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Post by unafied on Dec 5, 2023 14:08:12 GMT -6
It almost feels like the CAA is in a crisis situation similar to what the PAC was. They lost one of their most important members, now the existence of the conference might depend on what the teams left behind decide to do.
Speaking about the SoCon, there's this...
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Post by mtc13 on Dec 5, 2023 20:00:58 GMT -6
It almost feels like the CAA is in a crisis situation similar to what the PAC was. They lost one of their most important members, now the existence of the conference might depend on what the teams left behind decide to do. Speaking about the SoCon, there's this... I guess they didn't like the CAA changing the name from Colonial Athletic Association to the Coastal Athletic Association lol
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Post by brandon on Dec 5, 2023 21:26:48 GMT -6
I think it's funny, when we first joined the ASUN, everyone was looking for the ASUN to diminish like it was the most unstable conference you could be in. And when rumors of other D1 schools was set to join the ASUN was going around, peaple laughed and said nobody would join the ASUN. And them it happened... after that, the OVC has had to struggle to get back to a half way viable conference. The Big South is looking like they at the very least need to drop football. I will not include the MEAC because in my opinion is a different situation. Now the CAA can't keep its core together.
The only reason in my opinion the SoCon is being mentioned is because there are a few (smart) schools in the SoCon that sees what is happening and don't want to be below the ASUN in the pecking order. Matt didn't mention anything about the SoCon talking to CAA schools, but now they are in the mix?
Seems to me any of these schools could have went to the SoCon whenever they wanted, but for whatever reason they didn't. If it was because the SoCon didn't want to expand, then they may have missed their chance to get them. If it's because they don't want to be dictated by a few schools in the SoCon, then I think that's going to be advantage ASUN.
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Post by brandon on Dec 5, 2023 21:41:51 GMT -6
I mentioned getting William and Mary, but after messaging a couple of their fans, they seem to think they would rather move to the Patriot League. I also get a message from someone that is a Richmond fan and she said that Richmond would be considering moving all sports, so that means they would be willing to leave the A-10.
The impression I get is the older Southern CAA schools are not happy with the additions the CAA have made and JMU and Delaware moving has broken the camels back so to speak.
Could the ASUN land College of Charleston, Elon and Richmond? If so, I think NCA&T and Hampton move back to the MEAC or Howard joins the CAA.
Drexel is in talks with the Horizon.
UNC-WILMINGTON may could join the Big South.
My question if the ASUN part plays out, would the ASUN be better off having football outside the UAC or just keep doing the UAC thing?
ASUN football (7)
UCA,APSU,UNA,EKU,UWG,Richmond,Elon
We could even add Gardner Webb and Charleston Southern as football only members and have 9.
Just a thought. This could get interesting.
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Post by unalions on Dec 5, 2023 23:18:21 GMT -6
I mentioned getting William and Mary, but after messaging a couple of their fans, they seem to think they would rather move to the Patriot League. I also get a message from someone that is a Richmond fan and she said that Richmond would be considering moving all sports, so that means they would be willing to leave the A-10. The impression I get is the older Southern CAA schools are not happy with the additions the CAA have made and JMU and Delaware moving has broken the camels back so to speak. Could the ASUN land College of Charleston, Elon and Richmond? If so, I think NCA&T and Hampton move back to the MEAC or Howard joins the CAA. Drexel is in talks with the Horizon. UNC-WILMINGTON may could join the Big South. My question if the ASUN part plays out, would the ASUN be better off having football outside the UAC or just keep doing the UAC thing? ASUN football (7) UCA,APSU,UNA,EKU,UWG,Richmond,Elon We could even add Gardner Webb and Charleston Southern as football only members and have 9. Just a thought. This could get interesting. I’d love for the ASUN to have football again.
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Post by unafied on Dec 6, 2023 6:55:00 GMT -6
I think at some point the pendulum will be swinging back to geography that makes sense. Maybe we're already seeing it. Now in football, obviously it doesn't make as much of a difference. Flying to Texas a couple of times per season likely doesn't cost much different than flying to somewhere in the Carolinas or Virginia. But basketball? Volleyball? Baseball? These schools can't afford to fly these teams halfway across the country MULTIPLE times per year. A blind man could've seen how stupid it is for mid-major conferences to expand across thousands of miles. The money just isn't there.
So on that note, I'm guessing you'll eventually see the southern or southern-ish CAA schools pair up with us or the SoCon, or maybe the A-10 if they take Charleston. Richmond and Bill & Mary will be the wildcards, but as I think a lot of their students come from the northeast, they'll prefer to stick with a conference that leans that direction. I think CAA football, whether it keeps that name or not, will eventually go back to having Richmond/W&M as their southern border and mostly be the northeastern schools.
I have no problem with the UAC, but it would definitely put the WAC schools in a tough situation if the ASUN eventually does their own football. They would only have 6 schools (when you add UTRGV). I guess there's always more Texas D2s they could invite up. Central Oklahoma seems destined to do it as well.
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Post by brandon on Dec 6, 2023 7:46:58 GMT -6
I think at some point the pendulum will be swinging back to geography that makes sense. Maybe we're already seeing it. Now in football, obviously it doesn't make as much of a difference. Flying to Texas a couple of times per season likely doesn't cost much different than flying to somewhere in the Carolinas or Virginia. But basketball? Volleyball? Baseball? These schools can't afford to fly these teams halfway across the country MULTIPLE times per year. A blind man could've seen how stupid it is for mid-major conferences to expand across thousands of miles. The money just isn't there. So on that note, I'm guessing you'll eventually see the southern or southern-ish CAA schools pair up with us or the SoCon, or maybe the A-10 if they take Charleston. Richmond and Bill & Mary will be the wildcards, but as I think a lot of their students come from the northeast, they'll prefer to stick with a conference that leans that direction. I think CAA football, whether it keeps that name or not, will eventually go back to having Richmond/W&M as their southern border and mostly be the northeastern schools. I have no problem with the UAC, but it would definitely put the WAC schools in a tough situation if the ASUN eventually does their own football. They would only have 6 schools (when you add UTRGV). I guess there's always more Texas D2s they could invite up. Central Oklahoma seems destined to do it as well. Actually, 62% of Richmonds students come from the Mid Atlantic (Maryland,Delaware) geographically south, Virginia, and the "South". Only 19% came from the northeast and New England area. [Per University of Richmond website] So, the ASUN may be perfect for them. William and Mary on the other hand, I haven't looked but I figure they probably lean more mid Atlantic to New England. Hints why their people consider their peers are in the Patriot League. Like I said, with that in consideration I would withdrawal my previous bias towards W&M and pursue College of Charleston and Elon. Richmond for football only. I still have a hard time believing they would leave the A-10.
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Post by brandon on Dec 6, 2023 7:52:07 GMT -6
The difficult thing for the WAC, and the main reason I would vote to keep the UAC together is, the ASUN holds the AQ, the WAC was denied one, the reason for the partnership to begin with. When they applied, they had the right amount but was still denied. Does that mean anything now? IDK, but it makes you wonder.
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Post by unafied on Dec 6, 2023 11:35:40 GMT -6
I think at some point the pendulum will be swinging back to geography that makes sense. Maybe we're already seeing it. Now in football, obviously it doesn't make as much of a difference. Flying to Texas a couple of times per season likely doesn't cost much different than flying to somewhere in the Carolinas or Virginia. But basketball? Volleyball? Baseball? These schools can't afford to fly these teams halfway across the country MULTIPLE times per year. A blind man could've seen how stupid it is for mid-major conferences to expand across thousands of miles. The money just isn't there. So on that note, I'm guessing you'll eventually see the southern or southern-ish CAA schools pair up with us or the SoCon, or maybe the A-10 if they take Charleston. Richmond and Bill & Mary will be the wildcards, but as I think a lot of their students come from the northeast, they'll prefer to stick with a conference that leans that direction. I think CAA football, whether it keeps that name or not, will eventually go back to having Richmond/W&M as their southern border and mostly be the northeastern schools. I have no problem with the UAC, but it would definitely put the WAC schools in a tough situation if the ASUN eventually does their own football. They would only have 6 schools (when you add UTRGV). I guess there's always more Texas D2s they could invite up. Central Oklahoma seems destined to do it as well. Actually, 62% of Richmonds students come from the Mid Atlantic (Maryland,Delaware) geographically south, Virginia, and the "South". Only 19% came from the northeast and New England area. [Per University of Richmond website] So, the ASUN may be perfect for them. William and Mary on the other hand, I haven't looked but I figure they probably lean more mid Atlantic to New England. Hints why their people consider their peers are in the Patriot League. Like I said, with that in consideration I would withdrawal my previous bias towards W&M and pursue College of Charleston and Elon. Richmond for football only. I still have a hard time believing they would leave the A-10. I'm surprised by that Richmond stat. I always thought they attracted New York/Boston kids. Thanks for clearing that up. They have a great football program. Their coach was an alum of UTC and coached the Mocs until a few years ago. He had spent time as a DC in Richmond and just loved it there, I guess. Since they've now lost their rivalries with Delaware and James Madison, it'll be interesting to see if they start looking around.
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Post by brandon on Feb 13, 2024 13:55:06 GMT -6
Disclaimer.... This is not a rumor and I have not heard anything, just me thinking.
If the ASUN was to land one more football school, be it West Florida, Valdosta, Gardner Webb, Charleston Southern, whoever, would going after Arkansas Little Rock be a smart move by the conference?
The reason I mentioned them, the Would have Central Arkansas down the road for a good in state, in conference rivalry, not far of a drive from APSU, UNA, and Lipscomb. Also a better all around conference in all sports than the OVC.
I think the ASUN wants to get back to 14 (and possibly 16) and add stability at the same time, just looking at future options...
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Post by unalions on Feb 13, 2024 15:23:34 GMT -6
Disclaimer.... This is not a rumor and I have not heard anything, just me thinking. If the ASUN was to land one more football school, be it West Florida, Valdosta, Gardner Webb, Charleston Southern, whoever, would going after Arkansas Little Rock be a smart move by the conference? The reason I mentioned them, the Would have Central Arkansas down the road for a good in state, in conference rivalry, not far of a drive from APSU, UNA, and Lipscomb. Also a better all around conference in all sports than the OVC. I think the ASUN wants to get back to 14 (and possibly 16) and add stability at the same time, just looking at future options... Sounds good. I'm sure UCA would love it. The more schools closer to Florence, the better. Well, except for the FL schools. They really need for VSU to come to the ASUN. VSU would have the north FL schools and UWG within a decent drive. Plus, they could keep the rivalry with the Wolves going.
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Post by brandon on Feb 13, 2024 17:47:23 GMT -6
Disclaimer.... This is not a rumor and I have not heard anything, just me thinking. If the ASUN was to land one more football school, be it West Florida, Valdosta, Gardner Webb, Charleston Southern, whoever, would going after Arkansas Little Rock be a smart move by the conference? The reason I mentioned them, the Would have Central Arkansas down the road for a good in state, in conference rivalry, not far of a drive from APSU, UNA, and Lipscomb. Also a better all around conference in all sports than the OVC. I think the ASUN wants to get back to 14 (and possibly 16) and add stability at the same time, just looking at future options... Sounds good. I'm sure UCA would love it. The more schools closer to Florence, the better. Well, except for the FL schools. They really need for VSU to come to the ASUN. VSU would have the north FL schools and UWG within a decent drive. Plus, they could keep the rivalry with the Wolves going. I get it... But what other conference in D1 has 4 (potentially 5) schools in Florida? My thinking is, if we can bolster the outliers with someone in their state, or a very short trip, or a big rival, or a potential rival, or 3 of the 4, that helps keep them from potentially trying to find another conference. I'm keeping FBS possibly out of the equation. UNA is in a unique position in the ASUN geographically because we can be closer to other states schools than our own, and we have history with others. Example, we are just as close to APSU and Lipscomb as we are to Samford and closer than Chattanooga. We have history with West Georgia and old history with several ASUN members. Personally I want West Florida and Valdosta St. West Florida is the odds in favorite and the most likely to move. Valdosta keeps the, "We are happy in D2" or "We don't have the money" B.S. arguments going. They remind me of UNA in the late 90s and early 2000s. Now we are paying for it. But if we can keep the outside schools a reason to stay in, (Central Arkansas, Queens) by adding schools like Little Rock, Gardner Webb, Charleston Southern(who by the way, would be just as good geographically in my opinion as Valdosta) we then have major stability. Other than FBS, I don't see anyone saying, "You know, I think I'm going to reach out to the OVC, Horizon, Summit, Big South, or Southern" to be in a better, more stable conference. At that point, I think the ASUN is the premier mid major conference in the region.
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Post by brandon on Mar 9, 2024 2:00:58 GMT -6
So, just my impressions on West Florida.
Part of my conversation with Dr. Looney went to West Florida and Valdosta.
I asked what is the likelihood of one or both joining, he said "Valdosta, 0% but West Florida, very high, I just don't understand why they are dragging their feet. But, I'm don't know their financial situation other than public record. I don't know how committed their alum and donors are."
I then asked if there are anymore the ASUN is looking at, or is looking at the ASUN. He said "Yes, but I'm not at liberty to say who they are, but they are already in D1."
My guess is the ASUN is waiting to see what West Florida does. When he said "dragging their feet" that tells me an invitation has at least been informally extended. So that would have us at 13. So I figure, 14 will come after West Florida decides what they want to do.
With that being said, the ASUN is at 12, 14 may be a goal, but it's not a necessity. So the ASUN can afford to wait on West Florida to make a decision.
If I'm a betting man, Gardner Webb and Charleston Southern have contacted the ASUN. In reality they are in desperate need to move from the Big South.
So I would bet, if West Florida comes, Gardner Webb gets the nod. CSU may be a football only option if the UAC would alow a team not affiliated with the ASUN or WAC. If not, I guess they have very limited options.
If West Florida decides not to come, I bet Gardner Webb and Charleston Southern gets an invite.
At that point, if I'm the ASUN, I would give Charleston Southern a timeline to have a facility upgrade plan. (Football can get a pass) but basketball and Baseball needs major upgrades.
Gardner Webb has good facilities...
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Post by roaringsince96 on Mar 9, 2024 11:06:50 GMT -6
Thanks for the information. Hoping ASUN stops going after D2 schools after maybe West Florida. We went to D1 to play D1 sports. If we keep dragging up all the old D2 schools we wasted our money and could have just stayed in the D2 division. Our crowds get excited about UTC and JSU and would if we ever scheduled a series with Samford? I loved when we were D2 and enjoyed those past games….but those are past games. If West Florida is happy in D2 and in a great conference really I get that too.
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Post by brandon on Mar 9, 2024 13:08:38 GMT -6
Thanks for the information. Hoping ASUN stops going after D2 schools after maybe West Florida. We went to D1 to play D1 sports. If we keep dragging up all the old D2 schools we wasted our money and could have just stayed in the D2 division. Our crowds get excited about UTC and JSU and would if we ever scheduled a series with Samford? I loved when we were D2 and enjoyed those past games….but those are past games. If West Florida is happy in D2 and in a great conference really I get that too. I'm on the opposite side of the fence on the D2 thing... We stayed wayyyy too long in D2. My opinion is that we should have went when Troy, UT Martin, JSU and a few others went. But that's history and we can't change that. Schools like West Florida, Valdosta, GVSU, and others are D1 schools acting like D2 schools. That's just my opinion though. I don't look at them as watering down, I look at them as enhancing. There are current D1 schools though that are D2 schools pretending to be D1. Now, to your point, if West Florida, like Valdosta decides that D2 is where they want to stay, who am I to disagree with them. But in reality, they are not a D2 school.
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