TexasTerror
June 25th, 2006, 09:53 AM
The article talks about how NoCo's transition is set to go as well as some of the financial issues (NoCo's athletic budget represents about 60% of what Montana's budget is) that present themselves on top of the fact that NoCo will have 19 sports, three more than Colorado St and Colorado. Also, some discussion about the sports that have no home (namely baseball and softball) due to the move...
N. Colorado readies for transition into Big Sky conference
By TONY PHIFER
[email protected]
Nine years ago, the University of Northern Colorado stood atop the world of NCAA Division II football.
With coach Joe Glenn and his boundless enthusiasm leading the way, the Bears won back-to-back national championships in 1996-97, putting the Greeley school, so long overshadowed by its bigger rivals in Boulder and Fort Collins, on the map. Anything seemed possible for UNC, which for decades had struggled for recognition in a state dominated by the presence of the University of Colorado and Colorado State University.
Now, nine years after its last title, UNC is poised for another dramatic move. The Bears, already in transition from Division II to Division I-AA, this summer officially join the Big Sky Conference - one of the top leagues in I-AA.
Glenn, for one, is thrilled that his old school is making the jump.
"I'm all for it," said Glenn, entering his fourth season as Wyoming's coach. "I was at Northern Iowa and Northern Arizona when they made the move from Division II to Division I-AA, and it has worked out well for both. Northern Colorado is every bit as good as those schools and, in time, they will do well at that level."
http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060625/SPORTS/606250351/1006
N. Colorado readies for transition into Big Sky conference
By TONY PHIFER
[email protected]
Nine years ago, the University of Northern Colorado stood atop the world of NCAA Division II football.
With coach Joe Glenn and his boundless enthusiasm leading the way, the Bears won back-to-back national championships in 1996-97, putting the Greeley school, so long overshadowed by its bigger rivals in Boulder and Fort Collins, on the map. Anything seemed possible for UNC, which for decades had struggled for recognition in a state dominated by the presence of the University of Colorado and Colorado State University.
Now, nine years after its last title, UNC is poised for another dramatic move. The Bears, already in transition from Division II to Division I-AA, this summer officially join the Big Sky Conference - one of the top leagues in I-AA.
Glenn, for one, is thrilled that his old school is making the jump.
"I'm all for it," said Glenn, entering his fourth season as Wyoming's coach. "I was at Northern Iowa and Northern Arizona when they made the move from Division II to Division I-AA, and it has worked out well for both. Northern Colorado is every bit as good as those schools and, in time, they will do well at that level."
http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060625/SPORTS/606250351/1006