BRISTOL, Conn., Oct. 23 (UPI) -- The Western Athletic Conference apparently has responded to the defections of three of its members.
ESPN reported Thursday that New Mexico State and Utah State, currently in the Sun Belt Conference, will leave and join the WAC in time for the 2005-06 season.
New Mexico State and Utah State reportedly will participate in the sports that the WAC sponsors, including Division I-A football and men's and women's basketball. Utah State plays all sports but football in the Big West, but would move to the WAC as a full member.
The WAC has been looking to add members after SMU, Tulsa and Rice announced plans last week to join Conference USA.
The WAC's membership will drop to seven teams with the loss of SMU, Tulsa, and Rice. The other members of the WAC are Fresno State, Hawaii, Boise State, San Jose State, Louisiana Tech, Nevada, and Texas-El Paso.
