ST. GEORGE, Utah-Wednesday, Dixie State University officially advanced to Division I, joining the Western Athletic Conference as the Denver-based conference’s eighth full member.

This officially occurred January 11, 2019 and upon completion of a four-year reclassification process, Dixie State will be eligible for NCAA Division I postseason competitions in all sports beginning in the 2024-25 season.

During the reclassification period, 15 of Dixie State’s 16 sports will compete in the WAC. The Dixie State football program will compete as an independent at the Football Championship Subdivision level.

Trailblazers squads will be able to compete for WAC regular season conference titles immediately. Individual sports (cross country, swimming, indoor/outdoor track and golf) will be eligible to compete for conference championships right away.

Golf’s participation in conference championships during the transition period will be limited to only as individuals with no team scoring.

Dr. Jason Boothe, Dixie State’s director of athletics, said this will be a challenge, especially with the curve balls the pandemic is throwing presently.

Dixie State advanced from NJCAA status in 2006-07 to NCAA Division II status.

WAC commissioner Jeff Hurd said Dixie State fits in with the conference because of their commitment to quality athletic and academic programs and the long-term vision that [Dixie State President Richard “Biff] Williams has for the university’s growth.

In the WAC, Dixie State will join fellow Beehive State school Utah Valley University, California Baptist, Grand Canyon, Chicago State, New Mexico State, Seattle U., Texas-Rio Grande Valley and fellow Division I newcomer Tarleton State.

In select sports, WAC members also include Air Force, Houston Baptist, Idaho, Incarnate Word, UNLV, Northern Arizona, Northern Colorado, Sacramento State and San Jose State.