Northern Colorado baseball will join WAC in 2013-2014 academic year

Northern Colorado's baseball program will soon be a member of a WAC. The conference announced Wednesday the Bears are joining the Western Athletic Conference as an affiliate member in baseball beginning in the 2013-14 academic year. The Division II football program (which is transitioning to the FCS) and other programs are in the Big Sky Conference.

Northern Colorado will be the eighth baseball member of the WAC in the 2014 season, joining CSU Bakersfield, Chicago State, Grand Canyon, New Mexico State, Sacramento State, Seattle U and Utah Valley.

The Bears went 27-33 last season and finished fourth in the Great West Conference tournament under head coach Carl Iwasaki, who joined the team in 2011 and has compiled a record of 51-65. He said it was a great day for the conference:

"This is a great day for current Northern Colorado baseball players, alumni and the community of Greeley," Iwasaki said. "I would like to thank President Norton and Jay Hinrichs for their commitment, support and vision for the future of Division I college baseball in the state of Colorado. Also, thanks to Commissioner Jeff Hurd for the opportunity to join the WAC baseball conference which is rich in tradition and has enjoyed national success."