There reportedly is some sentiment for the league to remain at eight schools for the 2005-06 academic year, although more discussion is scheduled for today after Idaho officials make a presentation.

UH-Manoa chancellor Peter Englert, who represents the University of Hawai'i at the meetings, declined comment on how he would vote or which way he was leaning, a spokesman said. WAC commissioner Karl Benson refused to put a percentage on Idaho's chances.

"The presidents are prepared to give full evaluation of what is in the best interests of the league," Benson said. "The eight (schools) versus nine (decision) is the first element and, obviously, if they choose a nine-team league, then that would clear the way for the University of Idaho."

Idaho is the only candidate being considered as the presidents and chancellors wrap up their three-day annual meeting at Half Moon Bay, Calif.

If approved, Idaho, which has competed in the Sun Belt Conference in football and the Big West in other sports, would join New Mexico State and Utah State, whose entry into the WAC on July 1, 2005, was approved last October.

They replace Rice, Southern Methodist, Texas-El Paso and Tulsa. Those teams will join Conference USA on the same date.

WAC bylaws require approval of at least 75 percent of the voting members to add a member, but conference officials yesterday refused to say who would be voting: all 10 current members, just the returning six members or the six returning and two incoming members.

•	University of Idaho facts Location: Moscow, Idaho Enrollment: 12,310. Sports: 16 (9 women, 7 men) Arena : Kibbie (7,000 for basketball). Stadium: Kibbie (16,000 for football). Current affiliations: Sun Belt (football), Big West (other sports).

Benson said both the vote and the details of who would be voting were privileged. "We've adopted some procedures that will allow the WAC to continue business in an effective manner," Benson said.

If 10 members vote, Idaho would require approval from at least eight. If six vote, five would be required.

The directors also could offer Idaho football-only membership or choose to defer the issue and vote by conference call later in the month. To leave the Sun Belt for 2005-06, Idaho must announce its intention before July 1.

A nine-team conference would allow the WAC to play a balanced schedule (four home games, four away) in football and help fill out schedules in other sports. In addition, a ninth member would provide insurance in case Louisiana Tech, which will be on the eastern flank of the conference more than 800 miles from the nearest member, decides to leave or financially challenged San Jose State sustains additional problems.

But a nine-team conference complicates basketball travel and there is some sentiment that Idaho still would be available at a future date, if needed.