Derek Redd reports Shepherd is leaving the MEC after next year

[cneagle99]

Re: Derek Redd reports Shepherd is leaving the MEC after next year

It would seem that AB now will have to choose between the two conferences.


Tell me that's not some irony.

Haha--agreed.

[boatcapt]

Re: Derek Redd reports Shepherd is leaving the MEC after next year

What I think the possible reasons are:

1) The desire to play in a powerhouse conference / The perception of leaving a powerhouse conference.
2) History. Ashland was in the GLIAC before the other OH schools joined, and has a longer history with those schools. They left the MOC/AMC NAIA conference way before the other OH schools did. In fact, many of the OH schools came into the MOC/AMC after Ashland had already left, so they never played together.
3) History part 2. To my knowledge, Ashland was never involved in the plans to create an OH D2 conference. All of the other OH schools were (LEC not at the onset, but got on board). They have been happy in the GLIAC
4) The G-MAC footprint is still a bit far-flung and unsettled. Huge concentration of schools in OH, then there are schools spread out in WV, TN and KY. At some point, the G-MAC kind of needs to pick a direction to expand into and solidify that territory. Unfortunately, that comes at the expense of "the other side of the footprint". I have a hunch that Ashland wants that straightened out before they consider coming aboard.

I really don't think the MEC has a chance at Ashland.

So other than the fact that the GMAC has Ohio schools in it and the fact that Ashland is a private school, what is this great "common bond" that is pulling them inexorably to the GMAC?

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Re: Derek Redd reports Shepherd is leaving the MEC after next year

The whole thing about D&E/Ohio Valley eventually going NAIA/D3 I think is our projecting what is "best" for them. Doesn't seem like either is particularly concerned about how good their programs are as they have generally been bad for a very, very long time so the chance to be "better" as an NAIA/D3 program doesn't seem to be something that would move them (at least it hasn't yet). Likewise scholly costs probably wouldn't move them as there is no minimum number of schollys a DII must offer so conceivably they could offer zero. Their travel is primarily through Ohio and WV...think it would be pretty much a wash with NAIA/D3 travel if they dropped down. Not saying they shouldn't leave DII or even that they won't...there just doesn't seem to be any motivation for them to do it and if I've seen anything with these two schools, if they aren't motivated to do something, they won't do it.

Cost-wise ... yeah, no improvement going from D2 to D3. Helmets and pads cost the same. You could probably make a case some D3's in states like PA actually spend more. PSAC schools give out scholarships based on 'raised' money (donors). That's not costing the school anything. The privates like Gannon can just discount tuition but that's still costing the school money. Many D3 schools draw the same (or better) than D2 schools.

I'm sure one of you will add to this but does the NAIA play by the same rules? Meaning, do NAIA schools have to have the same number of sports for boys and girls (or, the same amount of participants)? If not, then that possibly changes the conversation some.

The other reality is would Bluefield or Salem, etc., really do any better on the D3 level? In D2 they are usually playing the role of non-conference smackdown opponent (for pay).

[UFOILERFAN]

Re: Derek Redd reports Shepherd is leaving the MEC after next year

So other than the fact that the GMAC has Ohio schools in it and the fact that Ashland is a private school, what is this great "common bond" that is pulling them inexorably to the GMAC?

That's it. Ashland is a private Ohio school. I think they are very happy in the GLIAC and there is no good reason for them to leave. The GMAC needs one more football playing school, two if AB leaves, and waiting on Ashland borders on the ridiculous.

[BlueBlood]

Re: Derek Redd reports Shepherd is leaving the MEC after next year

So other than the fact that the GMAC has Ohio schools in it and the fact that Ashland is a private school, what is this great "common bond" that is pulling them inexorably to the GMAC?

You asked what might be hindering Ashland from making the jump. I listed their lack of history/bond as a hindrance, not a selling point.

[CardinalAlum]

Re: Derek Redd reports Shepherd is leaving the MEC after next year

Cost-wise ... yeah, no improvement going from D2 to D3. Helmets and pads cost the same. You could probably make a case some D3's in states like PA actually spend more. PSAC schools give out scholarships based on 'raised' money (donors). That's not costing the school anything. The privates like Gannon can just discount tuition but that's still costing the school money. Many D3 schools draw the same (or better) than D2 schools.

I'm sure one of you will add to this but does the NAIA play by the same rules? Meaning, do NAIA schools have to have the same number of sports for boys and girls (or, the same amount of participants)? If not, then that possibly changes the conversation some.

The other reality is would Bluefield or Salem, etc., really do any better on the D3 level? In D2 they are usually playing the role of non-conference smackdown opponent (for pay).

NAIA requires schools to sponsor a minimum of 6 sports, I believe it is 3 men's and 3 women's sports. That's four less than D2.

Additionally, NAIA sports have lower scholarship limits. For example, football has a cap of 24 scholarships. Also, NAIA also counts aid differently too: All institutional aid counts as athletic scholarships. The only exemptions are for federal and state aid, external scholarships that the students get on their own, and students that are above certain academic cutoffs are not counted toward the limit.

It seems like it could be really easy for a school to cut down on costs in the NAIA if they really want to.

[ctrabs74]

Re: Derek Redd reports Shepherd is leaving the MEC after next year

Exactly. That's why I think they are not jumping to the GMAC. If you're SEC football ... not going to jump at the chance to join the Big East.

Especially since Big East football no longer exists...

[BlueBlood]

Re: Derek Redd reports Shepherd is leaving the MEC after next year

That's it. Ashland is a private Ohio school. I think they are very happy in the GLIAC and there is no good reason for them to leave. The GMAC needs one more football playing school, two if AB leaves, and waiting on Ashland borders on the ridiculous.

Its possible that Ashland's standing invite may have more to do with UIndy (Commissioner's alma mater) than it does Ashland itself.

[boatcapt]

Re: Derek Redd reports Shepherd is leaving the MEC after next year

You asked what might be hindering Ashland from making the jump. I listed their lack of history/bond as a hindrance, not a selling point.

It was a follow on question. Kind of in response to those who say there is no way Ashland would EVER join the MEC. If Ashland is kicking the tires on leaving the GLIAC but doesn't share any lifelong bonds with the current members of the GMAC, why would they not consider the MEC? MEC is made up of now 50% private schools so it's not like they would be the only private member...the history of the MEC on the national stage is pretty good for a conference that is only six years old...and I would think Ashland would have a pretty good chance of duplicating Shepherds performance in the football playoffs...From a basketball standpoint the MEC is at least comparable to the GLIAC giving Ashland at least six games against highly ranked teams every year.

There is something driving Ashland to not be completely happy with the GLIAC and not to be happy with the current situation in the GMAC. Your assessment as to why this is might be 100% on the money...but then again, maybe not. Maybe the MEC addresses the "issue" that is keeping Ashland from jumping. Either way, it's worth a phone call.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Re: Derek Redd reports Shepherd is leaving the MEC after next year

It will be real interesting to see what becomes of the Wheeling Jesuit men's basketball program.

These things come and go but this may linger for several years.

[boatcapt]

Re: Derek Redd reports Shepherd is leaving the MEC after next year

It will be real interesting to see what becomes of the Wheeling Jesuit men's basketball program.

These things come and go but this may linger for several years.

I'd love to know what the true issue is/was. Was the HC truly fired because of violation(s) in 2011 that just came to light or is that just a convenient excuse for firing him for another reason? Neither side seems willing to even hint at what the 2011 violation(s) were so it's impossible to tell.

To the long term prospects for WJ men's basketball, I think it really depends on who they hire AND weather the program has to endure a major penalty for the 2011 violation(s). Right guy and minor or no penalty and they could continue on with hardly a hick-up.

[CardinalAlum]

Re: Derek Redd reports Shepherd is leaving the MEC after next year

I'd love to know what the true issue is/was. Was the HC truly fired because of violation(s) in 2011 that just came to light or is that just a convenient excuse for firing him for another reason? Neither side seems willing to even hint at what the 2011 violation(s) were so it's impossible to tell.

To the long term prospects for WJ men's basketball, I think it really depends on who they hire AND weather the program has to endure a major penalty for the 2011 violation(s). Right guy and minor or no penalty and they could continue on with hardly a hick-up.

I'd love to know as well, but knowing my alma mater they'll never say what violations occurred.

I'm still surprised that our only self-punishment was to fire Sancomb. We didn't vacate wins or reduce scholarships. This only makes sense if the admin is actually thinking that just Sancomb would be punished for the violations. That said, I can't think of many things that would result in only a coach getting punished.

Alternatively, this could be a pile of bull and our admin is trying to cover-up another questionable decision that was made without thinking. Who knows with us.

If there are violations I just hope they're unrelated to his tenure as athletic director. He was the AD from 2007 to 2013.

[Horror Child]

Re: Derek Redd reports Shepherd is leaving the MEC after next year

Not sure how this guys has a job.

http://www.shepherdstownchronicle.co....html?nav=5125

[ESU Warrior]

Re: Derek Redd reports Shepherd is leaving the MEC after next year

Not sure how this guys has a job.

http://www.shepherdstownchronicle.co....html?nav=5125

Wow. I wish all those schools, and ESU, HAD 36 to offer. Another piece on journalism where the author did no research.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Re: Derek Redd reports Shepherd is leaving the MEC after next year

One of the worst articles I've ever read.

Aside from the drastically wrong scholarship reporting ... where are all these 10,000 seat stadiums?