Hawaii to leave the WAC, join the Mountain West in football

The University of Hawaii has been asked to “enter discussions for the Warrior Football team to join the Mountain West Conference,” says UH President M.R.C. Greenwood in a report in the Honolulu Star Advertiser.The University of Hawaii said the request came in a telephone call earlier in the day from MWC Commissioner Craig Thompson. “The commissioner asked (UH) to begin discussions with the aim of the football team entering the conference as soon as possible,” Greenwood said.Hawaii joined the Western Athletic Conference in 1979 and, at 32 years, is its longest current member.A statement by the MWC said, “The Mountain West Conference Board of Directors has authorized Commissioner Craig Thompson to begin discussions with the University of Hawaii regarding possible membership in the sport of football only.”UH’s other sports are expected to join the Big West Conference, where the Rainbow Wahine competed until joining the WAC. Hawaii is expected to be required to pay a travel subsidy for teams visiting Hawaii.According to the paper, WAC commissioner Karl Benson said he had not been advised by UH of a change.Admission could come as soon as the 2012-13 season.

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