The Western Athletic Conference is forging ahead in its battle for survival with the realization that it will not be a football-playing conference after this season.
Commissioner Jeff Hurd said Monday the emphasis has turned to finding enough schools to retain NCAA Division I recognition as a nonfootball league. The University of Denver joined the WAC this summer as a nonfootball member.
“I think that sometime in late July it became apparent that it was unlikely we could continue with football,” Hurd said. “We looked at every option we could think of. With the geography we have in terms of schools, it presents a challenge.”
Hurd said challenges remain for the WAC to continue, even as a nonfootball conference. It must add multiple new members for the 2013-14 school year in order to have the necessary seven for NCAA recognition. He said an answer could be coming as early as September.
“If we can’t get enough league members, we can’t operate as a conference,” Hurd said. “We’re going to do everything possible to avoid that. There aren’t any obvious answers out there.”
DU athletic director Peg Bradley-Doppes wasn’t available for comment on what the Pioneers’ future might hold after the 2012-13 school year.
Football had become a losing battle for the WAC in the past few years, as the conference went through upheaval. The WAC previously lost Boise State, Nevada, Fresno State and Hawaii. San Jose State, Utah State, Louisiana Tech and Texas-San Antonio are leaving after the 2012-13 school year.
Seven schools — Idaho, Louisiana Tech, New Mexico State, San Jose State, Texas State, Utah State and Texas-San Antonio — will compete in the WAC’s final football season.
The WAC’s headquarters are in Englewood.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
