G-MAC All-Sports and Conference Business Thread

[kdubnation]

No surprise about TNU. They were in a worse situation geographically than KWC. As for KWC itself, TNU leaving doesn't help things, but I still think geographically we are at such a weird spot in relation to the borders of all the various D2 conferences that we could potentially be in, there's not a single conference in which we wouldn't be on the border. The question just becomes which general direction would we have to go - North/East? South/East? North/West? ... At the end of the day I still don't see a better fit for us when you take geography AND the overall makeup of the members in terms of budgets and philosophies.

Adding Thomas More to the conference almost negates the impact of TNU leaving, too, from a purely geographic standpoint.

Would I be surprised if KWC explored also moving to the GSC? No. But by the same token I just don't really see the benefit.

[WKYDave]

Adding Northwood was killer to TNU and KWC as it is a full hour further away from Lake Erie/Walsh/Malone. KWC like TNU is at the edge of every potential conference. KWC averages 6 hours of travel to GMAC schools. KWC would average under 5.5 hours in GLVC (but Upper Iowa makes Northwood trip look easy) and just over 5.5 hours for Gulf South. IF West FL and Valdosta move to DI then Gulf South would drop to 5 hour average. Besides travel all 12 GMAC schools are private, 5 of 12 Gulf South are private, and 10 of 15 GLVC are private. The problem KWC faces is lower spending on sports than public schools and most private schools. So travel-wise it is Gulf South/GLVC with GMAC last but institution-wise it is GMAC/GLVC with Gulf South last. TNU had an easier choice than KWC does.

[Uindy18]

In my opinion, the main attraction KWC would have to the GLVC is those Saint Louis area schools. Any conference will have a few longer trips like Upper Iowa and Rockhurst, but multiple 3 to 4 hour trips to conference games is probably the best geographic option they have.

[WKYDave]

In my opinion, the main attraction KWC would have to the GLVC is those Saint Louis area schools. Any conference will have a few longer trips like Upper Iowa and Rockhurst, but multiple 3 to 4 hour trips to conference games is probably the best geographic option they have.

Right and that's where what Indy does kinda impacts KWC. In GLVC you have INDY, McKendree, UMSL and Maryville under 4 hours and Springfield just over. With GMAC, right now there is only Thomas More under 4 and Cedarville just over. Indy moving to GMAC makes those two conference more equal in the manageable trip category. The Gulf South was TNU, Union, and UA-Huntsville under 4 and Lee just over.

If Valdosta and West Florida leave Gulf South it makes that conference more attractive from travel perspective, but you have the public school and funding issue.

[Uindy18]

Right and that's where what Indy does kinda impacts KWC. In GLVC you have INDY, McKendree, UMSL and Maryville under 4 hours and Springfield just over. With GMAC, right now there is only Thomas More under 4 and Cedarville just over. Indy moving to GMAC makes those two conference more equal in the manageable trip category. The Gulf South was TNU, Union, and UA-Huntsville under 4 and Lee just over.

If Valdosta and West Florida leave Gulf South it makes that conference more attractive from travel perspective, but you have the public school and funding issue.

Fair enough, Uindy is a big domino for both the GLVC and the GMAC. For the GLVC, losing Uindy could motivate them to approach KWC and MI/IL/IA area NAIA programs such as Saint Ambrose or Missouri Baptist,

For the GMAC, pulling in Uindy and potentially Notre Dame College boosts your competiion level in most sports and helps keeps costs down. It would also be a great oppuruntity to grow the conference within Indiana by targeting the Indiana NAIAs.

I guess the biggest question of all is, does KWC bide their time and see what Uindy does? or do they make the decision now?

[BlueBlood]

BTW - the G-MAC press release regarding Trevecca sure makes it sound like the conference is still looking to expand - "Over the last 12 years, the Great Midwest has been blessed to have significantly grown alongside our membership. We will be identifying additional institutions that share our mission, values, and commitment to student-athlete success while remaining dedicated to our membership". Plus, Commissioner Daeger was interviewed on the "Talkin' G-MAC" podcast recently and he said something very similar.

[crazznewt]

Guys, I will take the risk of ridicule by not elaborating on this comment. I don't think U Indy would be a good match for the GMAC, which has become my favorite conference in D1 or D2. Hit and run, sorry about that.

[BlueBlood]

Guys, I will take the risk of ridicule by not elaborating on this comment. I don't think U Indy would be a good match for the GMAC, which has become my favorite conference in D1 or D2. Hit and run, sorry about that.

A UIndy that is going to stay D2 - I think they would be a great fit. They already have a few historical rivals in the conference. It would help KWC geographically (at least somewhat).

A UIndy that is eyeing D1 and views the G-MAC as a short-term fix, no thank you.

If I were betting on this - I think they will go D1.

I think the IN NAIA schools are the better long-term play.

[Uindy18]

If I were betting on this - I think they will go D1.

From what I have heard, I believe there are a few hangups for Uindy to D1 right now.

1. Going D1 takes a big investment in resources, facilites, etc. That brings up what I call the classic NDSU problem. Do you want to move up in Division so that you are battling to stay relevant? or stay down and maintain your success where you are as a consistent winner?

2. On top of the investment issue, the Indianapolis market already has to battle Butler, IUPUI, Purdue, Indiana (and if you go further out, Evansville, Indiana State, Valpo, IPFW, etc.). Can you really ready go toe to toe with those schools when you have already carved out a nice little niche in Division II?

3. Facilites. Uindy has some great Division II facilites, but for a Division I program, the football and basketball facilites are, at best, somewhat below average. Nicoson Hall is a great venue for Division II, but is probably about as good as it is going to get without building a whole new gym. Key Stadium is serviceable for Division II, but no where near most Division I fields.

Ultimately, just a feeling here from what I have heard, but i think the athletics leadership at Uindy is intrigued by Division I, however, the board of trustees/president seem hesitant to committ the money and resources needed to make that move happen.

As an alum, I firmly believe the best place for Uindy is Division II, but that take is by no mean consistent with all other alumni. And if we are in DII long term, then the GMAC just makes too much sense. I still dream of my ideal GMAC lineup:

Cedarville

Findlay

Taylor

Lake Erie

Malone

Ohio Dominican

Tiffin

Ursuline

Walsh

Ashland

Indianapolis

Notre Dame College

Indiana Wesleyan

Marian

Saint Francis - Fort Wayne

With Northwood and Hillsdale back in a revitalized GLIAC (fueled by the adddition of Michigan and Chicago area NAIAs as well as Lewis), Thomas More and KWC in the GLVC, and Trevecca headed south.

[BlueBlood]

Davenport is joining the G-MAC for Men's Lacrosse, Wrestling and Stunt.

I have to admit - the G-MAC social media announcements with the Davenport logo tricked me at first.

[BlueBlood]

Davenport's Men's Lacrosse and Wrestling teams had been in the GLVC

[BlueBlood]

This gives the G-MAC 11 Men's Lacrosse teams, 7 Wrestling programs and 8 STUNT teams.

[Uindy18]

Davenport is joining the G-MAC for Men's Lacrosse, Wrestling and Stunt.

I have to admit - the G-MAC social media announcements with the Davenport logo tricked me at first.

Interesting, but cannot say I am surprised. Davenport has been rumored to the GMAC for awhile as a full member, ever since Northwood left basically.

[BlueBlood]

Just saw that it was announced that the city of Owensboro, Ky. will serve as the hosts for the 2024 Great Midwest golf and tennis championships. It's obviously nice for KWC - but I think it also great to give TNU these short trips for their last few G-MAC championship events.

[BlueBlood]

Just saw that Notre Dame College is closing. For the old-timers, you will remember the angst when NDC and then Urbana left the G-MAC (which was still trying to get off the ground). It was a fragile time for the G-MAC and it’s crazy to think that both schools that left for perceived greener pastures are now gone. Crazy times.

Glad to see Walsh, Ursuline and LEC offering teach-out and transfer options.