In 1946, when the University of Chicago eliminated its varsity football program and withdrew its membership from the Western Conference (now known as the Big Ten), Michigan State University President John Hannah began his petition for the Spartans to take Chicago’s place as the league’s 10th member.
MSU’s quest was vehemently challenged by its “sister” school, the University of Michigan, but Hannah was not deterred, forging relationships with the balance of the Big Ten Conference presidents, including the University of Illinois’ Arthur Willard, and another Illini grad, Kenneth “Tug” Wilson, then the Commissioner of the league.
After more than three years of deft politicking by Hannah, it became official 69 years ago today – May 20, 1949: Michigan State was a member of the Big Ten.