G-MAC / GLIAC Updates

[Insidesource]

Re: G-MAC / GLIAC Updates

What I am hearing from those involved in GMAC meeting:

Seton Hill/UIndy most likely to join GMAC

Gannon, Hurst would consider moving if at least 1 other school PSAC school joined in the move

NDC/Urbana possible (50/50)

No talks AT ALL concerning Ashland

[Irishlaker]

Re: G-MAC / GLIAC Updates

I don't really know that D3 saves much money. On the Dept. of Education website, the OAC schools' athletic expenses seem pretty similar to the G-MAC schools' expenses - except for the missing scholarship $. We all know that D3s "discount" on the other side of the ledger, so I'm not really sure that there is much net difference if a D2 isn't giving out maximum scholarships in all sports.

I'm sure that some/most G-MAC schools are hurting. Small private schools all over the country are hurting. The G-MAC is certainly not alone, nor is D2. D3s and NAIAs are having issues too. The landscape is changing. Having a lot of sports teams can probably get a school up to 400-500 kids. After that, you have to have things that attracts the "common" student. You have to have a "something" and there aren't many parameters to what that something is. Cedarville's "thing" is sticking to its guns - and remaining an unapologetically faith-based institution (its not just "historically Baptist"). From what I can tell, that is Trevecca's thing too. Hillsdale is a bastion of political conservativism (which is why I can never get their enrollment and athletic budget numbers from the Dept of Education - because they don't send them to the government). I'm closely following the potential Bellarmine D1 move. I think that their admin is of the mindset that this will be their "thing". They want to become a better-known entity and going D1 will (hopefully) get their name out there and will (hopefully) lead to more "common" students wanting to attend a "more recognizable" university. Its a bold move - but I can understand and appreciate the reasoning.

My ability to "understand and appreciate the reasoning" gets clouded by the laundry list of schools for whom this has NOT worked out. Sure seems like an expensive route to take with the primary, intended gain being more notoriety in the hopes of driving some additional enrollment. Seems even riskier given their proximity (about three miles or so as the crow flies) to a Power 5 school that already owns the mindshare of that media market.

Would never say it won't work, and I firmly believe in the risk/reward principles. BUT, I would openly question whether this is an instance where discretion wouldn't be the better part of valor. That's my view from the cheaps...maybe there is more involved than I would know about...

[Stea1th]

Re: G-MAC / GLIAC Updates

Seton Hill wants a conference to fit all their needs athletically. GMAC would be the best fit for them and have already expressed interest to the conference to become full members.

That is interesting. If the GMAC can somehow swing Seton Hill, Gannon and Mercyhurst, I bet both Ashland and NDC are in.

[BlueBlood]

Re: G-MAC / GLIAC Updates

I don't really know that D3 saves much money. On the Dept. of Education website, the OAC schools' athletic expenses seem pretty similar to the G-MAC schools' expenses - except for the missing scholarship $. We all know that D3s "discount" on the other side of the ledger, so I'm not really sure that there is much net difference if a D2 isn't giving out maximum scholarships in all sports.

I'm sure that some/most G-MAC schools are hurting. Small private schools all over the country are hurting. The G-MAC is certainly not alone, nor is D2. D3s and NAIAs are having issues too. The landscape is changing. Having a lot of sports teams can probably get a school up to 400-500 kids. After that, you have to have things that attracts the "common" student. You have to have a "something" and there aren't many parameters to what that something is. Cedarville's "thing" is sticking to its guns - and remaining an unapologetically faith-based institution (its not just "historically Baptist"). From what I can tell, that is Trevecca's thing too. Hillsdale is a bastion of political conservativism (which is why I can never get their enrollment and athletic budget numbers from the Dept of Education - because they don't send them to the government). I'm closely following the potential Bellarmine D1 move. I think that their admin is of the mindset that this will be their "thing". They want to become a better-known entity and going D1 will (hopefully) get their name out there and will (hopefully) lead to more "common" students wanting to attend a "more recognizable" university. Its a bold move - but I can understand and appreciate the reasoning.

[UFOILERFAN]

Re: G-MAC / GLIAC Updates

I would imagine that there are a couple teams in the G-MAC that are hurting financially although I don't know that for sure. What I have heard is that there are several D3 schools in the area that are really hurting.

[Insidesource]

Re: G-MAC / GLIAC Updates

I'll be the first to admit that I could be incorrectly reading the annual report information, but it looks like Findlay is operating in the black as well (92.4 Mil operating support and revenue vs. 91 Mil operating expense).

[Insidesource]

Re: G-MAC / GLIAC Updates

Perhaps these schools should consider making a move to D3..honestly it might be the best solution for them.

[oilerftbll]

Re: G-MAC / GLIAC Updates

I'll be the first to admit that I could be incorrectly reading the annual report information, but it looks like Findlay is operating in the black as well (92.4 Mil operating support and revenue vs. 91 Mil operating expense).

[MrsThortonMelon]

Re: G-MAC / GLIAC Updates

Perhaps these schools should consider making a move to D3..honestly it might be the best solution for them.

[Insidesource]

Re: G-MAC / GLIAC Updates

My best guesses are that no one is interested in joining the G-MAC and that even schools currently in the G-MAC aren't interested in being in the G-MAC.

[UFOILERFAN]

Re: G-MAC / GLIAC Updates

My best guesses are that no one is interested in joining the G-MAC and that even schools currently in the G-MAC aren't interested in being in the G-MAC.

[Insidesource]

Re: G-MAC / GLIAC Updates

I highly doubt that Seton Hill would give up membership in a league there at least five of their divisional rivals are two hours or less away from Greensburg for travel deep into West Virginia, Kentucky and Nashville. Cal U AND IUP are about 45 minutes to the west and northeast, respectively; Pitt-Johnstown is about an hour east; and Clarion and Slippery Rock are about 90 minutes away.

By contrast, Alderson Broaddus would be Seton Hill's closest rivals in the GMAC (two hours); Walsh/Malone are 2 hr, 30 min between Greensburg and Canton); Lake Erie is about 2 hr, 45 min away.

KWC and TNU have already openly discussed leaving the GMAC due to their travel. Seton Hill wants a conference to fit all their needs athletically. GMAC would be the best fit for them and have already expressed interest to the conference to become full members.

[Insidesource]

Re: G-MAC / GLIAC Updates

In 2018 they said they would revisit the issue in 2020.

[ctrabs74]

Re: G-MAC / GLIAC Updates

I highly doubt that Seton Hill would give up membership in a league there at least five of their divisional rivals are two hours or less away from Greensburg for travel deep into West Virginia, Kentucky and Nashville. Cal U AND IUP are about 45 minutes to the west and northeast, respectively; Pitt-Johnstown is about an hour east; and Clarion and Slippery Rock are about 90 minutes away.

By contrast, Alderson Broaddus would be Seton Hill's closest rivals in the GMAC (two hours); Walsh/Malone are 2 hr, 30 min between Greensburg and Canton); Lake Erie is about 2 hr, 45 min away.

[oilerftbll]

Re: G-MAC / GLIAC Updates