Game days are about to get a little more exciting in St. George now that Dixie State University has accepted an invitation to join the Western Athletic Conference and begin the transition to NCAA Division I Athletics. Once we officially secure NCAA Division I status in June 2020, Dixie State will reap the many benefits that come along with this new standing. For example, Division I schools often experience increases in scholarships, enrollment, and completion rates. Other benefits like higher academic standards, additional national attention, and increased tourism revenues will be amazing benefits for the university and community as a whole. Another highlight of this transition for fans will be the creation of intense rivalries, such as one with fellow WAC member Utah Valley. Imagine the thrill—not to mention the bragging rights—that will come along with the Trailblazers’ first victory over the Wolverines. Additionally, we can pick up where we left off with Cal Baptist, with whom we were PacWest conference contenders just a few years ago. As a Division I school, we also will have the opportunity to play other nearby D-I teams such as Southern Utah University, Weber State, and Northern Arizona. The stands are definitely going to get loud as we show these schools what Trailblazer pride is all about. Start preparing your grill so it’s ready for the 2020 tailgate season; you won’t want to miss the fun of the full D-I game day experience.
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Since securing university status in 2013, Dixie State has made significant progress toward gaining full university stature. For example, academic programs have been added to increase the University’s total offerings from 60 to 200, and student enrollment has grown by 16 percent in the last three years alone. Other advancements, such as adding the 5,000-seat eastside grandstand to Trailblazer Richard “Biff” Williams Stadium and rebranding the University’s athletic identity to President of Dixie State University the Trailblazers, have specifically prepared the University for this monumental move. Today, the transition to Division I Athletics is the next step in securing full university stature. For more information about Dixie State joining the WAC, please visit dixiestateathletics.com. I am excited for the opportunity for our talented studentathletes to thrive on a bigger stage. Let’s pack the house and show our Trailblazer student-athletes our support! Go Trailblazers!
4/17/17 11:08 AM