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[RJINTAMPA]

Boise State accepted an invitation to join the Mountain West Conference on Friday — four days after the league delayed its decision while waiting for more information on other conference changes around the country.

Boise State will join the league July 1, 2011. That will allow the Broncos' accomplishments from 2008, 2009 and 2010 to count toward the league's quest for an automatic bid to the Bowl Championship Series in 2012-13.

Boise State is the 10th member of the Mountain West, which was formed in 1999 when eight teams broke away from the WAC. TCU joined the league in 2005.

“We are pleased and excited to welcome Boise State University to the Mountain West Conference," commissioner Craig Thompson said in a press release. "Since our inception just 11 short years ago, the Mountain West has experienced tremendous success, and the addition of Boise State will further enhance that strength. The MWC continues to strategize regarding potential membership scenarios and bringing Boise State into the Conference is an important part of that evolution.”

The move is a victory for Boise State president Bob Kustra, who has been pushing for the move since 2003. Boise State was a contender when TCU was selected.

“The invitation to join the Mountain West Conference reflects the excellence that Boise State University has demonstrated academically and athletically," Kustra said in the release. "It will be a privilege to compete and partner with such a successful group of member institutions. This move is in the best interests of Boise State’s future, and the university is excited to be part of one of the nation’s most outstanding conferences.”

Added athletic director Gene Bleymaier: “Membership in the Mountain West Conference is a milestone moment for the entire Bronco sports program. The new alignment will help our student-athletes by minimizing distant travel and developing more intermountain competition. The Western Athletic Conference has been an integral part of our growth and success. We will always be proud of our affiliation with those schools and thankful for the opportunities.”

A media teleconference is set for noon. Boise State has a press conference at 2 p.m mountain time.


http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2010/06/11/ccripe/boise_state_joins_mountain_west_2011