Northridge Might Consider Shift to Big West Conference

An intriguing domino effect that some Cal State Northridge officials privately say could eventually result in the Matadors becoming a full member of the Big West Conference began Wednesday with Nevada being accepted into the Western Athletic Conference.

Nevada will leave the Big West for the WAC on July 1, 2000. The Big West will be left with 11 full members--including six that play Division I-A football.

Northridge is an associate member playing only softball in the Big West. The Matadors are a full member of the Big Sky Conference, a good fit for Division I-AA football, basketball and track and field. Although there is strong support at Northridge to remain in the conference, the Big Sky does not offer baseball or softball.

A Big West spokesman said the conference will review its options over the next month, but cautioned that a new member probably would be a school that offers Division I-A football.

For Northridge to join the Big West, several hurdles would have to be cleared, officials said. The football team would have to meet Division I-A criteria and the new North Campus stadium approved this year would need to be completed.