Expanded Rocky Mountain Conference Kicks Off

The Rocky Mountain Men's DII conference starts this weekend, and it's a busy weekend - something you don't normally hear about that league.

Two years ago, the Rocky Mountain Conference consisted of two teams. Last year, it doubled to four teams. This year, it has doubled again, to eight teams. One of those teams, Air Force B, will not be eligible for the post-season, but will be tough regardless. Defending champs Colorado School of Mines returns and is nicely placed to repeat. Western State, which finished 2nd last year with a 4-2 record, returns, as does Colorado College, which finished winless.

Regis University has transitioned to an NSCRO Conference with Northern Colorado, Denver, and New Mexico Highlands, and has left the Rocky Mountain. Added to those three returning teams and Air Force B will be Metro State, Montana State, Colorado-Colorado Springs (UCCS), and Colorado Mesa. 

"We had a really exciting meeting at a 7s fixture last April in Ft. Collins with nearly all of the current conference participants in attendance," said Amy Rusert, league commissioner, about the expansion plans. "We're anticipating a competitive season across the board and a horse race between the top  teams as they begin to emerge. We're particularly excited about the inclusion of USAFA's Developmental squad - a great offering for USAFA's depth and an equally great competitive addition to regular season conference games."

This weekend, Montana State faces off with Western State at a neutral site, while Mines opens up at Air Force B, which is an excellent test for those teams to see how tey measure up. Colorado Mesa will host Metro State on Sunday.