Idaho will return to Big Sky Conference

Oct 20, 2012 - 12:04 AM Ogden, UT (Sports Network) - The University of Idaho will make a return to the Big Sky Conference for all sports, except for football, starting with the 2014-15 academic year.

The Vandals, who were charter members of the Big Sky in 1963, currently play in the WAC for men's and women's basketball. Idaho operates as an Independent at the Bowl Subdivision level of Division I football.

"As one of the six charter members, our relationship with the Big Sky is a long and storied one," Idaho President Duane Nellis said. "Our student- athletes won team titles and individual championships, and were honored for their academic successes during our original 32 years in the league. We look forward to the same on-field and in-the-classroom achievement as we rejoin the Big Sky."

During their time in the Big Sky, the Vandals won four conference regular season and postseason men's basketball championships.

Idaho also won 10 Big Sky Conference men's tennis championships, three men's outdoor track and field titles, one men's indoor track and field crown, two men's cross country championships, three regular season volleyball titles as well as four postseason volleyball titles.

The University of Idaho will become the Big Sky's 12th member.

"For decades Idaho enjoyed very successful athletics teams across the board in the Big Sky Conference,".Big Sky commissioner Doug Fullerton said. "We expect the Vandals to enjoy success in our league again. Travel for Idaho supporters will be much easier as it plays the likes of Eastern Washington, Portland State, Idaho State, Montana and Montana State."