(ST. GEORGE, Utah – July 1, 2026) Utah Tech University begins its third decade of NCAA competition by ushering in a new era as Trailblazer Athletics officially became a member of the Big Sky Conference on Wednesday.

Fifteen of Utah Tech’s 18 sports will compete in the Big Sky, including men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, football, men’s and women’s golf, women’s soccer, softball, women’s tennis, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track & field, and volleyball.

Utah Tech’s other three sports are affiliate members in two other leagues. The Trailblazer baseball and men’s soccer programs officially became members of the Mountain West Conference on Wednesday, while the women’s swimming program will begin its second season as a member of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) this upcoming fall.

“We are excited and proud to officially be members of the Big Sky Conference,” said Ken Beazer, Utah Tech University Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “As we begin our third decade of NCAA competition, it is gratifying to know that all the hard work and sacrifices, and the successes we achieved over those first 20 years, has led us to this great day.

“The Big Sky is a conference that is known nationwide for its stability and athletic prowess,” Beazer added. “As I said when we made the announcement last year, I believe Utah Tech University has a lot to offer the Big Sky as it continues to evolve into one of the premier conferences in the country.”

Utah Tech is now one of three “Beehive State” universities which are members of the Big Sky Conference, including charter member Weber State and fellow newcomer Southern Utah. SUU also returned to the Big Sky after it had departed to join the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in 2022.

The conference also features charter members Idaho, Idaho State, Montana, and Montana State, along with full members in Eastern Washington, Northern Arizona, Northern Colorado, and Portland State. In addition, Cal Poly and UC Davis are football-only affiliate members.

Conference members have won 14 NCAA championships, including eight in football by five different members, as well as six of the last 10 Division I men’s cross country titles by NAU. For more information on the Big Sky Conference, please visit BigSkyConf.com.

For more information on Trailblazer Athletics, please visit UtahTechTrailblazers.com.