Thompson chosen as new commissioner

Friday, Oct. 16, 1998 | 11:07 a.m.

Craig Thompson, who has been commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference for eight seasons, will head the new conference being assembled by the eight schools leaving the Western Athletic Conference.

The announcement on Thursday was made by Albert Yates, president of Colorado State University, which is joining UNLV, Air Force, Wyoming, Utah, San Diego State, New Mexico, and Brigham Young in the new conference.

Thompson will take over duties Jan. 1, 1999, but is expected to help with major decisions relating to the conference ahead of that, such as finding a location for the headquarters, Yates said.

Yates also said the presidents of the schools involved have reached a consensus on a name for the conference, but a few details must be resolved before an announcement is made.

"I'm excited to be involved in the beginnings of such a great organization. This is a tremendous opportunity because of the level of quality of the institutions involved, both academically and athletically," Thompson said.

Thompson also has served as commissioner of The American South Confernece and was director of communications for The Metro Conference.

"The caliber of candidates we had for this position was gratifying, and I am confident that Craig will be an effective advocate for the eight institutions in the conference," UNLV President Dr. Carol Harter said.