Wants To Stay In Football Bowl Subdivision

By Sueann Ramella

The University of Idaho is reevaluating its options in football, with the emphasis on staying in Division 1 and protecting its Football Bowl Subdivision status. The statement from University of Idaho Athletic Director Rob Spear came following announcements from colleges last week that make the future of the Western Athletic Conference unclear.

Spear: “First, we will continue to pursue all- sport membership in an FBS conference. Second, we will evaluate the possibility of placing football in a separate conference while working with existing WAC membership on rebuilding the league as a non-football conference. Third, we’ll evaluate looking at independent status in football with all-sport membership in a conference. And, we will review the feasibility of FCS football and its long-term vision and how it may evolve if future restructuring occurs.”

The UI did approach the Mountain West Conference about membership in that conference, but was denied. The Western Athletic Conference, where the UI now resides, has been hit by the defections of several schools in recent days.

Copyright 2012 Northwest Public Radio

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