(04-05-2020 05:49 AM)bubbadog57 Wrote: ODU athletics seems in far worse condition that our College. Travel costs for all teams, especially non-revenue sports, killing them
and long travel time taking classroom time for athletes. They have no rivals, football is killing them...especially their new stadium renovation, and football prevents them from really trying to move to a better basketball situation. Title 9 may force them to drop either men's soccer or baseball in addition to wrestling due to their football division that allows 83 scholarships.
While we have problems, which will be exacerbated for not just us but all universities, due to this awful pandemic, being in the CAA
is a much better deal for us and I wouldn't be surprised to see ODU attempt to eventually return
A college's existing conference affiliation may not prove to be a panacea for what ODU's study reveals is unfolding. Colleges and their athletic departments are loath to admit existential threats unless they really understand the need to change.
ODU clearly recognized it had a serious strategy/resource mismatch pre-pandemic. Revenues weren't going to cover expenses. The post pandemic outlook will be bleaker. Fans' discretionary income will be down, and ticket sales will follow. Corporate sponsors won't be as flush. Individual donations will decline.
Obstacles to change are formidable. The NCAA isn't genetically wired to be a cooperative partner to any schools/leagues not in the Power 5. Any reorganizations that might result in eight, nine or ten team leagues and risk fewer Power 5 at-large bids will be viewed as threatening to the NCAA (even though it's threatening only to the Power 5). And there is an intimidation factor that somehow prevents mid-major leaders from even suggesting such a change would be desirable for their institutions.
There is probably fear that what could be won't be as good as what is. Until the viability of the present construct begins to crumble, there is a reluctance to embrace controversial changes. Content on other message boards suggests the ODU AD is in talks with at least four other ADs on change, which would seem to indicate ODU senses its present athletic construct is untenable. One suspects ODU will have company in reaching such a conclusion, and not just within CUSA.
Over the next few months the trends that ODU identified will accelerate for many schools. The NCAA has already announced reduced funding to members for 2020. It's not beyond the realm of possibility that many NCAA members may even have to contend with declining enrollment, reducing student activity fees, the backbone of funding for many athletic departments. A school's loyalty to its present conference could become one of the first casualties.
If these trends precipitate a realignment, here's hoping the past passive bystander/band-aid the CAA approach isn't the only option under consideration at the College. As others have suggested, better options are possible within 300 miles (or certainly within a three or four state area). It's preferable to be an active participant in shaping the College's future conference affiliation, being proactive and embracing controversy, than left holding the bag.
