Northwest Notes Sept. 11, 2026

College of Western Idaho applies for NJCAA membership

The College of Western Idaho, located in Nampa, has applied for membership in the National Junior College Athletic Association, the national governing association for two-year college athletics.

The application is a formal step in CWI’s plans to establish an intercollegiate athletics program.  

CWI, which opened in 2007, has grown to serve more than 36,000 students, with 98.6% coming from Idaho. 

“Submitting this application reflects the momentum that has been building since CWI announced plans to establish athletics,” CWI athletic director Mahmood Sheikh said. “Our campus and community are rallying around this vision, and we’re energized by the work ahead. There is still a great deal of heavy lifting to do, but the opportunities created will be well worth it. We are creating a pathway for Southwest Idaho student-athletes to pursue their academic goals close to home while competing and showcasing their talents at the collegiate level.”

Pending approval of its application, CWI will become a member of the Scenic West Athletic Conference as part of NJCAA Region 18, which includes North Idaho College and the College of Southern Idaho among eight colleges in Idaho, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah.  

As part of the membership process, NJCAA representatives will conduct a campus visit next month. The college expects a decision on its application from the NJCAA Board of Regents in spring 2027.

If accepted by the NJCAA, CWI would be able to compete during the 2028-29 academic year, but would be on probationary status, meaning no postseason participation for their teams. If proper progress is made by the athletic department, CWI would be eligible for postseason play in 2029-30.

"2027 would be what is called Year 0," said Dr. Brett Monaghan, vice president for championships, memberships and sports governance for the NJCAA. "CWI would have a series of educational components they would work on monthly with our office over Year 0 to prepare them for membership. Additionally, they would receive access to the NJCAA Admin Portal, which provides them access to many things, including National Letters of Intent, giving them the ability to sign student-athletes for academic year 2028-29, which is what we call Year 1. They would be able to compete during the 28-29 academic year, but would be on probationary status, which means no postseason participation for their teams. Given that they make positive progress and meet all the required marks during Year 0 and Year 1, they would be eligible for postseason participation in 2029-30."

CWI plans to launch intramural sports and recreational programs during the 2026-27 academic year.

CWI said a team would not begin competing until it is fully funded, with each sport supported by an endowment. This model is intended to provide stable, long-term support for CWI Athletics.

Specific sports, competition schedules, facilities, and start dates will be announced as plans are finalized, funding is secured, and the NJCAA membership process advances.

Zags officially announce Battle in Seattle game vs. Oregon

Gonzaga men's basketball and Oregon will square off in the Battle in Seattle on Jan. 30.

Tickets for the matchup at Climate Pledge Arena, along with tip-off time and broadcast information, will be announced at a later date.

This will be the 16th edition of the Battle in Seattle. The Bulldogs hold a 9-6 record in the event all-time. Then-No. 7 Gonzaga fell to No. 4 Kentucky, 90-89 in overtime, in the last event in 2024.

The Bulldog and Duck matchup will be the 28th all-time meeting between the Pacific Northwest programs. Oregon has won 22 of the previous matchups, but GU has won the last two meetings, in the 2019 Battle 4 Atlantis and last season in Portland. Last season, the then-No. 7 Bulldogs pulled away from Oregon in the Moda Center, 91-82. Braden Huff scored 20 points for GU.

Prior to the 2019 matchup, the teams had not met since 1999. Oregon won the first-ever meeting, 29-22, in Spokane on Feb. 14, 1912.

Previous Battle in Seattle Results

Dec. 13, 2003 - #17 Gonzaga 87, #3 Missouri 80 (OT)

Dec. 4, 2004 - Gonzaga, 68, Massachusetts 57

Dec. 10, 2005 - #11 Gonzaga, 64, Oklahoma State 62

Dec. 30, 2006 - #18 Nevada 82, Gonzaga 74

Dec. 29, 2007 - #11 Tennessee 82, Gonzaga 72

Dec. 20, 2008 - #2 Connecticut 88, # 7 Gonzaga 83 (OT)

Dec. 12, 2009 - #21 Gonzaga 103, Davidson 91

Dec. 4, 2010 - #20 Illinois 73, Gonzaga 61

Dec. 17, 2011 - Gonzaga 71, Arizona 60

Dec. 15, 2012 - #14 Gonzaga 68, Kansas State 52

Dec. 14, 2013 - #20 Gonzaga 68, South Alabama 58

Dec. 20, 2014 - #8 Gonzaga 63, Cal Poly 50

Dec. 19, 2015 - #9 Gonzaga 86, Tennessee 79

Dec.  4, 2021 - #16 Alabama 91, #3 Gonzaga 82

Dec. 7, 2024 - #4 Kentucky 90, #7 Gonzaga 89 (OT)