This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The Dixie State Trailblazers are moving back into the neighborhood.

The Blazers are leaving the Great Northwest Athletic Conference to join the more geographically-friendly Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in what is a football-only move.

"This is a terrific step forward for our football program," Dixie State athletic director Jason Boothe said last month when the move was announced. "Joining the RMAC gives our team a home in a league with amazingly rich tradition. We are grateful to the GNAC and the opportunities it has provided us over the years and look forward to our future."

Coming off of last season's 3-7 finish, Dixie State will also be looking for more wins on the field in 2016. And it could happen. The Trailbazers return 19 starters from last year's squad.

Leading the way for the Trailblazers will be sophomore quarterback Tyson Blackner, senior running back DeJon Coleman and sophomore quarterback Blake Barney who led the team in passing, rushing and total offense categories, respectively, last season.

On defense, it will be junior safety Colton Olson – reigning first team All-GNAC selection who led the team with 100 tackles and two interceptions – helping anchor the back end. Four returning linemen and two linebackers join Olson on an experienced defense.

While Dixie State returns most of its key players from last season, it will have a new leader on the sideline. Former Humboldt State defensive coordinator Shay McClure is Dixie's new coach. He brought eight newcomers with him to fill out his staff. —

Dixie State schedule

Sept. 1 • N.M. Highlands, 6 p.m.

Sept. 10 • S.D. Mines, 6 p.m.

Sept. 17 • at Black Hills State (S.D.), Noon

Sept. 24 • at Central Washington, 1 p.m.

Oct. 1 • Western State (Colo.), 1 p.m.

Oct. 8 • at Chadron State (Neb.), 1 p.m.

Oct. 15 • at Colorado Mesa, 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 • Colorado School of Mines , 1 p.m.

Oct. 29 • at Adams State (Colo.), 1 p.m.

Nov. 5 • at Colorado State-Pueblo, 2 p.m.

Nov. 12 • Fort Lewis (Colo.), 1 p.m.