(04-07-2017 11:25 PM)SoCalBobcat78 Wrote:  

(04-07-2017 11:01 PM)Columbia Blue Wrote:  I'm just not seeing what exactly UCSD offers the WAC. Basically if invited they will come in with a D2 roster, and drag down the WAC's RPI while in transition. Not everybody can compete right out of D2 like GCU. As soon as they get acclimated to Division 1, and the kinks are worked out, they will jump to the Big West.

So in essence, the WAC is acting as kind of a triple AAA affiliate for a conference which is only marginally stronger than them (if at all).

UCSD is not joining the WAC. They have this laser focus on the Big West. They were not interested in the WAC seven years ago when they were rejected by the Big West. UCSD said at the time that they were not interested in any other D1 conference. They have not changed. They are still focused on the Big West.

It would take many years for UCSD to really be of any help to a conference. They are a terrific academic add and in a market that the WAC would love to be in, but adding a second D2 move up with CBU is not a good idea. Better to focus on D1 schools that might be willing to leave their conferences.

Seven years ago UCSD didn't have the support of their student body to move to up to Division 1. Although, this potential move was (is) all predicated on UCSD joining the Big West, as it appears now, the decision and timeline to go D1 is not in the UCSD administration's control; as long as they make the Big West their only acceptable option. Obviously, given the recent Big West vote, the two don't coincide right now. So, UCSD needs to simply decide if it's more important to be in the Big West or be a Division 1 program? If it's to be in the Big West, then they need to accept this could be an indefinite proposition. However, if it is more important to upgrade to Division 1, then the administration needs to find a way to sell other D1 conference options to their student body and boosters. I think the WAC is willing to listen if the latter is more important.