Big Ten History



With the recent news that 2 Californ-I-A schools (UCLA and USC) have been invited to join the Big Ten Conference, it got me wondering about the history of the conferences's membership.

1896 add:
University of Chicago
Illinois
Michigan
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Purdue
Northwestern

1899 add:
Iowa
Indiana

1912 add:
Ohio State

1946 remove:
University of Chicago

1949 add:
Michigan State

-- with the addition of Michigan State, this brought the conference to 10 schools, which stuck for 41 years

1990 add:
Penn State

2011 add:
Nebraska

2014 add:
Maryland
Rutgers


So, the Big Ten is currently 10+4 and will soon be 10+6 -- spreading from coast-to-coast across the USA.

It's crazy.  And makes no sense, except from a $$$$$$ standpoint -- which is unfortunately what's controlling college sports these days.  Heck, even collegiate athletes can whore themselves out to the highest bidding sponsor.   Uggh.

Will they even stick with the name "Big Ten"?  Or, will they retire that name in favor of something new?

My guess is they'll keep it for history's/tradition sake.


Grace & Peace & Love to you all -

Matt


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