(08-14-2019 02:19 PM)NoDak Wrote:  

(08-14-2019 10:14 AM)Hilldog Wrote:  Minnesota is a huge state by land size, yet only has one D1 school. Any schools in Minnesota making the move to D1?

St Thomas is trying to get a waiver or rule change to go directly from DIII to DI. The newspapers reported that the MIAC kicked them out, but more likely St Thomas wanted out and lobbied to get kicked out. Even if they have to go DII, hockey can sill go DI, and that will be the major revenue sport. St Thomas is rumored to build an arena near the new MSL stadium and their upside is at least MVC and could be higher. St Thomas is comparable in academics and endowment to Marquette or Creighton, and last century they played in a league with the Dakotas.

The Minnesots St system is really tight with money for athletics. St Cloud St has lost a Title IX suit.

This is what realistically could happen

New Mexico St. - UT Rio Grande Valley
Grand Canyon - Cal Baptist
Dixie St - Utah Valley
Seattle - (San Jose St??)
Chicago St - St. Thomas (MN)
Augustana - Univ of Sioux Falls

University of Sioux Falls is not far behind and they do have an urge to follow Augustana to the Division 1 Ranks. Should Chicago State not depart, St Thomas (MN) would be the travel partner.