The Pac-10 has been doing a little courting lately, and we’ve realized it’s good to have friends in high places—literally.
It was announced this summer by Commissioner Larry Scott that mountainous Colorado and Utah would be joining our “Conference of Champions” in 2011.
Although the transition will take a while, it’s certain the Pac-10 will be expanding its long history of excellence by adding two more accomplished institutions to its resume.
Along with the Pac-10 becoming the Pac-12, the new commissioner, appointed after 26-year commissioner Thomas C. Hansen left, has also taken steps toward the conference raising its already elite profile. These include an increase in national exposure, coverage and the design of a chic Winter Olympics-esque logo that emphasizes the Pac-10 brand and shows the West Coast means business.
With a unified logo and brand that identifies Sun Devils and Wildcats with the likes of Ducks, Beavers, Cardinal and Trojans, we’re encouraging a strong university neighborhood. Some day people could associate the Pac-10 brand of emerging universities in the same way the Ivy League name has come to mean so much.
“We’ve had 10 separate high-flying, high-performing universities that are very impressive, but not necessarily unified behind the power of our group,” said Lisa Love, ASU’s Vice President of University Athletics.
Some of the first steps toward this goal to building a greater “group” involve a big step into the national spotlight of college athletics, which is why Scott launched a national media excursion in July to spread the word of the West’s manifest — although that shouldn’t be a problem if we have seven of the 35 largest media markets.
The Pac-10, with hope to be more fan-friendly, even started a digital initiative, which will include adding more video, blogs and other “state-of-the-art” features to its website.
As for our forthcoming members, you’re joining a conference rich with academic and athletic pride. Our conference collectively has more NCAA team championships than any other conference.
We also have a pretty impressive list of world-class alums like the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong (USC), and Google co-founder Sergey Brin (Stanford).
But, hey, Colorado had Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and one of the guys who developed Tivo. We approve.
And Utah? Well the guy credited with the concept of the laptop went there. That’s kind of a big deal.
Utah football has been pretty (undefeatedly) impressive in the past few years, too. So, uh, bring it on Utes.
The Pac-10 has already done plenty to brag about, and this refreshing modernization can only lead to more accolades and honors.
Whether you’re a sports nut or a book worm, the expansion of our conference’s reputation and geographical reach can only benefit us all.
Rose and academic bowls unite.
