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MURFREESBORO President Sidney McPhees charge to his Middle Tennessee State University coaches is simple entering Conference USA: Dominate. Thats easier said than done, especially in a league redefining itself amid a shakeup that brings in eight new member schools, including MTSU, on Monday. MTSU and its fans will celebrate the long-awaited entrance into C-USA, but McPhee said work toward athletic success in the conference started long ago. I have already passed that, and Im looking ahead, McPhee said. Quite frankly, Ive already talked to (athletic director Chris Massaro) and our coaches about How do we dominate Conference USA like we have dominated the Sun Belt? We are looking at how we position ourselves for that next movement, whether its in my tenure or someone elses tenure. Winning in C-USA is attainable for MTSU. Though C-USAs brand is regarded more highly than the Sun Belt, the two leagues have been quite comparable athletically the past few years. And MTSU has been the Sun Belts best, winning the leagues Bubas Cup all-sports trophy in nine of the 13 years its been in the league, including the past five in a row. Still, this weeks move offers a new challenge to the Blue Raiders on the field and court, particularly in the depth of competition. North Texas, a well-rounded athletic school, makes the move from the Sun Belt to C-USA alongside MTSU. Western Kentucky, the most comparable to MTSUs overall athletic success, comes to C-USA next year. Read More: http://www.dnj.com/article/20130630/BLUERAIDERS02/306300035/Blue-Raiders-ready-C-USA-competition

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MURFREESBORO — Conference USA has reportedly begun to make its selection of new members, and thus far MTSU has not appeared on the shopping list. Texas-San Antonio accepted an invitation in principle to CUSA on Saturday, as reported by CBSsports.com. Sun Belt Conference members Florida International and North Texas and Western Athletic Conference member Louisiana Tech are reportedly the likely three remaining suitors for CUSA’s expansion for 2013, and Charlotte could be a future fifth addition, if needed. If true, that would leave MTSU on the outside looking in for inclusion into CUSA, perceived as a better option than the Sun Belt, where the Blue Raiders have been since 2001. http://www.tennessean.com/article/D4/20120428/BLUERAIDERS01/304280053/Reports-MTSU-not-CUSA-immediate-plans?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CSports%7Cs