It's official: Texas A&M to join SEC
September 25, 2011
After a busy Saturday throughout the Southeastern Conference, things got interesting on Sunday when they announced that Texas A&M would be joining the conference.
The Aggies are going to be the 13th member of the SEC and will compete in the Western Division. Earlier this month, the SEC voted to conditionally invite A&M, but on Sunday they dropped the conditional part and announced the Aggies will join the SEC on July 1, 2012.
There is no word yet, if Baylor or the Big 12 have waived their rights of legal actions, but since that's what was holding the SEC back from making it official, it appears that could be the case.
Adding another maroon and white team to the SEC West may lead some to think that Mississippi State could have a problem, but when the news broke, all of MSU seemed to be congratulating and welcoming the Aggies into the premiere college football conference.
In a statement released Sunday night, MSU athletic director Scott Striklin said, "The Mississippi State athletic department – our coaches, student-athletes and administration – is excited to welcome Texas A&M to the Southeastern Conference. Texas A&M is a school with great traditions, and its passionate fan base fits nicely with the unique culture of the SEC. We look forward to athletic competitions with the Aggies, while working together off the field to make the SEC an even stronger conference."
Even though Texas A&M dropped a heartbreaker on Saturday night, they have planned a formal news conference scheduled for 6 p.m. today at Kyle Field to announce and celebrate joining the SEC. SEC Commissioner Mike Slive is expected to be in attendance for the conference in College Station.
Since they are joining the SEC in July, the Aggies will be completing in the SEC West next football season and they will bring a total of 20 athletic teams to the conference.
