Ogden, Utah – Northern Colorado is getting closer to becoming a member of the Big Sky Conference after the league’s school presidents voted unanimously Thursday to begin negotiating with UNC over its application to join the league.
A final decision is expected to come at the Big Sky Conference spring meeting in Portland, Ore., from May 15-17. Representatives from Northern Colorado will be invited to attend.
The President’s Counsel asked Big Sky Commissioner Doug Fullerton to draft a list of conditions UNC must meet, including adding football scholarships, men’s cross country and men’s and women’s indoor track and field.
“Obviously there are many issues the presidents expressed,’ Fullerton said. “They want to ensure the University of Northern Colorado understands what is expected for membership in the Big Sky Conference.’
UNC would have to address the athletic budget, gender equity and facility upgrades.
“We will also outline Northern Colorado’s role in the Big Sky and how it will change as the institution completes the transition to a full-fledged Division I member,’ Fullerton said.
Big Sky officials visited the Greeley campus in February.
