I had a nice talk with ASUN Commissioner Ted Gumbart on the phone today.
First, let me say that it spoke volumes to me that he would take his time to call me and answer questions I had emailed him. He is a well spoken, genuine, thoughtful and considerate man. I respect his effort and the time he gave me, an average fan.

I’ll share a few highlights of our conversation.

- Kennesaw St. and North Alabama will form the new “UAC” FCS football conference with six other “regional state football playing schools.” That is the hope/plan at least.

- The United Athletic Conference (UAC) is just a working name and may not be the official conference name. I hope not. It may be simple minded, but I prefer a name starting with “A” so we can be listed first or toward the top of website drop down boxes and standings. It leads to more views.

- Liberty, Lipscomb, Bellarmine, NJIT, North Florida, Jacksonville, Stetson and FGCU will form the ASUN and hope to add 2-4 more teams.

- The ASUN will consist of 10-12 teams and the UAC 8 teams.

-The “UAC” and ASUN will be two separate conferences but will be run in partnership administratively as “sister” conferences with scheduling and business practices.

- They are looking at all options for joining schools but ideally would like to focus in the southeast.

- It does not appear that any Div II schools are involved. There was at least one in talks, but those have ended and that school is no longer in consideration. I don’t know the school that was being considered.

- The NCAA has made no statements or decisions re: the ASUN request to form this new and expanded conference.

- COVID-19 has slowed and affected the process. Some schools and leaders are excited and want to fast track the decision moving forward. Some have embraced the virus consequences to slow down and rethink the move.

- Liberty has been on board and a team player through this.

- The ASUN is in communication with interested teams right now, but obviously won’t identify them until everything gets hashed out.

- The CCSA will go away.

ASTAR - Atlantic Star Conference - “UAC”
1. Kennesaw St.
2. North Alabama
3. ? Jacksonville St. ?
4. ? Chattanooga ?
5. ? Western Carolina ?
6. ? East Tennesse St. ?
7. ? Florida A&M ?
8. ? Alabama A&M/State ?

ASUN
1. Liberty
2. Lipscomb
3. Bellarmine
4. NJIT
5. North Florida
6. Jacksonville
7. Stetson
8. FGCU
9. ? Bethune-Cookman ?
10. ? South Carolina St. ?
11. ? UNC Ashville ?
12. ? Winthrop ?

I’m not sure about some of those teams. I probably have too much wishful thinking going and high expectations. Plus I may not have accounted for the fact that Commissioner Gumbart said no other conference would be diminished enough that it would jeopardize it’s status as a conference.

Since the ASUN and UAC are going to be sisters:

UAC=Atlantic Moon Conference

Just kidding. What about Gulf Sun Conference? “Sun” is a nod to the ASUN connection; Gulf may very well be an adequate geographic descriptor depending on who joins.

The UAC’s formation could have some interesting ramifications depending on who’s Jenga Tower they are pulling pieces from:

OVC: loss of Jacksonville St could open a spot for Lipscomb or Bellarmine

SoCon: if they lose any of their public schools you better believe their short list for replacements are the private schools of the Big South—G-W, Campbell, Charleston Southern

Big South: unless they snatch away N.C. A&T directly out of their hands I think most of the damage to them will be 2nd hand. Based on the footprint, any damage to them probably means more pain for the MEAC. Norfolk St, N.C. Central, and S.C. St all sit nicely in their footprint

MEAC: they are screwed; FAMU is probably in the UAC cross hairs. Other MEAC schools could be on the move indirectly from UAC’s actions. Crap roll down hill unfortunately

SWAC: Alabama St and Alabama A&M would be great local pick ups; the SWAC doesn’t really have anyone in the footprint to add HBCU-wise.

(05-11-2020 05:36 PM)army56mike Wrote:  I had a nice talk with ASUN Commissioner Ted Gumbart on the phone today.
First, let me say that it spoke volumes to me that he would take his time to call me and answer questions I had emailed him. He is a well spoken, genuine, thoughtful and considerate man. I respect his effort and the time he gave me, an average fan.

I’ll share a few highlights of our conversation.

- Kennesaw St. and North Georgia will form the new “UAC” FCS football conference with six other “regional state football playing schools.” That is the hope/plan at least.

- The United Athletic Conference (UAC) is just a working name and may not be the official conference name. I hope not. It may be simple minded, but I prefer a name starting with “A” so we can be listed first or toward the top of website drop down boxes and standings. It leads to more views.

- Liberty, Lipscomb, Bellarmine, NJIT, North Florida, Jacksonville, Stetson and FGCU will form the ASUN and hope to add 2-4 more teams.

- The ASUN will consist of 10-12 teams and the UAC 8 teams.

-The “UAC” and ASUN will be two separate conferences but will be run in partnership administratively as “sister” conferences with scheduling and business practices.

- They are looking at all options for joining schools but ideally would like to focus in the southeast.

- It does not appear that any Div II schools are involved. There was at least one in talks, but those have ended and that school is no longer in consideration. I don’t know the school that was being considered.

- The NCAA has made no statements or decisions re: the ASUN request to form this new and expanded conference.

- COVID-19 has slowed and affected the process. Some schools and leaders are excited and want to fast track the decision moving forward. Some have embraced the virus consequences to slow down and rethink the move.

- Liberty has been on board and a team player through this.

- The ASUN is in communication with interested teams right now, but obviously won’t identify them until everything gets hashed out.

- The CCSA will go away.

Was anything said in regards to if the UAC was going to be a public schools only league?

Was anything said in regards to affiliate members in fb? ex. If Big South football is trashed, will those schools be able to play football in the UAC?

(05-11-2020 08:36 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  

(05-11-2020 05:36 PM)army56mike Wrote:  - Kennesaw St. and North Alabama will form the new “UAC” FCS football conference with six other “regional state football playing schools.” That is the hope/plan at least.

- They are looking at all options for joining schools but ideally would like to focus in the southeast.

- The ASUN is in communication with interested teams right now, but obviously won’t identify them until everything gets hashed out.

Was anything said in regards to if the UAC was going to be a public schools only league?

Was anything said in regards to affiliate members in fb? ex. If Big South football is trashed, will those schools be able to play football in the UAC?

I did not bring up affiliate members and the subject never came up.

Unless there is a possibility of some D2 call ups over the next 6 years for the future ASUN, I don’t see the UAC happening.

The ASUN could start football and have an East & West Division for basketball.

8 teams for football and 8 teams in each division for basketball.

* Football playing schools

West Division
Bellarmine
Lipscomb
* Tennessee State
* UT-Chattanooga
* North Alabama
* Alabama A&M
* Jacksonville State
* Alabama State

East Division
NJIT
Liberty
* Kennesaw State
North Florida
Jacksonville
* Florida A&M
Stetson
Florida Gulf Coast

But that will still leave the Big South with only 5 permanent football playing members with one associate.

(05-11-2020 06:24 PM)army56mike Wrote:  ASTAR - Atlantic Star Conference - “UAC”
1. Kennesaw St.
2. North Alabama
3. ? Jacksonville St. ?
4. ? Chattanooga ?
5. ? Western Carolina ?
6. ? East Tennesse St. ?
7. ? Florida A&M ?
8. ? Alabama A&M/State ?

ASUN
1. Liberty
2. Lipscomb
3. Bellarmine
4. NJIT
5. North Florida
6. Jacksonville
7. Stetson
8. FGCU
9. ? Bethune-Cookman ?
10. ? South Carolina St. ?
11. ? UNC Ashville ?
12. ? Winthrop ?

I’m not sure about some of those teams. I probably have too much wishful thinking going and high expectations. Plus I may not have accounted for the fact that Commissioner Gumbart said no other conference would be diminished enough that it would jeopardize it’s status as a conference.

Unless the MEAC folds there will be only one team available, After NC A&T leaves for Big South that leaves the MEAC with 9 schools. Needs 8 for a Conference. There also needs to be at least 6 playing a sport to be AQ.

Earlier I speculated on teams I thought could be most likely targeted, and maybe being a little optimistic. In a perfect world these are the teams I’d add following the criteria given.

I would also name the new conference the Atlantic Star, because ASTAR and ASUN would always be beside each other in standings and news, would be easily identifiable together.

ASTAR - Atlantic Star Conference
1. Kennesaw St.
2. North Alabama
3. Jacksonville St.
4. Chattanooga
5. Florida A&M
6. North Carolina A&T
7. Western Carolina
8. Tennessee Tech
8a. East Tennessee St.

ASUN
1. Liberty
2. Lipscomb
3. Bellarmine
4. NJIT
5. North Florida
6. Jacksonville
7. Stetson
8. FGCU
9. Winthrop
10. UNC Wilmington
11. American
12. College of Charleston

Pretty cool that you got to chat with him.

This proposed split has struck me as odd, and the initial press release made it even more confusing, but I suppose it makes a little more sense now.

Will be interesting to see what happens.

(05-11-2020 05:36 PM)army56mike Wrote:  I had a nice talk with ASUN Commissioner Ted Gumbart on the phone today.
First, let me say that it spoke volumes to me that he would take his time to call me and answer questions I had emailed him. He is a well spoken, genuine, thoughtful and considerate man. I respect his effort and the time he gave me, an average fan.

I’ll share a few highlights of our conversation.

- Kennesaw St. and North Alabama will form the new “UAC” FCS football conference with six other “regional state football playing schools.” That is the hope/plan at least.

- The United Athletic Conference (UAC) is just a working name and may not be the official conference name. I hope not. It may be simple minded, but I prefer a name starting with “A” so we can be listed first or toward the top of website drop down boxes and standings. It leads to more views.

- Liberty, Lipscomb, Bellarmine, NJIT, North Florida, Jacksonville, Stetson and FGCU will form the ASUN and hope to add 2-4 more teams.

- The ASUN will consist of 10-12 teams and the UAC 8 teams.

-The “UAC” and ASUN will be two separate conferences but will be run in partnership administratively as “sister” conferences with scheduling and business practices.

- They are looking at all options for joining schools but ideally would like to focus in the southeast.

- It does not appear that any Div II schools are involved. There was at least one in talks, but those have ended and that school is no longer in consideration. I don’t know the school that was being considered.

- The NCAA has made no statements or decisions re: the ASUN request to form this new and expanded conference.

- COVID-19 has slowed and affected the process. Some schools and leaders are excited and want to fast track the decision moving forward. Some have embraced the virus consequences to slow down and rethink the move.

- Liberty has been on board and a team player through this.

- The ASUN is in communication with interested teams right now, but obviously won’t identify them until everything gets hashed out.

- The CCSA will go away.

I like Ted a lot... he always trys to answer questions I have.
He is also very engaging in person...

Yes the CCSA will go away. I also think the MEAC goes away and schools get divided up between the ASUN, Big South and SWAC(adding the Florida schools)

Kinda sucks about the D2 school, I think West Florida would fit in nicely.


UAC names I think I would like.

Gulf Coast Conference
Gulf 8 (eventually expanded to the Gulf 10)
Gulf Star Conference
Gulf Atlantic Conference
Southern Athletic Association
Southern 8 (same as Gulf 8)
Atlantic Star Conference

Whatever the name is, I get the strong feeling that the base 4 of the conference is UNA, KSU, JSU and Chattanooga then 4 will come from SoCon, OVC, and Southland maybe.

I would look at Austin Peay, Central Arkansas, Western Carolina and ETSU. Possible Murray State.

We will find out eventually....

(05-11-2020 10:08 PM)North Ala Supporter Wrote:  Unless the MEAC folds there will be only one team available, After NC A&T leaves for Big South that leaves the MEAC with 9 schools. Needs 8 for a Conference. There also needs to be at least 6 playing a sport to be AQ.

You sure about that? I could’a sworn the Big South Conference existed for several years with 6 Football members.

(05-12-2020 11:27 AM)army56mike Wrote:  

(05-11-2020 10:08 PM)North Ala Supporter Wrote:  Unless the MEAC folds there will be only one team available, After NC A&T leaves for Big South that leaves the MEAC with 9 schools. Needs 8 for a Conference. There also needs to be at least 6 playing a sport to be AQ.

You sure about that? I could’a sworn the Big South Conference existed for several years with 6 Football members.

They did... the NCAA gives you a couple of years to find a school before you lose your AQ status. 7 schools is fine, 6 you will drop AQ if it is not taken care of in the amount of time.

That being said, I dont think the MEAC lasts much longer regardless of what happens with the ASUN/UAC deal.

(05-12-2020 11:25 AM)lion1983 Wrote:  UAC names I think I would like.

Gulf Coast Conference
Gulf 8 (eventually expanded to the Gulf 10)
Gulf Star Conference
Gulf Atlantic Conference
Southern Athletic Association
Southern 8 (same as Gulf 8)
Atlantic Star Conference

I would look at Austin Peay, Central Arkansas, Western Carolina and ETSU. Possible Murray State.

We will find out eventually....

The only reason I suggested an “A“ name is I like the idea of when I click on ESPN standings our conference is first or near the top of the view screen. Don’t have to scroll and more eyes will be on us even if it’s by accident. Good publicity. I do like Gulf in the name though.

Murray St. and C. Arkansas hardly seem to be in the regional footprint... or at least the outer limits.

(05-12-2020 11:37 AM)army56mike Wrote:  

(05-12-2020 11:25 AM)lion1983 Wrote:  UAC names I think I would like.

Gulf Coast Conference
Gulf 8 (eventually expanded to the Gulf 10)
Gulf Star Conference
Gulf Atlantic Conference
Southern Athletic Association
Southern 8 (same as Gulf 8)
Atlantic Star Conference

I would look at Austin Peay, Central Arkansas, Western Carolina and ETSU. Possible Murray State.

We will find out eventually....

The only reason I suggested an “A“ name is I like the idea of when I click on ESPN standings our conference is first or near the top of the view screen. Don’t have to scroll and more eyes will be on us even if it’s by accident. Good publicity. I do like Gulf in the name though.

Murray St. and C. Arkansas hardly seem to be in the regional footprint... or at least the outer limits.

Murray St. Would be good, just 3 hrs from Florence. Central Arkansas would definitely be outside. 5+ hrs from Florence, so that would be almost 10 from ATL.

But Murray St and Austin Peay are big rivals, and very close to each other distance wise. So maybe they can come together?

What would be the best case scenario for the UAC?
UNA, JSU, Chattanooga, KSU
AP, Murray State, ETSU, Western Carolina

2 from ASUN
3 from OVC
3 from SoCon

How would this lineup rank in Basketball, baseball and others? Would it be a decent all sports conference?

(05-12-2020 11:53 AM)lion1983 Wrote:  

(05-12-2020 11:37 AM)army56mike Wrote:  

(05-12-2020 11:25 AM)lion1983 Wrote:  UAC names I think I would like.

Gulf Coast Conference
Gulf 8 (eventually expanded to the Gulf 10)
Gulf Star Conference
Gulf Atlantic Conference
Southern Athletic Association
Southern 8 (same as Gulf 8)
Atlantic Star Conference

I would look at Austin Peay, Central Arkansas, Western Carolina and ETSU. Possible Murray State.

We will find out eventually....

The only reason I suggested an “A“ name is I like the idea of when I click on ESPN standings our conference is first or near the top of the view screen. Don’t have to scroll and more eyes will be on us even if it’s by accident. Good publicity. I do like Gulf in the name though.

Murray St. and C. Arkansas hardly seem to be in the regional footprint... or at least the outer limits.

Murray St. Would be good, just 3 hrs from Florence. Central Arkansas would definitely be outside. 5+ hrs from Florence, so that would be almost 10 from ATL.

But Murray St and Austin Peay are big rivals, and very close to each other distance wise. So maybe they can come together?

What would be the best case scenario for the UAC?
UNA, JSU, Chattanooga, KSU
AP, Murray State, ETSU, Western Carolina

2 from ASUN
3 from OVC
3 from SoCon

How would this lineup rank in Basketball, baseball and others? Would it be a decent all sports conference?

If you go by Commissioner Gumbart word that no conference would be approached that would cause that Conference to loose its status. Then you can only get 2 schools from the SOCon. They only have 10 so 3 schools would leave them below the requirement of 8 schools

(05-12-2020 12:23 PM)North Ala Supporter Wrote:  

(05-12-2020 11:53 AM)lion1983 Wrote:  What would be the best case scenario for the UAC?
UNA, JSU, Chattanooga, KSU
AP, Murray State, ETSU, Western Carolina

If you go by Commissioner Gumbart word that no conference would be approached that would cause that Conference to loose its status. Then you can only get 2 schools from the SOCon. They only have 10 so 3 schools would leave them below the requirement of 8 schools

I would think the best case scenario for the UAC, following the “regional state school” guidelines would be FCS schools EAST of Florence, AL (UNA), WEST of Cullowhee, NC (WCU), NORTH of Tallahassee, FL (FAMU) and SOUTH of Nashville, TN (TSU). That’s a nice tight regional conference.

Re: SoCon... maybe they are arranging backfills from other conferences.

It's kinda like what I was saying in an earlier post.

The SoCon loses UTC, ETSU and Western Carolina
Then adds Campbell, Gardner Webb and Charlston Southern.

The Big South can then add 3 regional MEAC schools to go along with Hampton and NCA&T.

The MEAC effectively shuts down, the SWAC absorbs the rest of the MEAC, realigning their divisions and the SWAC championship game becomes the HBCU national championship.

I get the feeling several MEAC schools want to go to the playoffs. NCA&T may break the MEAC down with their move.

I see a pivoting game occurring here—

Shift the state schools out of the SoCon and into the UAC

Shift the private football schools out of the Big South and into the SoCon

Some MEAC schools then shift into the Big South to fill the holes

The MEAC takes a beating and maybe shuts down and the remaining schools go to D2.

This is the best I could do

ASUN
FGCU. Bellarmine
JU. Liberty
UNF. Delaware State (football in Big South)
Stetson. NJIT
UNCA. Coppin State
UNCG. UMES
Lipscomb Morgan St (football in Big South)


Big South
Hampton. Howard
High Point. Norfolk State
Longwood. NCCU
Presby. SCSU
Radford. USC Upstate
Winthrop

SoCon
Citadel. Furman
Mercer. Samford
VMI. Wofford
Co So. Gardner Webb
Campbell


SWAC
Alabama A&M. Bama State
Alcorn State. Jackson State
MVSU. UAPB
Grambling. PVAM
Southern. Tex Southern
Bethune Cookman FAMU



UAC
UNA. JSU
KSU. Chattanooga
Western Carolina. ETSU
(To be named) (To be named)