Sac State, Northridge Close In On Big Sky Conference Membership

The California State University affiliates in Sacramento and Northridge could gain acceptance into the Big Sky Conference as early as next week, Eastern Washington University president Mark Drummond said Wednesday.

“It’s a three-phase process,” said Drummond, chair of the presidents counsel. “First was a campus visit and asking them to prepare a plan to show us how they were going to get to play the sports and get to the scholarship level we insist on. The second step was to put down those critical elements in writing so a clear agreement can be struck without any misunderstandings.

“And once they agree to that (in writing), the Big Sky presidents will vote. I would assume that if those schools agree in good faith, the vote will be positive.”

The Sacramento Bee reported in today’s editions that the school will likely gain acceptance on Tuesday, quoting Kay Ballif, the administrative assistant to Big Sky commissioner Doug Fullerton.

“From all appearances,” Ballif was quoted as saying, the two universities will become “members-elect for three years.”

The Big Sky wants to expand because Boise State and Idaho are moving to the Big West. Portland State becomes a member in July.

, DataTimes