Conference cuts list of candidates

The field has been reduced to three as the eight schools that are leaving the Western Athletic Conference try to close in on a commissioner.

The field has been narrowed to former UNLV associate AD Keith Tribble, currently the executive director of the Orange Bowl game, Sun Belt commissioner Craig Thompson and Wright Waters, who heads up the sports marketing department at Alabama.

Turner Sports' Dave Maggard withdrew from consideration earlier this week.

Kevin Wieberg, another finalist, was hired Thursday afternoon as the commissioner of the Big 12 Conference. Wieberg, who is currently the deputy commissioner of the Big Ten, agreed to a three-year contract and will start his new post in January.

Colorado State athletic director Tim Weiser, who chaired the subcommittee for the commissioner's search, said the new league is comfortable with its finalists.

"Each has strengths that would bring something to the table," he said. "I don't want to get into the specifics of each individual at this point, but we've got four excellent candidates."

Weiser said the hope of having a commissioner named before the end of the month still is realistic. Plans are to have the three remaining candidates meet with the presidents council individually in the next 10 days and then allow the presidents to make their decision.

"We're still on track," he said of the new league making its announcement.

As for when an announcement regarding the new league's name would take place, Weiser said the presidents have not officially been given the three names upon which to make their decision. Sources have said "Mountain West Conference" was the likely name over "American West Conference" and "Great West Conference."

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