Saddest day in KC sports history? Maybe!

For over 100 years, sports fans in the Great Plains have enjoyed watching teams affiliated with what began as the Big Six, which became the Big Seven, then Eight and most recently XII.

There was the Fifth Down game between Colorado and Missouri, the game of the century between Nebraska and Oklahoma, Kansas State's stunning upset of No. 1 Oklahoma in the 2003 Big XII championship game at Arrowhead Stadium. Multiple national championship trophies made their way to trophy counters at OU, NU, Texas and Colorado.

Cherish those memories. Beginning Tuesday, that's all we may have of this league that has brought us Dr. Tom Osborne, Barry Switzer, Bill Snyder and countless Heisman Trophy winners.

This much we know: Colorado is headed west, young man, and Nebraska is moving on to greener pastures to the east. The 2010-11 sports season will be the last of the Big XII as we know the Big XII now. Nebraska is scheduled to begin playing in the Big Ten in the 2011-12 year. Colorado won't join the Pac-10 until the 2012-13 school year.

Beyond that, we have to wait until the Texas Board of Regents meets Tuesday in Austin, Texas. Like it or not, the Texas Longhorns hold the hand that affects Kansas, K-State, Missouri, Baylor and Iowa State. The way I see it, if Texas bolts for the Pac-10 or somewhere else, the Big XII is history. The Big XII can survive without Nebraska OR Texas but unfortunately not both.

"If the University of Texas were to decide that they want to be a member of the Big 12, then I'm confident the Big 12 would stay together," Iowa State President Gregory Geoffroy told The Associated Press. "If the University of Texas decides they do not wish to and wish to do something else, then I think the conference will be greatly altered."

If Texas remains united with the nine other brethren, this league can make it.

As of now, the Big Ten is not interested in any other Big XII members like Missouri, Commissioner Dan Beebe said Friday afternoon.

"If the 10 members we have left remain together, we have 10 that have more value than the 11 have in the Pac-10," Beebe said. "There can still be some value to a 10-member conference."

Now for the speculation: all indications point to Texas and Texas Tech going to the Pac-10 with Oklahoma and Okie State. Texas A&M?

The Austin American Statesman reported that Texas A&M is torn between joining the Pac-10 or Southeastern Conference. The newspaper noted the Aggies have a 72-hour timetable to accept the Pac-10's offer.

Friday evening, Conference-USA came into the picture concerning the five teams that are left. East Carolina Athletic Director Terry Holland said C-USA is preparing to compete for the remaining Big XII members if the meltdown continues to a full implosion, according to a statement.

K-State President Kirk Schulz and AD John Currie issued a joint statement on Friday.

"Obviously, this is a critical moment in the history of K-State but also one of great opportunity. We are in constant communication with each other, and our sole focus remains on the process of maintaining K-State's significant and meaningful place in intercollegiate athletics.

"We also remain in regular contact with the governor, Board of Regents and our respective counterparts at the University of Kansas as we work in concert and examine all our options."

KU and Mizzou will land on their feet in a power conference, whether it's the Big East, ACC or perhaps the SEC or Pac-10. K-State may not be as fortunate. Because the Wildcats don't have the basketball draw like KU, the Mountain West, where Boise State landed from the WAC, is one possibility for the Wildcats.

"We have a strong desire to keep this league together," Beebe said. "I'm going to go all the way to the final whistle to fight for the 10 teams that are left."

If the Big XII remains, there are issues like scheduling to work out. Remember, conference schedules are made up years in advance so teams can piece their non-conference schedules in place. Beebe said Friday that how the league conducts conference regular-season and conference championships will now be up to the member schools.

One of the headlines in today's Kansas City Star said it best: "Is this the worst day in KC sports history?"

Doubtful. It may be the second-worst day only behind what we read next week.

My shout-out this week goes to Bren Fisher, who qualified for the Kansas Amateur Golf Tournament Friday. Bren is my ace in the hole concerning any golf questions and aided in my blog last week on here. The Kansas Amateur is soon at Hutchinson's Prairie Dunes, site of several USGA events including the U.S. Women's Open a few years ago. Nice goin' Bren!