Mountain West Conference Adds Boise State University

In response to the Mountain West Conference announcement to add Boise State as a member institution beginning in 2011, Brigham Young University has released the following statements from University President Dr. Cecil O. Samuelson and Director of Athletics Tom Holmoe.

BYU President Cecil O. Samuelson

BYU is pleased to welcome Boise State University into the Mountain West Conference. Boise State has achieved success academically and athletically. This addition will make the conference stronger and more competitive, as exemplified by Boise State’s recent football success. This certainly strengthens the Mountain West Conference’s standing as one of the top athletic conferences.

BYU Director of Athletics Tom Holmoe

I have a great deal of respect for Boise State University and what they have accomplished in a relatively short period of time since becoming a Division I program. They have risen to the upper echelon of college football in recent years and will add to the growing strength of the Mountain West Conference. We warmly welcome athletic director Gene Bleymaier and the Boise State athletic department to the Mountain West.

MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE RELEASE

Mountain West Conference Adds Boise State University

COLORADO SPRINGS -- The Mountain West Conference announced today that Boise State University has accepted an invitation to join the MWC as its 10th member institution, effective July 1, 2011.

"We are pleased and excited to welcome Boise State University to the Mountain West Conference,” said Commissioner Craig Thompson. “Since our inception just 11 short years ago, the Mountain West has experienced tremendous success, and the addition of Boise State will further enhance that strength. The MWC continues to strategize regarding potential membership scenarios and bringing Boise State into the Conference is an important part of that evolution.”

“The invitation to join the Mountain West Conference reflects the excellence that Boise State University has demonstrated academically and athletically,” said Boise State President Robert Kustra. “It will be a privilege to compete and partner with such a successful group of member institutions. This move is in the best interests of Boise State’s future, and the university is excited to be part of one of the nation’s most outstanding conferences.”

The Mountain West Conference was founded with eight members in 1998. Boise State is the second institution to join the Mountain West since that time; TCU became a member in 2005.