Yellowjackets headed for the Heartland ,Jdi 15a rto n In announcing the move to the potential move. I belie‘ie will consist of Baptist MSU-B athletic director Dr. the Heartland is happy to have University, St. Edwards Univer- Gary Gray said, "This is the re- us because we are a long stand- sity of Austin , University sult of good faith efforts by ing member of NCAA Division of the Incarnate Word, and St. • many people." Gray II, and we are glad to join the Mary's University, both located The MSU-Billings Athletic continued, "In meetings we held Heartland and its many out- in , as well as Lin- Department has decided to with the public last fall, we re- standing prog,rams." coln University of Jefferson City leave the Pacific West Confer- ceived very favorable responses The revamped Heartland Missouri, Panhandle ence and accept an offer to join State University, MSU-Billings the Heartland Conference be- and WNMU. Conference cham- ginning in the 2005-2006 pions will earn automatic NCAA school years. Fellow Pac-West tournament bids in Volleyball, member Western New Mexico Men's and Women's Cross is also set to join the Heartland. Country, Men's and Women's Talks about the MSU-B Basketball, Men's and Women's and WNMU joining the Heart- Academic & Athletic Golf, Men's and Women's Ten- land began last fall when that Excellence nis, Softball, and Baseball. conference found itself faced Perhaps the biggest change with the departure of two of its for MSU-B fans is the fact that current members, Rockhurst Yellowjacket women's basket- and Drury, following this ball will have a league for the school year. The negotiations first time since 2000 when that continued off and on for the sport as well as soccer were next four months, at one point dropped by the Pac West, follow- appearing that four Texas ing the departure of several Se- schools: Dallas Baptist, St. attle area and Alaska schools. Edwards, University of the In- Men's and women's soccer will carnate Word and St Mary's still however be without a con- would join the Pac-West. This ference as only five schools in plan was ultimately rejected the Heartland sponsor soccer and the Yellowjackets and Mus- and the necessary number for an tangs decided to join the Heart- official league according to land. NCAA regulations is six.

About the Heartland Confer- 1. Dallas Baptist University 4. Oklahoma Panhandle State Univer- 7. Western New Mexico University ence Location: Dallas, Texas s ity Location: Silver City, New Mexico Enrollment: 4538 Location: Goodwell, Oklahoma Enrollment: 2500 The Heartland Conference Men's Sports: Baseball, Golf, Tennis, Enrollment: 1300 Men's Sports: Cross Country, Foot- Soccer, Cross Country, Track & Field Men's Sports: Baseball, Basketball, ball, Basketball, Golf, Tennis currently consists of Dallas Bap- Women's Sports: Tennis, Volleyball, Football, Golf Women's Sports: Cross Country, tist University St. Edwards Uni- Cross Country, Soccer, Golf, and Women's Sports: Basketball, Golf, Volleyball, Basketball, Golf, Tennis, versity, University of the Incar- Track & Field Volleyball, Cross Country Nickname: Softball nate Word, St. Mary's University Nickname: Patriots Aggies Nickname: Mustangs , , Lincoln Colors: Red, White and Navy Colors: Red, White and Blue Colors: Purple and Gold University , , and 2. University of the Incarnate Word 5. St. Edward's University Panhandle State University. Location: San Antonio, Texas Location: Austin, Texas Following the end of this Enrollment: 4300 Enrollment: 4500 school year Rockhurst and Drury Men's Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Men's Sports: Baseball, Basketball, will be leaving the league. Cross Country, Golf, Tennis, Track/ Golf, Soccer, Tennis Field, Soccer Women's Sports: Basketball, Volley- In order to make up for los- Women's Sports: Basketball, Cross ball, Soccer, Softball, Tennis ing the teams those two institu- Country, Golf, Tennis, Volleyball, Nickname: Hilltoppers tions field the Heartland Confer- Soccer, Softball, Synchronized Colors: Navy and Gold ence has added MSU-Billings and Swimming Western New Mexico University Nickname: Cardinals 6. St. Mary's University Colors: Red, Black and White Location: San Antonio, Texas beginning in fall 2005. Enrollment: 4500 The following is a guide to 3. Lincoln University Men's Sports: Baseball, Basketball, the various schools that will along Location: Jefferson City, Missouri Golf, Tennis, Track/Field, Soccer with MSU-Billings make up the Enrollment: 3600 Women's Sports: Basketball, Cross Heartland Conference Men's Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Country, Golf, Tennis, Volleyball, Football, Golf, Track/Field Soccer, Softball Bold= Sport in common with Women's Sports: Basketball, Cross Nickname: Rattlers MSU-Billings Country, Softball, Tennis Colors: Blue and Gold Nickname: Blue Tigers Colors: Navy and White

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