Tarleton possibly going division I

By Caleb McCaig – 

Conference realignment is not something new to college football. It’s been happening at a constant rate in division one for the past two years. Until now Tarleton State University students, athletes and alumni had nothing to worry about. But with this year’s announcement that Abilene Christian University and Incarnate Word are both leaving the Division II Lone Star Conference, for the Division 1 Southland Conference, there is a thought of concern.

Tarleton President Dominic Dottavio sent out a campus wide email Friday explaining the possible choices for Tarleton. These possible situations include moving into a Division I conference, affiliating with a new Division II conference, or possibly adding to the Lone Star Conference.

The reason for whatever move the university makes, Dottavio said, is the departure of Abilene Christian and Incarnate Word makes “scheduling an adequate number of competitive events with other universities next year and in the years to come difficult.

With Incarnate Word and Abilene Christian in the Lone Star Conference, there was nine football schools, and 11 schools total in other sports. With those two universities leaving, the remaining members would include Tarleton State University, Angelo State University, Cameron University (non-football member), Eastern New Mexico University, Mid-Western State University, Texas A&M Commerce University, Texas A&M Kingsville, Texas Women’s University (non-football member), and West Texas A&M.