Dixie State University has accepted an invitation to move up to Division 1 and join the Western Athletic Conference on July 1, 2020. Their four year transition period will begin then. Located in St. George, Utah, the Trailblazers will be the WAC's 9th full member. Dixie State's football team will compete as an FCS independent, in lieu of having no conference home. https://www.wacsports.com/general/2018-19/releases/20190111mx6862
Any time a men's soccer program joins D-I, it's a good thing. Any time a D-I school joins west of the Mississippi, it's an even better thing. And a D-I men's soccer program that becomes a rivalry game that is driveable for programs like Utah Valley, Grand Canyon and UNLV is really good for all involved. I have actually been to St. George, Utah as it's a good place to get supplies before going to national parks like Zion and Bryce. It's only about two hours from Vegas and about 4 hours from Salt Lake City.
Cheap school, and have operated the program poorly. As recent as 2017, I believe, the head coach position was only part-time. It was in 2016, for sure.
Now if we can just get BYU to start a men's program. Since BYU is already D1 in all sports, would a startup men's soccer team have to go through the transition years?
Glad to see more added in the "West". So they will be eligible in 2024...will be interesting to see what "D1" soccer even looks like by then. In 2017 the HC position finally became full-time from what I understand.
Relevant, sort of. https://www.sltrib.com/sports/byu-c...ougars-leave-pdl-return-to-club-soccer-level/