Shreveport Times

[50's PONY]

C–USA takes UTEP
May 1, 2004
By Scott Ferrell

sferrell@gannett.com

Louisiana Tech's bid to join Conference USA ended late Friday afternoon when C-USA officials announced a membership agreement with the University of Texas at El Paso beginning in July, 2005.

Tech was one of a half-dozen schools considered for membership. Earlier in the month, C-USA athletic directors recommended extending membership to UTEP over Louisiana Tech and North Texas.

"I'm obviously disappointed,' Tech Athletic Director Jim Oakes said in a statement. "I feel that not only is Conference USA and Louisiana Tech missing a wonderful opportunity, but in a larger sense, the region is missing an economical development opportunity from the game and travel that would occur in our area. New Orleans will also miss out on the econcomic benefits from Tech fans traveling in mass for athletic events.'

UTEP was invited in part because of its size (19,000 student enrollment), fan support (more than 20,000 per game last year in a losing season) and resources.

"With the leadership and the resources that they possess, it is clear that UTEP and the community of El Paso will be a great asset to our league,' C-USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky said.

Tech, meanwhile, remains in a conference that has been dented again by C-USA expansion. Earlier, C-USA took Rice, SMU and Tulsa from the WAC.

"We are certainly disappointed in UTEP's decision to leave the WAC, but the WAC has a solid foundation of schools that will continue to compete at the highest levels of college athletics,' WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said. "The WAC is committed to being the best conference among those that do not have automatic bids to BCS bowls and if the recent past is any indication, then the future of the WAC and its continuing members is very bright.'

As if to brace for possible poaching from the WAC, the Sun Belt Conference's executive council affirmed its commitment to the Sun Belt. And Sun Belt Commissioner Wright Waters said the league hoped to add another full-time member by July 1.
©The Shreveport Times
May 1, 2004
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