The WAC is concerned that UH might go independent

HSA Note: "While Benson attended the UH-Southern California football game Thursday night during a three-day visit, he also met with Manoa chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw and athletic director Jim Donovan about UH's intentions."


Declining to say whether he would report to the other WAC members about UH's possibly going independent, Karl Benson said:
"They are doing what every other AD and president needs to do right now, evaluate their options." (HSA)


One WAC official said:
"(People) are nervous about what they (UH) might do." (HSA)


HSA Note: "With the announced departures of Boise State in 2011-12 and Fresno State and Nevada for 2012-13 for the Mountain West Conference, the WAC will be down to six members for 2012-13, unless new members are added. And, the reduction could come as early as 2011-12 should Fresno State and Nevada negotiate early releases. The loss of UH, the senior surviving member in its 32nd season, or any other school would put the conference's NCAA automatic qualifying status in doubt and spell the end of the 48-year-old WAC."


About how other WAC schools are worried that UH will go independent, Chancellor Hinshaw said:
"There have been a lot of concerns expressed during the last few weeks by our WAC partners, including me, in view of the abrupt departure of two members, so we have all heard some of that, directly or indirectly. Jim and I have been very open with the membership about the fact we are examining all options, including going independent in football. From my perspective, we have to do what is in the long-term best interests of the University of Hawaii at Manoa at this point." (HSA)


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