“We are pleased and proud to welcome Wichita State to The American,” Aresco said. “This is a University with a strong athletic and academic heritage which shares our Conference’s commitment to excellence, and we look forward to having them as a member. The University has an exceptionally strong tradition of success in men’s basketball and baseball. The addition of Wichita State in basketball and Olympic sports extends our Conference’s national footprint, enhances our national profile, and strengthens our position as a leader in intercollegiate athletics.”
           
“This is an event of great importance in defining the future of Wichita State,” John Bardo, President of Wichita State University said. “Two years ago, we set out on a fact-finding process to determine the best way athletics could help position the University for enrollment growth and enhance WSU’s reputation as an academic and research institution. It became clear to us that The American offered the best combination of universities who share our academic and cultural values and research focus.”
 
“On behalf of all the presidents of the American Athletic Conference, I am very happy to welcome Wichita State to our league,” said Susan Herbst, President of the University of Connecticut and Chair of The American Board of Directors. “Wichita State brings a strong academic and athletic tradition to The American, and their fans and alumni are passionate about the school and their teams. The addition of Wichita State to The American will further enhance the league and its national reputation.”

Read the rest here: http://theamerican.org/news/2017/4/7/GEN...72824.aspx

zomg. The last thing anyone in the Valley had to say about WSU was that we were 'too big for our britches.'

I'm sure some of the luster will wear off when the games begin, but the difference is so stark right now.

(04-07-2017 11:24 AM)Wudizzle Wrote:  zomg. The last thing anyone in the Valley had to say about WSU was that we were 'too big for our britches.'

I'm sure some of the luster will wear off when the games begin, but the difference is so stark right now.

Guess we just had to get some new britches. Maybe some wino school browsing the dumpster out back of Goodwill will find The Valley a better fit than we did.

Welcome Shockers! I just hope Memphis can get our basketball house back in order very soon so we can have some nice battles on the hardwood.

http://www.kwch.com/content/news/Report-...12743.html

" Speeds up our growth... This is about competition"

Kelvin Sampson nailed it.

Welcome Shockers! The new Big East possibly doesn't remain a power without the other MVC power Creighton. Let's hope that WSU can help the AAC match that power.

(04-07-2017 12:45 PM)Pony94 Wrote:  

Love this pic!

Welcome Coach Marshall!

Thrilled to be here!

(04-07-2017 01:03 PM)Play Angry Wrote:  Thrilled to be here!

Yes, you made it

Congrats Wichita State Shockers and American Conference!

Welcome to the p6.

(04-07-2017 12:45 PM)Pony94 Wrote:  

LMAO at Lebo, the only one looking up at those achievements. The only one with his arms crossed. Please God, tell me this is some kind of sign.

Quote:Arms can act as the doorway to the body and the self. When they are crossed, they form a closed defensive shield, blocking out the outside world. Shields act in two ways: one is to block incoming attacks and the other is a place behind which the person can hide and perhaps not be noticed.
Crossed arms may thus indicate anxiety which is either driven by a lack of trust in the other person or an internal discomfort and sense of vulnerability (that may, for example, be rooted in childhood trauma).

Very pleased with the addition of Wichita. Makes for a potential rivalry for Cincinnati.

@American_Conf 2m2 minutes ago
More
Commissioner Aresco joins @SiriusXMCollege at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT to talk about #WelcomeWichita

Well done AAC. Good addition. Strange that Wichita State was rebuffed by the MW. Overall dumb decision by the MW BOD. The AAC capitalized. This should make the AAC a three bid league most years.

(04-07-2017 01:40 PM)fanhood Wrote:  Well done AAC. Good addition. Strange that Wichita State was rebuffed by the MW. Overall dumb decision by the MW BOD. The AAC capitalized. This should make the AAC a three bid league most years.

I'd say that would be a little disappointing. I'm hopeful this makes the AAC a consistent 4-5 bid league.

(04-07-2017 01:42 PM)Heinro Wrote:  

(04-07-2017 01:40 PM)fanhood Wrote:  Well done AAC. Good addition. Strange that Wichita State was rebuffed by the MW. Overall dumb decision by the MW BOD. The AAC capitalized. This should make the AAC a three bid league most years.

I'd say that would be a little disappointing. I'm hopeful this makes the AAC a consistent 4-5 bid league.

Ten years ago, I would agree with you. However, the AAC is still on the outside looking in, and the game is fixed on behalf of the Power 5 (plus the OBE in Ball).