Introduction to the Conference
The Big Sky Conference is a Division I NCAA conference that is made up of 16 member schools in the United States. Founded in 1963, the Big Sky Conference is the nation’s oldest Division I athletic conference. It is also the second largest conference in the west behind the Pac-12. Member schools in the Big Sky Conference compete in a variety of sports, including basketball, baseball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
History and Significance
The Big Sky Conference was founded in 1963 by seven member schools: Boise State, Idaho, Montana, Portland State, Seattle University, Weber State, and Wyoming. The conference experienced expansion in 1965 when Nevada joined the conference, followed by Eastern Washington in 1987, and Louisiana Tech, Northern Arizona, and Northern Colorado in 2012. The Big Sky conference is a crucial part of the college sports landscape in the west, providing countless exciting moments and championships to its students and fans.
Member Institutions
The Big Sky Conference consists of 16 member institutions:
- Boise State University
- Eastern Washington University
- Idaho State University
- Montana State University
- Montana State University-Northern
- Montana Technological University
- University of Idaho
- University of Montana
- University of Nevada, Reno
- Portland State University
- Sacramento State University
- Southern Utah University
- University of North Dakota
- University of Northern Colorado
- University of Northern Arizona
- Weber State University
Big Sky member schools compete in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
Notable Achievements and Rivalries
The Big Sky Conference has achieved success at both the NCAA Division I and Division II levels, producing dozens of NCAA tournament teams, conference championships, and individual athletes. The conference also features some of college sports’ most storied rivalries. The Montana-Montana State rivalry, for instance, is one of the most heated rivalries in Division I college football and has been going since 1897.
Governing Body and Scheduling/Championships
The Big Sky Conference is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board consists of administrators from each of the member schools, who are responsible for oversight of the conference. The Big Sky Conference is responsible for providing the conference’s scheduling, championship events, and other rules and regulations. The conference schedules regular-season competition, and its members participate in conference championship events in a variety of sports.
Role and Impact on Local and National Sports Scene
The Big Sky Conference plays an important role in the local and national sports community. In addition to providing an exciting atmosphere and competitive sports experiences for its students, fans, and alumni, the Big Sky Conference also helps to foster a sense of community and collaboration between its member schools. The conference is also an essential part of college sports in the west, providing a regional and national platform for the region’s college sports teams to compete.
Future of the Big Sky Conference
The Big Sky Conference is well-positioned for continued success in the future. The conference has grown steadily over the years, adding members, increasing its broadcasting presence, and improving its competitive atmosphere. With some of the best athletes and programs in the country, the future of the Big Sky Conference looks bright.