Let’s be clear. This is a basketball website. It is filled with content about WAC Hoops. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t share news from around the WAC involving other sports. $20 million dollars towards a new stadium is some big news. Accusations against a former WAC member related to inequities in all sports is news. Learning how scrimmages went with limited information is news.
So, let’s get to it.
Utah Valley Announces Major Investment in Soccer Program
Utah Valley made a huge announcement on Tuesday. Athletic Director Jared Sumsion announced that a $20 million soccer stadium will be built to house the men’s and women’s soccer teams. 22,000 square feet. Locker rooms, team lounges, chairback seats, covered plaza, MLS-style press box and 10 luxury suites.
HUGE news in Orem. Utah Community Credit Union will have the naming rights to the stadium. UCCU also has the naming rights to the UCCU Center and UCCU Ballpark, both on the campus of Utah Valley University.
“This is a transformational game-changer for our student-athletes,” Sumsion said. UCCU Soccer Stadium will be among the finest in the country and will provide the best premium experience that NCAA soccer has to offer.”
“An investment in UVU is an investment in the future,” UCCU CEO Bret VanAusdal said.
Always fun getting to do high paced editing. It's like riding a bike. #GoUVU pic.twitter.com/JihkSSmwxM
— Ben Schroeder (@borysfx) October 25, 2022
Former WAC Member Facing Some Heat
Many people were a little confused as to why the WAC invited Incarnate Word to join the conference last Winter. Lack of investment in athletics, lack of adequate facilities, and simply not good in most sports outside of football.
But in the landscape of college sports, football seems to rule all. And that was a big reason the Cardinals were invited to join the WAC.
On Tuesday, a tweet was posted with some major implications toward the university.
The post includes:
- Lack of marketing and social media for certain sports compared to football
- Baseball not having money to feed or house their players on campus.
- Volleyball budget cut by $9,000 this year.
- Track being told their budget will not be increased.
- Men’s basketball budget increased because head coach got a raise but women’s basketball budget did not.
And so it goes. To many it’s not surprising. But, it paints a picture that is not pleasant for the former WAC member who backed out of the WAC at the last second.
Enough is enough. I’ve read this over and over and cried because I know A LOT of what these brave empowered student athletes said is TRUE. Wake up @uiwcardinals I’m shaking with anger and so should the female student athletes that leadership has neglected, this is a cry for help! pic.twitter.com/LQnESGJLer
— Margie Olivares ? (@MargieOlivares) October 25, 2022
‘Secret Scrimmages’ Are Underway
Grand Canyon and Arizona State played in a ‘secret scrimmage’ this past weekend. And, while stats weren’t released, the overall tune was that Presbyterian transfer Rayshon Harrison is going to be a player.
“Two words … Rayshon Harrison,” source told WAC Hoops Digest. Same source said that Jovan Blacksher Jr. was really good.
Harrison was a preseason All-WAC second team selection and Blacksher was the preseason Player of the Year for a Lopes squad that many believe are going to win the WAC in 2022-23.
California Baptist took on San Francisco this past weekend. According to a source, the Lancers were happy with how things went.
Scrimmage note: San Francisco picked up a scrimmage win at California Baptist earlier today. Five Dons finished in double-figure scoring in what was an efficient day for USF, per a source. #WCC #WAC
— Rocco Miller (@RoccoMiller8) October 24, 2022
And Sam Houston also had a ‘secret scrimmage’ this past weekend. Per a source, nobody got hurt, new guys did new guys things, and it was a good learning opportunity.
Both California Baptist and Sam Houston are among some of the names that could win the WAC in 2022-23.
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