One member of the remaining Pac-12 Conference stated publicly its support for its student-athletes and focus toward the upcoming 2023-24 athletics season.
About one week since five members of the Pac-12 Conference announced plans to depart in 2024 and leave the conference with four programs, the Oregon State athletic department released a statement Friday addressed to “Beaver Nation” affirming its commitment to Beaver student-athletes during an uncertain time for the Pac-12.
Oregon State University President Jayathi Murthy also released a statement according to John Canzano, and she stated that “Oregon State is playing an important role in navigating both the future of the Pac-12 and the realignment among universities across the Western United States more broadly.”
“We continue to believe that preserving the Pac-12 is in the best interests of OSU student-athletes and the remaining universities, and so we are doing everything in our control to stabilize and rebuild the conference,” Murthy stated.
Oregon State alongside Cal, Stanford and Washington State make up the remainder of the Pac-12. After this year, the Big Ten, Big 12 and Southeastern conferences will have at least 16 programs while the Atlantic Coast Conference hasn’t seen much impact to this point.
The Beavers athletic department directly addressed current concern for the direction of Oregon State athletics and in what conference it could compete.
“We know you are eager for an announcement on our path forward regarding conference affiliation,” the release stated. “We continue to aggressively pursue all opportunities and options, with the interest of our student-athletes at the forefront of our minds.”
Murthy stated she and Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes met with Beavers student-athletes, alumni and state and local government representatives to further understand the implications of what the Pac-12 has been left with.
“With the eyes of the nation upon us, we have an opportunity to unite, fight and show everyone what Oregon State fans already know: Beaver Nation, like our student-athletes, always shows up and never backs down,” the release stated.
Murthy also stated Oregon State will be “rallying our supporters, speaking out, and lifting up the voices of student-athletes, alumni, fans, and the communities we serve.”
Oregon State is part of the Pac-12 that is searching for more answers and a clearer future ahead. The Beavers, though, are doing their part in gaining attention and awareness for what they bring to the table.
“They need Beaver Nation to rise together, should-to-shoulder, supporting all our student-athletes and to not back down to any opponent,” the release stated.
