SALT LAKE CITY – Almost 18 months after Dixie State University announced that it would become a Division I institution, the school officially began that transition on Wednesday.
As part of that transition, he has joined the Western Athletic Conference as a full member. While 15 of the 16 DSU sports will be part of the WAC immediately, they will not be eligible for the NCAA Division I postseason game until the 2024-2025 season when the school completes the four-year reclassification process. People in sports like cross-country and swimming will be able to compete for conference championships right away.
The soccer program will compete as an independent FCS during the reclassification process.
“Our coaches, student-athletes and staff have worked tirelessly, especially in these uncertain times, to be ready for this transition,” DSU Athletic Director Jason Boothe said in a statement. “It will be a challenge, even more so now with the curved balls that the pandemic is throwing at us, but we are ready. There is still a lot of work to be done, but we couldn’t be more excited about the future of Trailblazers Athletics and what this momentous next step will bring. “
DSU has competed at the Division II level since the 2006-2007 season. Before that, it was a high school and competed in the National Junior College Athletic Association, where the Salt Lake Community College and Snow College state schools do it today. Trailblazers will join the UVU as members within the WAC state.
“Several factors make Dixie State University a great option for the WAC,” said conference commissioner Jeff Hurd in 2019. “Commitment to quality academic and sports programs, coupled with the long-term vision that the president ( Richard) Williams has for college growth, they are at the top of the list. I have no doubt that Dixie State will make a smooth transition to Division I and WAC. “
When it was announced in January 2019 that DSU was moving to Division I, the president of the university, Richard B. Williams, said: “Moving to Division I is the next critical step in Dixie State University’s transition from securing college status in 2013 to college status.
“Joining the Western Athletic Conference will not only elevate our sports teams and allow them to play with other high-caliber competitors, but it will elevate our entire university and expand the stage where we can share the message about high-quality academic programs. , individualized attention and active learning opportunities available at Dixie State. “
