(02-05-2021 10:21 AM)OscarWildeCat Wrote:  

(02-05-2021 07:48 AM)solohawks Wrote:  If you view the ASun as a FCS version of the SEC, a Louisiana school would make sense

I hadn’t thought of it like that.

So Jax State and North Alabama become the ASUN’s Alabama and Auburn
Kennesaw State is the ASUn’s UGA minus the cute mascot.
Central Arkansas is the ASUN’s Arkansas minus the hog hats
Eastern KY is the ASUN’s KY Wildcats minus the basketball trophies

McNeese would become the ASUN’s LSU minus the money,

Still a few football playing team short in different states but I can see it....

ETSU and UTC would fill the Vandy and Tennessee slots

Western Carolina would fill the South Carolina slot

(02-08-2021 07:20 AM)solohawks Wrote:  

(02-05-2021 10:21 AM)OscarWildeCat Wrote:  

(02-05-2021 07:48 AM)solohawks Wrote:  If you view the ASun as a FCS version of the SEC, a Louisiana school would make sense

I hadn’t thought of it like that.

So Jax State and North Alabama become the ASUN’s Alabama and Auburn
Kennesaw State is the ASUn’s UGA minus the cute mascot.
Central Arkansas is the ASUN’s Arkansas minus the hog hats
Eastern KY is the ASUN’s KY Wildcats minus the basketball trophies

McNeese would become the ASUN’s LSU minus the money,

Still a few football playing team short in different states but I can see it....

ETSU and UTC would fill the Vandy and Tennessee slots

Western Carolina would fill the South Carolina slot

SEMO for the Missouri spot?

The obvious choice, West Texas A&M

(02-08-2021 09:48 AM)SMUstang Wrote:  The obvious choice, West Texas A&M

They would appear to be the odds on favorite unless an existing FCS school like Weber St, NAU, or Sac St had an abrupt change of heart.

Quote: Reader Steve asks:

Do you think West Texas A&M would be a WAC candidate for a 14th school, and are they likely to move to D-1 in the next few years?

Russell: We did a fundraising project a few years back for WTAMU as part of the construction and opening of Buffalo Stadium. They met a lot of criteria – great leadership, great competitive success, great facilities, and in addition they have a 10,000-plus student body and supportive alumni and fans.

I think they’re a great candidate to consider for a move to Division I and geography-wise a nice fit with the Texas WAC schools as well as NMSU and Dixie State. The pandemic makes it a much harder discussion and a departure by any Lone Star Conference football school really hurts that league. After all, only seven of the 15 schools in the LSC play football.

https://www.extrapointsmb.com/p/communit...conference

In a discussion at Eastern Washington regarding the future of their sports, in light of massive budget deficits and shrinking enrollment.

One scenario was to continue as is in the Big Sky, another was to drop to D2 or D3. The other scenario was to drop football, which would require a conference change (their words, not mine). They listed the WCC and WAC as possible conferences in that scenario. (Again, their words, not mine) Well, we all pretty much know the WCC isn't a realistic option.

https://newstalk870.am/ewu-mulling-athle...-football/
https://www.yahoo.com/now/whats-future-a...00753.html


Very few opportunities for a travel partner for Seattle have ever come up, even far fetched ones, so I thought this was worth a mention.

(03-02-2021 05:59 PM)Todor Wrote:  In a discussion at Eastern Washington regarding the future of their sports, in light of massive budget deficits and shrinking enrollment.

One scenario was to continue as is in the Big Sky, another was to drop to D2 or D3. The other scenario was to drop football, which would require a conference change (their words, not mine). They listed the WCC and WAC as possible conferences in that scenario. (Again, their words, not mine) Well, we all pretty much know the WCC isn't a realistic option.

https://newstalk870.am/ewu-mulling-athle...-football/

With the WAC needing an 8th FCS football full member, I'm not sure the WAC is an option for Eastern Washington (without football) anymore. If they had considered this move two years ago when the WAC was desperately looking for members, the WAC might not have added Dixie State and Tarleton State to start us down the FCS road.

(03-02-2021 05:59 PM)Todor Wrote:  In a discussion at Eastern Washington regarding the future of their sports, in light of massive budget deficits and shrinking enrollment.

One scenario was to continue as is in the Big Sky, another was to drop to D2 or D3. The other scenario was to drop football, which would require a conference change (their words, not mine). They listed the WCC and WAC as possible conferences in that scenario. (Again, their words, not mine) Well, we all pretty much know the WCC isn't a realistic option.

https://newstalk870.am/ewu-mulling-athle...-football/

i was wondering why the Big West Conference was not considered rather than the West Coast Conference...the BWC is like the WCC but with CA + HI public institutions...i can see how HI would be a travel issue...plus the WCC is a bunch religious institutions...i don't think that Eastern Washington fits there institutional profile

the WAC...on the other hand...is going to do athletic divisions to ease travel...

WAC Southwest Division: ACU, Lamar, Sam Houston, SFA, Tarleton State and Texas-Rio Grande Valley.

WAC West Division: California Baptist, Dixie State, Grand Canyon, New Mexico State, Seattle, Southern Utah and Utah Valley.

...and Chicago State will be leaving the WAC in 2022...plus Seattle U is in WA like Gonzaga and Eastern Washington will be in the same division...

(03-02-2021 06:08 PM)NMSUPistolPete Wrote:  

(03-02-2021 05:59 PM)Todor Wrote:  In a discussion at Eastern Washington regarding the future of their sports, in light of massive budget deficits and shrinking enrollment.

One scenario was to continue as is in the Big Sky, another was to drop to D2 or D3. The other scenario was to drop football, which would require a conference change (their words, not mine). They listed the WCC and WAC as possible conferences in that scenario. (Again, their words, not mine) Well, we all pretty much know the WCC isn't a realistic option.

https://newstalk870.am/ewu-mulling-athle...-football/

With the WAC needing an 8th FCS football full member, I'm not sure the WAC is an option for Eastern Washington (without football) anymore. If they had considered this move two years ago when the WAC was desperately looking for members, the WAC might not have added Dixie State and Tarleton State to start us down the FCS road.

As long we are going to play as essentially 2 separate conferences anyway, having a travel partner for SU (as well another member) could be a good deal all around.

The WAC is always desperately looking for members. Turning EWU down based on FCS football would be short sighted.

(03-02-2021 06:17 PM)Todor Wrote:  

(03-02-2021 06:08 PM)NMSUPistolPete Wrote:  

(03-02-2021 05:59 PM)Todor Wrote:  In a discussion at Eastern Washington regarding the future of their sports, in light of massive budget deficits and shrinking enrollment.

One scenario was to continue as is in the Big Sky, another was to drop to D2 or D3. The other scenario was to drop football, which would require a conference change (their words, not mine). They listed the WCC and WAC as possible conferences in that scenario. (Again, their words, not mine) Well, we all pretty much know the WCC isn't a realistic option.

https://newstalk870.am/ewu-mulling-athle...-football/

With the WAC needing an 8th FCS football full member, I'm not sure the WAC is an option for Eastern Washington (without football) anymore. If they had considered this move two years ago when the WAC was desperately looking for members, the WAC might not have added Dixie State and Tarleton State to start us down the FCS road.

As long we are going to play as essentially 2 separate conferences anyway, having a travel partner for SU (as well another member) could be a good deal all around.

The WAC is always desperately looking for members. Turning EWU down based on FCS football would be short sighted.

Only if the WAC has no other options. But what's the point of the Texas 4 and Southern Utah to join the WAC then? They are currently in more stable football situation in the SLC and BSC respectively. In fact if the WAC doesn't put FCS football on the forefront, Then the Texas 4 could remain in the SLC and add Tarleton as well. And, if EWU were to leave for the WAC, the BSC could talk Southern Utah to stay put and make a play for Dixie State as EWU's replacement. The WAC really need to add another football member; not a football-less EWU.

Good points. But if EWU were to drop football, the Big Sky would be looking for a replacement for them whether EWU came to the WAC in other sports or not.

I see value for all members in having a solid travel partner for Seattle. Of course, that would also upset the current travel partner arrangements so it could end up a push with someone else left, so...

We're still a long way from having FCS football anyway.

Adding a non-football school to the WAC would be construed as a lack of commitment to starting an FCS conference. They only reason the Texas four and Southern Utah are joining the WAC is to make that happen. The WAC only has one available spot left to add a football member; once Chicago State bows out in 2022. Unless there is a serious push to add associate football members to form a WAC football conference, I see trying to add EWU at this time as the commissioner shooting the WAC in the foot. Beside, as the WAC is going to be constructed, there are going to be two seven team division. Each division is going to have a school who doesn't have a travel partner. Next season, it will be Chicago State in the east and in 2022 it will be Seattle U in the west (once Southern Utah officially joins).

Unless you are advocating that the WAC expand to 16 members so everyone (in two divisions) has a travel partner?

I find it hard to believe that EWU would drop football. Too many folks there are supporters of FB. It could happen, but if it does they are in worse shape than what was stated in the story.

Also, given the options listed, I have questions about the quality of the study. That is nothing more than a middle schooler could have come up with for a term paper.

BTW - My direct connection to EWU is 20 + years ago, but I have sort of kept an eye on how they are doing.

(03-02-2021 07:07 PM)NMSUPistolPete Wrote:  Adding a non-football school to the WAC would be construed as a lack of commitment to starting an FCS conference. They only reason the Texas four and Southern Utah are joining the WAC is to make that happen. The WAC only has one available spot left to add a football member; once Chicago State bows out in 2022. Unless there is a serious push to add associate football members to form a WAC football conference, I see trying to add EWU at this time as the commissioner shooting the WAC in the foot. Beside, as the WAC is going to be constructed, there are going to be two seven team division. Each division is going to have a school who doesn't have a travel partner. Next season, it will be Chicago State in the east and in 2022 it will be Seattle U in the west (once Southern Utah officially jo

Unless you are advocating that the WAC expand to 16 members so everyone (in two divisions) has a travel partner?

Honestly, I don't see WAC membership as stable enough to turn anyone down if they have any potential at all. EWU has had some success in basketball, and without football they could probably fund other sports at a respectable level. But I don't know the likelihood of them dropping football. I mean, I read the article but that is just a glimpse of the overall picture. All I know is, there are few schools in the WAC footprint that are ever looking for a new conference. I'm not sure we can afford to say no if they did drop football and want in.

Sadly, it says they paid $38,000 for that study, so they definitely aren't good with money in Cheney. They also just got new red turn in 2020, so if they are poorly managed, that's another sign they will drop football ha ha.

The WAC now has 5 new schools committed to join which means it is and will remain plenty stable if it sticks to the vision that brought those schools into the fold. That means adding one last new member that plays or is committed to playing FCS football. For that reason I'd be very surprised to see the conference seriously consider adding EWU without football.

(03-02-2021 08:44 PM)HawaiiMongoose Wrote:  The WAC now has 5 new schools committed to join which means it is and will remain plenty stable if it sticks to the vision that brought those schools into the fold. That means adding one last new member that plays or is committed to playing FCS football. For that reason I'd be very surprised to see the conference seriously consider adding EWU without football.

I've made my thoughts clear on how long I think some of the new schools will be around (not long) so that makes me think the WAC should remain open to continuing into ad non football schools.

Don't forget, as of today, right now, there are not even any full FCS members even in the WAC. Predicating the whole future of the conference based in some D2 move ups who won't even be real D1 schools until years from now, 4 schools who have shown they move around in one big block, and Southern Utah is a bridge too far for me. If the WAC were to drop, say, 5 FCS members with no one to replace them, we might wish we had stayed open to other possibilities.

I've never heard that going forward FCS would be a requirement for membership, especially when most members aren't. I'd say that until major potential conference realignment happen around 2025, everything about the WAC remains very fluid and subject to change quickly.

I disagree with Todor - I think the WAC is in a position of relative strength, so long as the status quo is maintained. Any sort of seismic change in 2025 is unlikely and the fantasy of realignmentologists. The Texas schools are peer institutions (minus ACU) and seem to act like a block, so unless they go back to the SLC, there isn't really anywhere for them to go. The next possible inflection point, IMO, is when the situation re: FBS becomes apparent. If the WAC decides NOT to go FBS, some schools could seek out greener pastures. Similarly, if the WAC moves up to FBS, some schools might look for better (read: already cut into CFP payouts/higher payout) conferences. In the interim, we are in a period of stability.

The WAC already has a plan to accept a 14th member that would align with the Texas division, and everybody is on board with that. I doubt they would risk that common understanding for EWU.

So you think something could happen with FBS within the next 10 years? And at that point membership won't have changed? Dream on.

I can't even imagine a scenario where moving to FBS is possible within a decade with current/slated membership.

In the case of becoming FCS, then having football schools back East doesn't mean the non football schools aren't needed members, don't matter, or are on board with only football schools in the future to the detriment of all else.

(03-02-2021 11:07 PM)Todor Wrote:  So you think something could happen with FBS within the next 10 years? And at that point membership won't have changed? Dream on.

I can't even imagine a scenario where moving to FBS is possible within a decade with current/slated membership.

In the case of becoming FCS, then having football schools back East doesn't mean the non football schools aren't needed members, don't matter, or are on board with only football schools in the future to the detriment of all else.

Typical case of can't see the forest for the trees. Texas schools will push WAC to FBS in 5 years. Book it. You're welcome, NMSU.

(03-02-2021 11:07 PM)Todor Wrote:  So you think something could happen with FBS within the next 10 years? And at that point membership won't have changed? Dream on.

I can't even imagine a scenario where moving to FBS is possible within a decade with current/slated membership.

In the case of becoming FCS, then having football schools back East doesn't mean the non football schools aren't needed members, don't matter, or are on board with only football schools in the future to the detriment of all else.

Did you read what I said? I said we are stable until the WAC decides not to go FBS (or, if we do go FBS, until we are in FBS - but this is the much less likely scenario). Membership may change, but it's not going to be mass migration. I expect it to be small scale, like Seattle or Cal Baptist leaving. The WAC will remain stable, even with these sorts of defections.

Right now, conference members have an agreement about where the conference wants to be. That makes us stable for the first time in decades. No one is going to want to risk upsetting that balance for a football-less EWU. However, EWU might be welcomed if one of the aforementioned minor defections occurs.