Ashland moves to GMAC

[Stea1th]

We are now completely surrounded.

[CALUPA69]

Could be enough to push NDC to consider the switch as well.

[UFOILERFAN]

We are now completely surrounded.

[ESU Warrior]

I thought the were supposed to move to the MEC?

[GetOily]

[ESU Warrior]

Just becasue the MEC wants them doesn't mean NDC wants the MEC. After seeing Urbana shut down, and Wheeling's and UNCP's uncertain futures, I think NDC needs to consider it. I just hope the MEC has a few back-up plans to add schools in case they lose a couple. I hate to see conferences with low numbers.

[CALUPA69]

Just becasue the MEC wants them doesn't mean NDC wants the MEC. After seeing Urbana shut down, and Wheeling's and UNCP's uncertain futures, I think NDC needs to consider it. I just hope the MEC has a few back-up plans to add schools in case they lose a couple. I hate to see conferences with low numbers.

Which schools could they add ? IMO, the best option for both the GMAC and MEC is a merger with a North (GMAC) and South (MEC) division to counteract the size of the PSAC. Not unlike the P5 superleagues in D1. Then if the weaklings, WHEELING, UNC-P, KWU etc drop out or leave they have the option of shifting like the PSAC East-West instead of cutting games to an unsustainable level. Almost no chance this will happen but it's better done now than when the bottom falls out.

[Stea1th]

[Stea1th]

[UFOILERFAN]

Seems like a no brainer and I'd be surprised if they're not currently considering the move. NDC would be a great add for the G-MAC.

[Ram040506]

Would the GMAC be considered the premier SR1 conference now potentially?

GMAC- hillsdale, Ashland, ODU, Findlay, ND down the road potentially.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Seems like a no brainer and I'd be surprised if they're not currently considering the move. NDC would be a great add for the G-MAC.

Agree. Seems like just a matter of time.

[ESU Warrior]

Would the GMAC be considered the premier SR1 conference now potentially?

GMAC- hillsdale, Ashland, ODU, Findlay, ND down the road potentially.

I would consider the PSAC and GMAC right on par with each other. 2 great conferences with much depth, and no 1 trick pony.

[ctrabs74]

Football may drive the bus, but I'd argue that the non-revenue sports (soccer, volleyball, baseball, etc.) would definitely benefit from having six rivals within a 60-90 minute drive of South Euclid. Ursuline is practically next door in Pepper Pike, Lake Erie is a short hop up I-90 in Painesville (Lake County), the Canton duo (Malone/Walsh) are about 30 minutes south - if I-77 cooperates - and Ashland is about 75 minutes down I-71. Tiffin is less than two hours via the Ohio Turnpike and Ohio Dominican (Columbus) is about the same distance as Wheeling/West Liberty, only it's a straight shot down 71. That more than offsets longer road trips to Hillsdale (about 3:15 via Ohio Turnpike/Indiana Toll Road), Philippi (about four hours via Ohio/PA Turnpike and I-79) or Owensboro (7:15 via I-71 to Louisville and I-64/US 231).

Don't underestimate the reduction in lost class time and travel expenses (ie. no need for as many hotels, shorter drives, etc.) for the smaller sports. It's a big difference making a pair of same-day trips to Canton compared to overnight (or longer) trips to Charleston, Wheeling/West Liberty or Fairmont/Buchannon every season. And, the GMAC could organize the basketball schedule so longer road trips (ie. Ohio Valley/A-B, KWC/TNU could be scheduled for the outlying schools during winter breaks, depending on when they fall.

I'm sure football will have some influence on the direction of NDC athletics as a whole, but I can't help but think that, strength of schedule notwithstanding, they might come around to the idea of joining the GMAC.

[ctrabs74]

Would the GMAC be considered the premier SR1 conference now potentially?

GMAC- hillsdale, Ashland, ODU, Findlay, ND down the road potentially.

Right now, yes. Honestly, though, I think you could say the PSAC and GMAC probably the two contenders, but the addition of Ashland is a game changer for the GMAC.