For Immediate Release: July 16, 2007
Contact: John Hartrick (hartrick@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6800

Binghamton University golf joins new America Sky conference
Bearcats, Hartford join six schools from Big Sky in golf-only league

Conference Press Release

VESTAL, N.Y. - Binghamton University's golf program will be a member of the newly-formed America Sky Golf Conference beginning this fall. The Bearcats and Hartford will join six other schools from acorss the country: former Big Sky Conference members Idaho State University, University of Northern Colorado, Sacramento State University and Weber State University plus independent programs at University of Texas-Pan American and Utah Valley State College.

Both the America East and the Big Sky didn't have enough member schools that sponsored golf, so the merger will allow those programs to continue a competitive schedule within a conference structure. The NCAA Division I Management Council Administrative Committee approved the new America Sky Conference as an active NCAA Division I conference for the fall. The new conference will petition to gain NCAA Championship automatic qualifier status for the 2009-10 season.

"Our inclusion in the America Sky Golf Conference will be a huge lift to our program," fifth-year head coach Nick Lasky said. "I would like to thank Dr. Thirer and Jim Norris for their leadership and support in seeing this golf conference come to fruition. This will change the complexion of Binghamton University golf in a very positive way."

The Bearcats have enjoyed great success in their six years of Division I competition, boasting three NCAA regional appearances and two conference titles. The team has been one of the top-rated teams in the Northeast during that time frame. Hartford nipped BU to capture the final America East title this past spring and also received an NCAA at-large berth.

Northern Colorado captured the 2006 National Independent Men's Golf Championship and has earned 11 top-10 finishes over the last two seasons. Sacramento State, winner of the 2007 independent championship, and Weber State, with seven top-10 finishes last year, also have strong programs.

The first America Sky Men's Golf Conference Championship will be held September 24-25 as part of the Weber State Purple & Red Invitational in Layton, Utah.