The University of Utah is officially part of the Pac-10. The move from the Mountain West Conference to the elite league was quickly approved Thursday by the unanimous vote of Utah’s Board of Trustees in a public meeting at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
“This is an absolutely great day to be a Ute,” said longtime Utah athletic director Chris Hill.
The Pac-10, which formed in 1915, also includes Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon, Oregon State, USC, Stanford, UCLA, Washington, Washington State and Colorado, which joined a week ago.
Its teams have won 174 NCAA team titles over the past 19 years and has captured more titles overall (388) than any other league.
“This is truly an opportunity for us as we partner with these great schools. Not just athletically, but academically as well,” said Utah president Michael Young. “…It will create enhanced academic opportunities.”
The addition of Utah give the conference 12 teams, the necessary number needed for a conference championship football game. In turn, the league’s admittance of the Utes validates the schools rise as a national player on and off the field.
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