TCU Joins Big 12
TCU’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved Monday an invitation from the Big 12 to join the conference in all sports effective July 1, 2012.
TCU will join Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and Texas Tech. All 10 institutions in the Big 12 will be in the Central time zone.
“Joining the Big 12 connects us not only to schools with whom we share a rich tradition in sports, but also to schools committed to academic excellence,” TCU Chancellor Victor J. Boschini Jr. said. “Over the past six years, TCU has seen unprecedented success in academics and athletics.
“Participating in this conference allows us to strengthen the core of the TCU experience, which includes providing students with major opportunities in a personalized environment. It is very much in line with our overall goal to create a world-class university.”
Momentum defines TCU athletics.
The Horned Frog football team has made back-to-back BCS appearances, including a 2011 Rose Bowl championship. TCU is also the only school in the nation to be ranked in the top 10 each of the last three years in the season-ending Associated Press and USA Today polls.
A $164 million renovation of Amon G. Carter Stadium, to be completed in time for next season, will increase its seating capacity to approximately 50,000. Included among the renovation are 30 suites and 2,500 club seats.
Over the last two years, 16 of TCU’s 20 sports have been represented in NCAA postseason play. Highlights include the Horned Frog baseball team reaching the 2010 College World Series, women’s basketball having nine NCAA Tournament appearances in its run of 11 straight postseason trips and the rifle team winning the 2010 NCAA championship.
The Big 12’s television package will bring unprecedented exposure for TCU. ABC owns the national over-the-air network rights to Big 12 football through the 2015 season. Fox Sports Net (FSN) controls the cable distribution of games and will place games on Fox Sports Net outlets, Fox College Sports (FCS), FX and sublicense games to ESPN.
“TCU’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to give the University’s administration authority to become a member of the Big 12,” TCU chairman of the board of trustees Clarence Scharbauer III said. “TCU is unique in higher education and as Board members, we have the responsibility to guide and nurture this great institution. Voting to move into the Big 12 today retains our uniqueness, connects us with old rivals and energizes TCU’s future.”
The Big 12 sponsors all of the sports TCU currently fields in the Mountain West in addition to equestrian.
“While this is indeed an incredible day for the Horned Frog Nation, we need to recognize the Mountain West and Big East,” TCU director of intercollegiate athletics Chris Del Conte said. “The Mountain West has been a great home to TCU, enabling our athletics program to grow and be in position to receive and accept an invitation to join the Big 12. We are also appreciative of the Big East for providing an opportunity for TCU. We have great respect for the leadership of the Big East and all its members.
“The Big 12 is a perfect fit for TCU. With our historical ties to Baylor, Texas and Texas Tech, as well as the close proximity to the other league members, we couldn’t be more excited to have the Big 12 as our new home. It’s been unbelievable to see the excitement among our constituents. We are very proud to represent Fort Worth and the entire Metroplex in the Big 12.
“It’s truly a historic time and a great day to be a Horned Frog!”
