The annual championship event featuring teams from a specific athletic conference in the western United States determines the automatic bid to the subsequent national collegiate tournament. This competition showcases the culmination of the regular season, offering a high-stakes environment where teams vie for conference supremacy and a coveted spot in the national spotlight.
Its importance lies in providing smaller conference schools the opportunity for national recognition and increased athletic program funding. Successful participation enhances institutional prestige, attracts prospective student-athletes, and bolsters community engagement. Furthermore, historical context reveals the evolution of this tournament, reflecting shifts in conference membership, rule changes, and the growing competitiveness of collegiate athletics.
