In brief: Montana chooses to stay in Big Sky

Colleges: Upon further review, the University of Montana has decided to remain in the Big Sky Conference.

Less than a month after Royce Engstrom took over as president of the university, he announced Thursday that the school would not move up to the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Engstrom said there were several key factors to his decision, including keeping the cross-state football rivalry with Montana State.

“At this time, FCS football presents the best overall fit for the University, it provides our student-athletes and fans with a great experience, and it is consistent with the strategic direction of the University,” Engstrom said, adding that WAC schools spend several million dollars more a year on athletics than Montana does.

The Western Athletic Conference had said Montana was high on its list as it looked for new members with the upcoming departures of Boise State, Nevada and Fresno State, but the conference was waiting on Montana’s decision about a possible move to the FBS before issuing an invitation.

The WAC announced the addition of Texas-San Antonio, Texas State and Denver on Thursday afternoon. Denver will not field a football team.

Associated Press

WSU at home for Pac-12 opener

Basketball: The future Pac-12 Conference announced its basketball schedule for the 2011-12 season and Washington State has learned it will open at home against Oregon and Oregon State (Dec. 29 and 31).

The following week the Cougars will play at Utah and Colorado. It will be the first Pac-12 home game for the Utes.

The Cougars will play four schools once – the road games against Utah and Colorado, and home games against Stanford and California. They will play home-and-home contests against the rest.

WSU and Washington will remain travel partners as the expanded conference decided to keep the Thursday/ Saturday schedule, at least until a new television contract is worked out for 2012.

Vince Grippi