Colorado first domino to fall
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - College athletics are on the verge of a monumental shift, a realignment that could disintegrate one conference, turn others into 16-school goliaths and have huge financial implications on some of the biggest programs in the country.
The first card flipped on Thursday, when Colorado ditched the Big 12 for the Pac-10. Next up are Nebraska and Missouri, both facing decisions that could spark another exodus and the collapse of the Big 12.
"(Now) the first move is made, I think you'll see the dominos start falling," said Joel Maxcey, sports economist at the University of Georgia.
It's already been a wild ride.
The Big Ten started it off by exploring plans to expand, an effort it hoped would add more eyes to its successful cable network and reach the NCAA minimum of 12 teams required to hold a conference championship game in football.
The Big Ten's big grab led to harried calls between rivals, political ploys and behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Schools across the country are looking to make sure they're not standing alone, pockets empty, when the music stops.
Colorado took a pre-emptive strike, deciding to head west to the Pac-10 instead of waiting to see what everyone else was going to do.
The next move could come Friday, when Nebraska and Missouri face a stay-or-go ultimatum from the Big 12.
Nebraska seems most likely to go.
The Cornhuskers have long-standing ties with many of the schools in the Big 12's North Division - they've played Kansas and Missouri in football since the 1890s - but Big Ten money might be too much to pass up.
Nebraska's regents are scheduled to meet Friday to discuss conference realignment. Colorado's decision to bolt early could play a role in the decision, though it might already be a done deal.
"It doesn't say anything," Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne said of Colorado's announcement. "I really have no comment on this. I'm not saying we're gone or not gone. Until we have a definite decision, I'm not saying anything else."
Missouri faces a more difficult challenge.
The school has expressed interest in joining the Big Ten and seemed to be a good fit with its proximity and heated rivalry with Illinois. But Missouri apparently became a less-popular choice for the conference in recent weeks and the university's curator said Thursday the school had not been invited to join the Big Ten.
Even if Missouri decides to stay in the Big 12, the school could be left to forage amid the scraps of the Big 12 or searching for another, lo
Comment on "Colorado first domino to fall"
|
 |
|
Heavy snow, high winds spread misery through Colorado
DENVER - A major spring snowstorm dumped more than a foot of snow across the Colorado-Wyoming state line on Thursday, canceling hundreds of flights, shutting down schools and making roads treacherous.
Colorado Is Buzzing With New Offerings in 2012
DENVER, Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Colorado is gearing up for a big year in 2012, a year that will bring a slew of new developments, including new hotels – from luxury brands to outdoor cabins – new attractions, museums, special events, cultural exhibits and more. Following is a snapshot of what's new in Colorado in 2012. For a full recap visit
NEW HOTELS, HUTS AND LODGING OFFERINGS
The OPUS Hut is a new high alpine backcountry lodge nestled on the southern face of 13,666-foot Lookout Peak in the Northern San Juan Mountains of Colorado, halfway between Telluride and Silverton with access to some of the best backcountry skiing in the area.
Colorado first domino to fall
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - College athletics are on the verge of a monumental shift, a realignment that could disintegrate one conference, turn others into 16-school goliaths and have huge financial implications on some of the biggest programs in the country.
New State History Museum Goes High-Tech and Hands-On When Doors Open in Denver April 28, 2012
The History Colorado Center aims to usher in a new era for the state's history museum.
DENVER, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- History Colorado announced today that Denver's newest cultural attraction, the History Colorado Center, will open to the public Saturday, April 28, 2012.
|
 |
|
