Pac-12 Conference

WELCOME I WANT TO WELCOME YOU TO THE NEW PAC-12, a Conference that is steeped in tradition and focused on defining the future. Expanding for the first time in 33 years, we have great pride and respect for our rich history of academic excellence and superior athletic achievement. It has literally defined us as the "Conference of Champions" and we will continue to uphold the traditions and embrace that broad-based commitment to success as we enter a new era in college athletics. The remarkable student-athletes and leaders who have helped shape our Conference for nearly a century have allowed Pac-12 programs to capture 448 NCAA titles, by far the most of any conference in the country. And that does not include the 2,054 individual championships our multi-talented student-athletes have won. We are extremely proud of the overwhelming success that the Pac-12 has had in Olympic sports. We consistently produce more Olympians than any conference in the country and have had our former student-athletes amass 1,092 medals in the modern Olympic era. If the Pac-12 were a sovereign nation it would rank fourth in the history of Olympic achievement, trailing only the United States (2,549), the Soviet Union (1,204) and Germany (1,099) in total medals. As Commissioner, I intend to devote special attention to these sports by exploring ways to enhance Conference championships and generate greater exposure for our teams and student-athletes. I was a beneficiary of intercollegiate athletics and am very passionate about the mission and role sports can play as part of a broader academic experience. As you watch these student-athletes compete, I hope you will appreciate their pure skill and dedication to athletics, as well as their ability to balance the academic demands of some of our country's top institutions. As a fan, we also need you on our team as we create an atmosphere that is fun for our student-athletes and family friendly. Your courtesy to student-athletes from other teams and our officials is appreciated and expected. We hope you agree with us, and the NCAA, about the importance of sportsmanship: "Respect is the name of the game." We are very excited about what the future holds for this Conference and these championships provide us with the backdrop to help us celebrate the excellence and competitive balance upon which the Pac-12 has been built. Thank you for being part of our team and enjoy the championships. Sincerely, Commissioner Larry Scott PAC-12 CONFERENCE // WELCOME

• Cover