I could go for the MEAC. I think we could be very competitive there.
Haven’t heard anyone else mention this.. but it definitely narrows the options if true.
Any late news, or rumors - or even outright lies, for that matter?
(02-03-2022 02:57 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]Any late news, or rumors - or even outright lies, for that matter?
Well somebody is way off- one site saying the OVC is not interested in Chicago State and another saying they were very pleased after their visit. It is hard for me to believe that the OVC would turn down Chicago State. They need more teams and those can't just all be DII move-ups. Chicago State would be the 3rd team from Illinois with WIU also being discussed as a possible addition. It would certainly be a big help to all 4 of those school's travel budgets to be in the same conference. I would think that intrastate matchups could only help attendance and local interest.
(02-03-2022 03:46 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (02-03-2022 02:57 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]Any late news, or rumors - or even outright lies, for that matter?
Well somebody is way off- one site saying the OVC is not interested in Chicago State and another saying they were very pleased after their visit. It is hard for me to believe that the OVC would turn down Chicago State. They need more teams and those can't just all be DII move-ups. Chicago State would be the 3rd team from Illinois with WIU also being discussed as a possible addition. It would certainly be a big help to all 4 of those school's travel budgets to be in the same conference. I would think that intrastate matchups could only help attendance and local interest.
This peaks my curiosity as to who said "It was very pleased"
I’m not sure who the source is for low_madness.. but out of that handle and CollegeAD, I trust a little more what CollegeAD has to say as it pertains to CSU. They haven’t steered me wrong yet, not to say it won’t happen. But they have been a pretty reliable source over what’s been going on with Chicago State over the past year or so.
(02-03-2022 03:46 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (02-03-2022 02:57 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]Any late news, or rumors - or even outright lies, for that matter?
Well somebody is way off- one site saying the OVC is not interested in Chicago State and another saying they were very pleased after their visit. It is hard for me to believe that the OVC would turn down Chicago State. They need more teams and those can't just all be DII move-ups. Chicago State would be the 3rd team from Illinois with WIU also being discussed as a possible addition. It would certainly be a big help to all 4 of those school's travel budgets to be in the same conference. I would think that intrastate matchups could only help attendance and local interest.
I agree with you. I think Chicago State has to be seriously considered given their geographic footprint and the OVC needs members now. Plus, the OVC has been rumored as a possible conference from Elliott Charles dating back to Sept/Oct 2020 so the talks wouldn’t be anything new. But it’s hard telling what points of emphasis are being made by the conference. It’ll be interesting what, if anything, comes of the Cougars feasibility study too.
(02-03-2022 07:17 PM)joshadam84 Wrote: [ -> ] (02-03-2022 03:46 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (02-03-2022 02:57 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]Any late news, or rumors - or even outright lies, for that matter?
Well somebody is way off- one site saying the OVC is not interested in Chicago State and another saying they were very pleased after their visit. It is hard for me to believe that the OVC would turn down Chicago State. They need more teams and those can't just all be DII move-ups. Chicago State would be the 3rd team from Illinois with WIU also being discussed as a possible addition. It would certainly be a big help to all 4 of those school's travel budgets to be in the same conference. I would think that intrastate matchups could only help attendance and local interest.
I agree with you. I think Chicago State has to be seriously considered given their geographic footprint and the OVC needs members now. Plus, the OVC has been rumored as a possible conference from Elliott Charles dating back to Sept/Oct 2020 so the talks wouldn’t be anything new. But it’s hard telling what points of emphasis are being made by the conference. It’ll be interesting what, if anything, comes of the Cougars feasibility study too.
One of the main reasons we (Little Rock) joined the OVC was to save on travel costs. Chicago is a little far from Little Rock, although it is drivable. However, I believe 2 airlines fly direct from LR to Chicago which is a big deal. I was told the other day, that our costs for going to Coastal Carolina and Appalachian State were a killer. We would have to fly to Charlotte and then rent a bus to travel to SC and NC. Having the Chicago airports may make it more manageable to fly to the various MEAC schools since you have access to so many direct flights, which we don't in LR. However, in the OVC most campuses would be drivable which is a big deal for the Olympic sports. Having the basketball tournament about 5 hours away, in Evansville, would be a lot better than having to fly to the east coast.
When I start thinking of what individual schools would want, I see Chicago State being in pretty good shape for the OVC. I’m thinking of how schools would likely vote when it came down to it, and I think Chicago would definitely get a lot of schools’ support.
I don’t even see it in light of there being few options, but looking at the individual members interests and being in favor of CSU. There’s a lot to like about having a school in Chicago for many members.
(02-04-2022 04:55 AM)Todor Wrote: [ -> ]When I start thinking of what individual schools would want, I see Chicago State being in pretty good shape for the OVC. I’m thinking of how schools would likely vote when it came down to it, and I think Chicago would definitely get a lot of schools’ support.
I don’t even see it in light of there being few options, but looking at the individual members interests and being in favor of CSU. There’s a lot to like about having a school in Chicago for many members.
A Chicago St - WIU combo add makes a ton of sense for the OVC, especially if Chicago St is adding FCS football.
(02-26-2022 10:16 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]Anything new?
Haven't heard a word. Obviously, if Chicago State were to start football, they would be a complete no-brainer for the OVC. But I think that their starting football is probably as unrealistic as it was for us in Little Rock.
I just wish we would hear something definite. This being in suspension is not helpful, for the fans, and I am sure not for the players, either.
(03-15-2022 07:47 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]I just wish we would hear something definite. This being in suspension is not helpful, for the fans, and I am sure not for the players, either.
I would think that if something were going to happen, it would have to happen pretty soon. Schedules for next season need to be made. Recruits want to know where they will be playing. Surprised we haven't even heard a good rumor for several weeks.
I agree. It is going to have to happen fast. And if it doesn't, then there would either have to be some provision for another year in the WAC, which I haven't heard anything about and wouldn't expect, or a trip into the volcano of Independent Schools, which is one step away from non-existence.
NJIT joined the AEC in June and was a member starting July 1. Still have “plenty” of time.
(03-17-2022 02:22 PM)DoubleRSU Wrote: [ -> ]NJIT joined the AEC in June and was a member starting July 1. Still have “plenty” of time.
Interesting. Thanks.
I just don't want the CSU volleyball team to miss a step. They could be really good this season.