SPOKANE, Wash. — There was a lot of reaction both from conferences and fans, especially basketball fans after the announcement that Gonzaga would be joining the Pac-12.
The WCC released a statement that said, in part, "Gonzaga has been a valued member of the WCC for more than four decades. During this span, GU has represented the conference on the national stage with postseason success across several sports." They also affirmed the conference is focused on the future and contending for NCAA championships.
The Pac-12 also released a statement, including a warm welcome to Gonzaga from conference commissioner Teresa Gould. “We are delighted to welcome Gonzaga into the Pac 12 as they embark with us on this incredible path ahead. President McCullough and Athletics Director Chris Standiford not only bring strategic expertise and forward thinking to the conference, but they are two incredible leaders who care deeply about student success and fortifying student-athlete academic and athletic experiences. Today represents an exciting milestone for the Pac-12 as we welcome another outstanding institution with a rich history of success into our league.”
There was a lot of reaction as well on social media, with some providing great insight. Seattle AP sportswriter Tim Booth pointed out that the new Pac-12 sent six of its eight schools to the NCAA men's basketball tournament last season, reinforcing the idea that the new Pac-12 is a competitive basketball conference.
However, the realignment raises an important question for Spokane area fans: is being a fan of both WSU and Gonzaga still possible? WSU professor of journalism Matt Loveless added to Cougar fan Brett Ward's discussion about a now-forgotten rivalry. Loveless said when he returned to Pullman in 2019, dual allegiances among fans were much more common than when he left, and this may lay the groundwork for a rivalry once again.
Of course, that just applies to basketball. While there is buzz online advocating for Gonzaga to bring back their football program, there's no evidence of the Bulldogs reviving the sport. However, according to Gonzaga's library and archives, their last football game was in 1941. It ended in a 59-0 loss to a school that may be familiar: one that was formerly known as Washington State College. Maybe, all of the elements of a renewed rivalry are in place.