California State University, Northridge was accepted as a member-elect of the conference on October 3. Championship participation in the conference would begin in Fall 1996.
The Northridge sports teams that would compete in the conference include football, men's golf, women's volleyball and tennis, men's and women's basketball, cross country, indoor track and track and field. The university will also add women's golf and men's tennis as required by the Big Sky Conference.
Ron Kopita, vice president for student affairs, convened the task force to "review the current operations and budget of the Intercollegiate Athletics program, as well as the added obligations arising from participation in the Big Sky Conference... and to determine whether or not the university can successfully offer a 21-sport program."
If the task force determines that 21 sports are not possible, Kopita has asked that it recommend changes. In addition to its obligations to the conference, the university must also comply with an agreement it has with the California chapter of the National Organization for Women.
The task force has been asked to submit its report to the vice president by November 22.
The task force will be chaired by Assistant Vice President for Student Life William Watkins and will include Barbara Swerkes and Robert J. Kiddoo, representing faculty; football coach Dave Baldwin; volleyball coach John Price; softball coach Janet Sherman; track coach Don Strametz; student athletes Evan Howland and Wendy Nakashima; Associated Student representatives Tadzio Garcia and Clayton Millis; Athletic Association board president Gary Gray; and University Corporation board member Tony Partapillo.
Media Contact: Carmen Ramos Chandler, Director of News and Information, (818) 8885-2130.