Aug. 19, 2010
It announced yesterday that California State University, Fresno and the University of Nevada, Reno have accepted invititations to join the Mountain West Conference. The following are reactions from Athletic Director Jim Sterk, head football coach Brady Hoke and head basketball coach Steve Fisher.
Sterk Interview | Hoke Interview
Athletic Director Jim Sterk
"Yesterday was an important day in the conference history, and the growth and strength of the conference was really positive. I think our presidents really did an outstanding job as far as working behind the scenes over the past couple weeks. Obviously, they had plans before, so they acted on them and Fresno State and Nevada accepted, so it was a great day in the conference. The rivalry we've had with Fresno really adds value to San Diego State and our relationship, and our rival within the league. I think overall, it's a very good day."
On what the past couple of days have been like:
"President Weber was in Maine, so he was dealing long range with this thing, but totally involved and an integral part of the league decision-making process. The membership committee that he's on was really instrumental in getting those two institutions to accept the offer. We were in constant communication, and he was in constant communication with his counterparts and peers within the league."
On the addition of Boise State, Nevada and Fresno State to the Mountain West Conference:
"What I've heard is very positive from our television partners and from the fan standpoint. I know the AD at Fresno (Thomas Boeh). We worked together at Maine back in (the mid 1980s) for four years together, so that'll be fun from that standpoint. Obviously we want to beat them every time we play them, but it's good to have very good competition. You take the top three teams from the WAC and bring them to the Mountain West, and they have really strengthening the league. I think that'll be positive for the league. (Baseball coach) Tony Gwynn was concerned there were only six baseball schools. Well, here's two more that are highly competitive programs. So I think across the board, they bring broad programs and a national and regional fan base.
Head football coach Brady Hoke
"I think it's great for our conference, the natural rivalry we have with Fresno State, being an in-state school, adds a lot to the conference. They've had a great football reputation nationally, and how they've played. The job that Chris Ault has done up at Nevada is impressive. I think it's a big plus for us in the conference.
On the addition of Boise State, Nevada and Fresno State to the Mountain West Conference:
"I think that obviously our league has gotten stronger. On a national scope, there are some names in there that people recognize and it's a real healthy situation for the Mountain West Conference."
Head basketball coach Steve Fisher
"The addition of Nevada and Fresno State add to the quality of an already exceptional Mountain West Conference basketball league. We are excited to have them in the conference."
"Of the new schools coming in (Boise State, Fresno State and Nevada), Fresno is a school that we have had great matchups with sell outs at our place early in my tenure and close games in Fresno. It is a terrific rivalry that we look forward to renewing in the Mountain west Conference."