TU's conference future may clear up soon
BY BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
1/16/13 at 11:24 AM
University of Tulsa officials report that the university still has not received an invitation to switch membership from Conference USA to the Big East or the Mountain West Conference.
However, sources indicate that TU's conference options - if there are options - soon may be clarified.
If San Diego State decides to stay in the Mountain West instead of becoming a football-only member of the Big East, there seems to exist the possibility that TU would be invited to join the Big East as an all-sports member.
Boise State already executed an about-face, deciding to stay in the Mountain West instead of proceeding with a plan to join the Big East. San Diego State also accepted a Big East invitation, but reportedly now is wavering. Jan. 31 is the decision deadline.
If San Diego State stays in the Mountain West, the Big East could extend to TU a membership opportunity. And if SDSU remains committed to a Big East move, the Mountain West might stand pat at 11 schools - or could be in the market for an additional member.
During a period of at least the past two months - and again last week, it is believed - TU President Steadman Upham and interim athletic director Kevan Buck had discussions with officials from the Mountain West, Big East and Conference USA (the Golden Hurricane's conference since 2005).
In an e-mail, Don Tomkalski, TU's senior associate athletic director who oversees media relations, acknowledged that Upham and Buck "have been very involved in conversations with individuals from around the country. We will not get into specifics."
This summer, four C-USA schools - Central Florida, Houston, Memphis and SMU - are joining the Big East. In November, it was announced that two more - East Carolina and Tulane - are joining the Big East in 2014.
Conference USA's replacement schools include Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, FIU, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, North Texas, Old Dominion and Texas-San Antonio.
During a Dec. 29 interview, Upham said, "I also want to be in a conference that we can be proud of academically. Losing two of the private schools (SMU and Tulane) in Conference USA is damaging to me, in the way I think about the conference.
"Whether that forces us to take an action, I can't speculate. For one thing, it's not our call. We have to have an invitation."
The Big East raided Conference USA after its own roster was devastated by defections. West Virginia, TCU, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Louisville, Notre Dame and Rutgers already left or eventually will, and seven basketball-only members - including founding members Georgetown, St. John's, Seton Hall and Providence - have announced that they may align with other Catholic institutions to form a new conference.
Men's basketball coach Danny Manning was asked if conference uncertainty results in recruiting challenges for all TU coaches.
"I think the uncertainty is out there, but we're not the only ones in that situation," Manning replied. "For us, what we look at is what we have to offer here at the University of Tulsa. What a degree means from Tulsa. That's part of what we sell here.
"Definitely knowing what conference we're going to be in would help. ... In the meantime, we still have other qualities about this university that we're happy to sell."
CONFERENCE USA MEMBERSHIP CHANGES
Current teams
- Central Florida
- East Carolina
- Houston
- Marshall
- Memphis
- Rice
- SMU
- Southern Miss
- Tulane
- Tulsa
- UAB
- UTEP
2013-14 Newcomers
- Charlotte
- Fla. International
- Louisiana Tech
- North Texas
- Old Dominion
- UTSA
2013-14 Defectors
- Central Florida
- Houston
- Memphis
- SMU
2014-15 Newcomers
- Florida Atlantic
- Middle Tennessee
2014-15 Defectors
Notes: Old Dominion becomes a football member in 2014; Charlotte in 2015.
Big East: Football
Present: Cincinnati, Connecticut, Louisville,
Pittsburgh, Rutgers, USF, Syracuse,
Temple
Joining July 1, 2013: Central Florida,
Houston, Memphis, San Diego State, SMU
Leaving June 30, 2013: Pittsburgh,
Syracuse
Joining July 1, 2014: Tulane, East Carolina
Joining July 1, 2015: United States Naval
Academy
Football Conference as of July 1, 2015: Central Florida, Cincinnati, Connecticut, East
Carolina, Houston, Memphis, Navy, San
Diego State, USF, SMU, Temple, Tulane
Big East: All sports
Present: Cincinnati, Connecticut, De-
Paul, Georgetown, Louisville, Marquette,
Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Providence,
Rutgers, Seton Hall, St. John’s, Syracuse,
USF, Villanova
Joining July 1, 2013: Central Florida,
Houston, Memphis, SMU, Temple
Leaving June 30, 2013: Pittsburgh,
Syracuse
Joining July 1, 2014: Tulane
As of July 1, 2015: Central Florida, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Houston, Memphis,
USF, SMU, Temple, Tulane
Source: bigeast.org
TU eyes quick resolution in NCAA investigation
In e-mails with the Tulsa World, University of Tulsa officials responded to questions regarding the NCAA's investigation into former athletic director Ross Parmley's alleged gambling on college football and NFL games. Parmley was fired in December. Questions presented to TU:
- Has anyone within the TU administration, the athletic department or the football program been interviewed by the NCAA, or is any interview scheduled? TU's response: "Yes, interviews have taken place."
- On Dec. 29, TU President Steadman Upham predicted that a resolution might be achieved somewhat quickly. Does the university have any more clarity in that regard? Is it possible that the NCAA process is completed this month? TU's response: "Don't know. Our hope is that it will be done soon."
- Upham also expressed confidence that TU, having acted quickly in dismissing Parmley and in establishing dialogue with the NCAA, will not receive a serious penalty and may not be penalized at all. Does the university continue to believe that it will emerge from this situation mostly or completely unscathed? TU's response: "No change from what President Upham said before."
Original Print Headline: TU's league future soon may be clear
Bill Haisten 918-581-8397
bill.haisten@tulsaworld.com
