Some big news in Claremore this week, as Hillcat fans try to wrap their arms around a potential move from NAIA to NCAA Division 2. It was probably expected that the task force would come back with the recommendation to apply for NCAA status. With the growth of the university as a whole, and the solid foundation put down with the fast start by all of RSU's athletic programs, this is a no doubter!
The next question, or first question from a fellow collegiate play-by-play man I used to work with at Fort Hays State up in Kansas...what conference are the 'Cats looking to join? All of this is just speculatory on my part, but the best fit would be the Lone Star Conference, or the Heartland Conference. Might I suggest all of the regional institutions bring their braintrust together and form a league you could name the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Athletics Association. There's some chatter out there, though, that Northeastern State in Tahlequah and Central Oklahoma in Edmond are trying to convince the powers that be they both belong in the MIAA. That could be decided as early as next fall. Which would then pave the way for RSU and NWOSU (Northwestern Okla. State) to jump into those two vacated Lone Star spots and fill the void left by NSU and UCO. All very intriguing possibilities. Peace!
