The Mountain West Conference won’t be expanding again, at least for now. But the slightest of cracks appeared on the TV package front 6 1/2 years after the MWC announced what became an acrimonious divorce from its ESPN partnership.
In a statement, ESPN said: “We have great respect for the Mountain West and its member institutions. We are always interested in high-quality sports content, but we have not had any conversations with them.”
The MWC issued a statement Tuesday after the presidents of its schools wrapped up their annual January meetings. The agenda included “issues related to television, the Bowl Championship Series and membership. This board feels strongly that the membership configuration already established going forward creates outstanding prospects for further success.
“In addition we are continuing our strategic initiative related to our television partnerships and the MWC’s effort to effect change in the BCS structure.”
• Mullen linebacker Leilon Willingham, who has decommitted from his original choice of Texas A&M, will wait for national signing day Feb. 2 to announce his destination. Colorado is still in the race for Willingham, who recently visited Boulder. But Michigan, Arizona State, Washington and Central Florida also are in contention. Willingham told , the Michigan online publication in the network, he enjoyed his Michigan visit last weekend.
Willingham is the No. 2-ranked player in Colorado and ranks 13th nationally at outside linebacker.
Natalie Meisler, The Denver Post
Emory with Rapids in training camp.
The Rapids begin defense of their Major League Soccer championship this week with a former Denver-area college star trying to make the team.
The Rapids, who begin their preseason Thursday, invited Metro State product Steven Emory to training camp Monday.
Emory, a 6-foot-2 midfielder, was an All-American for the Division II Roadrunners last season. He was twice named Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference player of the year. Last season, the Fort Collins High School graduate had 17 goals and 10 assists.
Outlaws’ schedule finalized.
The Denver Outlaws begin their Major League Lacrosse season May 14 when they host the Hamilton Nationals at Invesco Field at Mile High. The Outlaws travel to play the Boston Cannons on May 21. The Outlaws’ annual fireworks home game is July 3 against the Cannons.
Mesa State, Metro State favored.
Mesa State and Metro State will have the top baseball and softball teams in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference this year according to the league’s preseason coaches polls.
Metro State outfielder David Fox, from Faith Christian High School, was selected the RMAC preseason baseball player of the year after hitting .431 last season with a slugging percentage of .771. Trent Evins of New Mexico Highlands was selected the preseason pitcher of the year.
Adams State’s Katelyn Lovato, from Northglenn High School, was selected the RMAC preseason softball player of the year. Last year as a freshman, she had the second-best batting average in the nation (.523). Regis’ Bianca Holley, from Mullen High School, was selected the preseason pitcher of the year after winning 15 games last year and setting a school record with 197 strikeouts.
