Edging out N. Iowa by a score 118-116.5 even though UNI had four champs.

UNI had 4 champs
Missouri 2
Ohio 2
ODU 1
Host Kent continues its decline and irrelevance, but gets 1 champ

Scores
1. Missouri 118.5

2 Northern Iowa 116.0

3. Old Dominion 97.0

4. Ohio 94.5

5. Central Michigan 85.5

6. Kent State 67.0

7. Eastern Michigan 57.5

8. Northern Illinois 50.0

9. Buffalo 12

So the question to me now is how long UNI can keep their coach, Doug Schwab. He's brought the Panthers back from obscurity, making them a legit powerhouse. With Wisc and Ill needing coaching upgrades soon (IMO, although Ill has a young asst head coach), and Mich St desperate, I'm thinking Schwab may be on some short lists.

So, whose idea was it to bring in those extra teams for wrestling? if they hadn't been in it, Ohio would have won another MAC wrestling title! UNFAIR! LOL

ODU had a slow start this season. Curious what happened down there, as they picked it up a notch.

MAC needs to figure out what to do about wrestling. They've got some momentum right now, but it could be squandered.

Three ACC champs are straight out of the MAC footprint.
http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/16t...-14_jqwkid

Having ESPN broadcast sports the conference excels in (of which Wrestling is at the top of the list) on that MAC exclusive ESPN portal that was talked about in another thread would be a step forward.

The MAC is a nationally competitive conference in wrestling and as many meets as possible need to be broadcast by whatever mediums are available. Also Soccer (Akron) Ice Hockey(WMU, Miami, BGSU) games should be given priority as these are sports that at least some of the conference members are nationally competitive in. When MAC programs compete for national titles and these events are broadcast on any ESPN branded medium, the whole conference benefits.

The MAC has no media rights to negotiate for hockey coverage. That would be the province of the respective two hockey leagues.

(03-10-2014 11:39 AM)axeme Wrote:  The MAC has no media rights to negotiate for hockey coverage. That would be the province of the respective two hockey leagues.

Ok, good thanks for that clarification. Could the individual teams request that their games be broadcast on the ESPN MAC dedicated channel in addition to the network (CBS?) that broadcasts those leagues games, would bring the 2 hockey leagues more exposure.

The days are now long gone when CMU would win MAC Wrestling during one of their "down" years. With the quality programs the league has brought in, it will now take a top 10 squad to win a conference title.

(03-10-2014 01:21 PM)Okie Chippewa Wrote:  The days are now long gone when CMU would win MAC Wrestling during one of their "down" years. With the quality programs the league has brought in, it will now take a top 10 squad to win a conference title.

There are up and down cycles. Right now wrestling, and MAC wrestling, is in an upswing. MAC needs to capitalize on that.

For the record,
2014 B1G conference tourney attendance reported: 28, 442

(03-10-2014 10:13 AM)DrTorch Wrote:  ODU had a slow start this season. Curious what happened down there, as they picked it up a notch.

MAC needs to figure out what to do about wrestling. They've got some momentum right now, but it could be squandered.

Three ACC champs are straight out of the MAC footprint.
http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/16t...-14_jqwkid

Congratulations to Missou on a well deserved title!
We are honored and very happy to be in MAC wrestling. This conference is top notch!

(03-10-2014 10:52 PM)ODUalum78 Wrote:  

(03-10-2014 10:13 AM)DrTorch Wrote:  ODU had a slow start this season. Curious what happened down there, as they picked it up a notch.

MAC needs to figure out what to do about wrestling. They've got some momentum right now, but it could be squandered.

Three ACC champs are straight out of the MAC footprint.
http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/16t...-14_jqwkid

Congratulations to Missou on a well deserved title!
We are honored and very happy to be in MAC wrestling. This conference is top notch!

Happy to have ODU for wrestling. If you want to migrate your other sports here that would be fine too.

(03-10-2014 01:21 PM)Okie Chippewa Wrote:  The days are now long gone when CMU would win MAC Wrestling during one of their "down" years. With the quality programs the league has brought in, it will now take a top 10 squad to win a conference title.

But, hey! According to that buffoon of a university president, we have the "greatest AD in America!"

(03-10-2014 11:07 PM)Policiious Wrote:  

(03-10-2014 10:52 PM)ODUalum78 Wrote:  

(03-10-2014 10:13 AM)DrTorch Wrote:  ODU had a slow start this season. Curious what happened down there, as they picked it up a notch.

MAC needs to figure out what to do about wrestling. They've got some momentum right now, but it could be squandered.

Three ACC champs are straight out of the MAC footprint.
http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/16t...-14_jqwkid

Congratulations to Missou on a well deserved title!
We are honored and very happy to be in MAC wrestling. This conference is top notch!

Happy to have ODU for wrestling. If you want to migrate your other sports here that would be fine too.

(03-10-2014 11:07 PM)Policiious Wrote:  

(03-10-2014 10:52 PM)ODUalum78 Wrote:  

(03-10-2014 10:13 AM)DrTorch Wrote:  ODU had a slow start this season. Curious what happened down there, as they picked it up a notch.

MAC needs to figure out what to do about wrestling. They've got some momentum right now, but it could be squandered.

Three ACC champs are straight out of the MAC footprint.
http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/16t...-14_jqwkid

Congratulations to Missou on a well deserved title!
We are honored and very happy to be in MAC wrestling. This conference is top notch!

Happy to have ODU for wrestling.

I'm not. I don't think it's good for ODU, the MAC or wrestling.

ODU should be in a conference w/ their rival GMU. They should find a way to cut down on travel time for their athletes, and increase interest among students and fans (Not a lot of heat between VA and IL).

Furthermore, cooperation and rivalry between GMU and ODU could be strategically beneficial to ODU. The ACC is down to 6 teams after UMd heads to B1G. Getting up to 8 teams would make sense for them. Who makes sense to be on that short list?

Not saying ODU isn't already there, and maybe a strong MAC makes that case as well as anything, but I still believe strong attendance is the best plan, and that comes from sensible rivals like GMU (and AU).

(03-12-2014 02:24 PM)DrTorch Wrote:  

(03-10-2014 11:07 PM)Policiious Wrote:  

(03-10-2014 10:52 PM)ODUalum78 Wrote:  

(03-10-2014 10:13 AM)DrTorch Wrote:  ODU had a slow start this season. Curious what happened down there, as they picked it up a notch.

MAC needs to figure out what to do about wrestling. They've got some momentum right now, but it could be squandered.

Three ACC champs are straight out of the MAC footprint.
http://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/16t...-14_jqwkid

Congratulations to Missou on a well deserved title!
We are honored and very happy to be in MAC wrestling. This conference is top notch!

Happy to have ODU for wrestling.

I'm not. I don't think it's good for ODU, the MAC or wrestling.

ODU should be in a conference w/ their rival GMU. They should find a way to cut down on travel time for their athletes, and increase interest among students and fans (Not a lot of heat between VA and IL).

Furthermore, cooperation and rivalry between GMU and ODU could be strategically beneficial to ODU. The ACC is down to 6 teams after UMd heads to B1G. Getting up to 8 teams would make sense for them. Who makes sense to be on that short list?

Not saying ODU isn't already there, and maybe a strong MAC makes that case as well as anything, but I still believe strong attendance is the best plan, and that comes from sensible rivals like GMU (and AU).

We're drawing better for teams like Mizzou, UNI, Central Michigan, etc. than we ever would for GMU or AU. You obviously have no idea what you're talking about. ODU is a fully funded, top 25 program with sIgnificant support. GMU is a fringe program; an afterthought. Fans that come to wrestling matches are generally knowledgeable about the sport. What do you think they'd rather see - a 21-19 match against No. 5 UNI, or a 40-3 blowout against irrelevant GMU? We both know the answer. I don't even know if they qualified anyone this year.

We are certainly good for the MAC, as are Mizzou & Northern Iowa. We finished 3rd behind both of those schools, so obviously we've helped raise the level of competiton. Don't be upset just because a traditional MAC school didn't win the title. The conference is collectively better from a wrestling standpoint. There's no discussion on that. Look at the number of conference qualifiers this year vs. last.

And as for the ACC, they don't allow affiliate membership for sports they sponsor unless your initials are ND.

Will adding these teams raise the level of the rest of the MAC, e.g. in recruiting? Or will it be a situation where the rest of the MAC can't compete with the (new) top 3?

Mizzou & UNI are perrenial top-10 teams. ODU has had a good run late this season, largely due to getting healthy. But Central Michigan is also a perrenial top-10 or 15 program too. Kent State & Ohio are always solid also. So the answer is twofold.

Yes, the conference is now much more attractive because the number of bids has increased dramatically. It makes qualifying easier to some degree. It's also more attractive because the competition is markedly better.

But if schools in the MAC don't invest in the sport, what talented wrestler would want to go there? Mizzou, UNI, ODU, & CMU have made a strong commitment & investment into their wrestling programs. I can't speak for the others, but I imagine it's not the same priority everywhere. Take a look at recruiting budgets, coaches salaries, & scholarship numbers. That will tell you a great deal about which schools care. The athletes certainly know, and they gravitate to those programs. And if anyone questions the value of investing in wrestling, tune into ESPN next Thurs., Fri., & Sat. I think you'll see a tremendous product with broad support nationally.

Re: The "old guard" MAC teams keeping up with the "new" big three.

For the past ten years or more, ODU and UNI would have likely finished no better than third in the MAC. While strong, Mizzou would have been challenged on an annual basis.

What happened this year was a "perfect storm" for the incoming teams. UNI arguably fielded their best team in its history and ODU came on strong, losing dual matches against EMU and KSU early in the season. Mizzou is building a national powerhouse.

And this is a GOOD thing for the MAC. CMU, KSU, and OU have traditionally well regarded programs. Not too many years ago, the Chippewas finished second in the nation in the duals rankings. EMU is getting better and I expect Buffalo to rise from the bottom with their respected first year coach and fertile recruiting territory. NIU has the toughest row to hoe, being surrounded by top ten to fifteen programs.

Overall, MAC wrestling is healthy and I fully expect them to get even better.

(03-12-2014 11:01 PM)NIU007 Wrote:  Will adding these teams raise the level of the rest of the MAC, e.g. in recruiting? Or will it be a situation where the rest of the MAC can't compete with the (new) top 3?

As others indicated, the full MAC members can most certainly compete...but they'll have to choose to do it. They'll have to be intentional about it.

Steeler can ridicule GMU, but they're investing too, and they'll catch up to ODU soon enough. That's just one example. At this point most of the culling is done, and the existing programs are looking to invest in wrestling b/c there's good ROI to be had: loyal fans, low costs.

B1G has money to invest, and they'll make it tough if the MAC doesn't make an effort. MSU has been horrible lately, but w/ cash they'll turn it around, and CMU and EMU will get pinched. UM is a good example of how fast things can turn around there. UNI is another example of a good turnaround, wh/ is why I think their coach will get poached soon.

Steeler's comments about ODU in the MAC were also telling. Turnout is strong for good teams...sure. But what happens when UNI has a down year? There is no rivalry that will maintain interest when that goes away, and that's why such a far-flung conference is never a great idea.

(03-13-2014 09:39 AM)DrTorch Wrote:  

(03-12-2014 11:01 PM)NIU007 Wrote:  Will adding these teams raise the level of the rest of the MAC, e.g. in recruiting? Or will it be a situation where the rest of the MAC can't compete with the (new) top 3?

As others indicated, the full MAC members can most certainly compete...but they'll have to choose to do it. They'll have to be intentional about it.

Steeler can ridicule GMU, but they're investing too, and they'll catch up to ODU soon enough. That's just one example. At this point most of the culling is done, and the existing programs are looking to invest in wrestling b/c there's good ROI to be had: loyal fans, low costs.

B1G has money to invest, and they'll make it tough if the MAC doesn't make an effort. MSU has been horrible lately, but w/ cash they'll turn it around, and CMU and EMU will get pinched. UM is a good example of how fast things can turn around there. UNI is another example of a good turnaround, wh/ is why I think their coach will get poached soon.

Steeler's comments about ODU in the MAC were also telling. Turnout is strong for good teams...sure. But what happens when UNI has a down year? There is no rivalry that will maintain interest when that goes away, and that's why such a far-flung conference is never a great idea.

Give me an example of how GMU is investing? Russell is on his 3rd year. Guess how many qualifiers they have this year?....ZERO! They had an opportunity to invest when Weader stepped down 3 years ago by hiring a good young coach that would attract talent. Instead they hired a guy that wouldn't rock the boat for support. They have 5.5 scholarships. The limit is 9.9. That's barely half the allotment. But you say they are investing...okay. If you can demonstrate that, I'll kiss your boots!

UNI has always had strong wrestling. Even when Penrith was coaching. Now that they have Schwab, it's gotten even better. Their bad/down years will still draw interest for the individual matchups. GMU & AU can't privide that.

The closest thing ODU has to a natural rival is VT. We used to have pretty intense matches with Rider, Binghamton, & Hofstra when we were CAA. But guess what? They didn't draw as well as the new conference foes because of name recognition & individual matchups. The new rivalries will develop as the teams grow their competitive histories.

You can postulate & theorize all you want. Your arguments have no factual basis.

(03-13-2014 01:40 PM)odusteeler Wrote:  They have 5.5 scholarships. The limit is 9.9. That's barely half the allotment. But you say they are investing...okay. If you can demonstrate that, I'll kiss your boots!

They were below 5 scholarships a year ago.

But save your saliva.

Quote:UNI has always had strong wrestling.

They hit some very down years. Not a criticism of the entire program, just a fact that they had a bad stretch.

Quote: GMU & AU can't privide that.

AU had a top 5 finish a couple of years back. It's nutty to say they can't provide that.

Right now UMd is taking the local talent, for obvious reasons. But Maryland wrestling is growing, and NoVA wrestling is being kindled.

Quote:The closest thing ODU has to a natural rival is VT. We used to have pretty intense matches with Rider, Binghamton, & Hofstra when we were CAA. But guess what? They didn't draw as well as the new conference foes because of name recognition & individual matchups. The new rivalries will develop as the teams grow their competitive histories.

Yeah, I remember Marshall fans making similar comments.

Quote:You can postulate & theorize all you want. Your arguments have no factual basis.

I'm curious as to what ODU attendance was/is.