Shawnee State addition?

[ESU Warrior]

On the general board there is talk of Shawnee State applying to D-2 membership, and the MEC was mentioned as a conference. This would be a good fit being in Ohio, but they don't have football. However, there was talk about a feasability study that was down not long ago, and they diod purchase the old Detroit Lions stadium (back from the 1930's), so that land could be used to build upon. Anyone here know anything about this?

[boatcapt]

On the general board there is talk of Shawnee State applying to D-2 membership, and the MEC was mentioned as a conference. This would be a good fit being in Ohio, but they don't have football. However, there was talk about a feasability study that was down not long ago, and they diod purchase the old Detroit Lions stadium (back from the 1930's), so that land could be used to build upon. Anyone here know anything about this?

Not just mentioned. Apparently Shawnee had a consulting company study them joining the MEC or the GLVC specifically last year. The 115 page report has been removed from Collegiate Consulting's web site but you can still find a description of it via Google.

Obviously the MEC is looking and since they obviously have "removed" their football requirement...Yea, sure, why not. Buuuutttt...I would caution the conference to remember what helped drive the WVIAC to break-up (that being the disagreement between the football playing schools and the non-football schools). Are we not creating that dynamic all over again?? Notionally IF Shawnee were to receive an invitation, that would put the MEC at 12 full members, three of which would be non-football playing (Point Park, Davis & Elkins and Shawnee)...That would be 25% of your membership.

On a possibly interesting but not important note...Shawnee State purchased Spartan Municipal Stadium from the city in July 2024 (after they had received the fesability report). According to Shawnee, the stadium and grounds will be used to expand Shawnee State athletics

I'd put this in the smoke category of rumors...Doesn't mean there is a fire, but maybe there is?

[crixus]

Not just mentioned. Apparently Shawnee had a consulting company study them joining the MEC or the GLVC specifically last year. The 115 page report has been removed from Collegiate Consulting's web site but you can still find a description of it via Google.

Obviously the MEC is looking and since they obviously have "removed" their football requirement...Yea, sure, why not. Buuuutttt...I would caution the conference to remember what helped drive the WVIAC to break-up (that being the disagreement between the football playing schools and the non-football schools). Are we not creating that dynamic all over again?? Notionally IF Shawnee were to receive an invitation, that would put the MEC at 12 full members, three of which would be non-football playing (Point Park, Davis & Elkins and Shawnee)...That would be 25% of your membership.

On a possibly interesting but not important note...Shawnee State purchased Spartan Municipal Stadium from the city in July 2024 (after they had received the fesability report). According to Shawnee, the stadium and grounds will be used to expand Shawnee State athletics

I'd put this in the smoke category of rumors...Doesn't mean there is a fire, but maybe there is?

Very good post. I was really bummed out when the WVIAC broke up (I attended their final conference basketball tournament in Charleston) and would hate to see the MEC end up in a similar position.

[Fightingscot82]

Shawnee State is desperately trying to grow in order to survive. They were only created in 1986 and are far and away the red-headed stepchild of the Ohio university system. There is such a gap between them and the third tier schools of YSU, Wright State, and Cleveland State. Only Central State (HBCU near Dayton) is smaller and has fewer resources (that place makes Cheyney look nice). They added Greek Life about 10-15 years ago but I do wonder if they have the money to put into that stadium. Its in rough shape and a historic landmark making any improvements more difficult.

For basketball, that's a nice addition to the MEC if it goes through. Shawnee was the NAIA national champion for men's basketball in 2021.

[boatcapt]

Some more information on the potential move of Shawnee State to the MEC:

https://sportsenthusiasts.net/2025/0...aa-division-2/

[ESU Warrior]

Some more information on the potential move of Shawnee State to the MEC:

https://sportsenthusiasts.net/2025/0...aa-division-2/

If they do make a move, and had to choose it looks like the MEC is a no brainer, but like you said does the MEC want them considering they do not have football? Could they be added with the condition they add the sport; similiar to Wheeling?

[boatcapt]

If they do make a move, and had to choose it looks like the MEC is a no brainer, but like you said does the MEC want them considering they do not have football? Could they be added with the condition they add the sport; similiar to Wheeling?

Anything is possible. But I note as the last couple of additions attest (Point and D&E), apparently the MEC has moved on from the must have football "rule."

[IUPbigINDIANS]

If they do make a move, and had to choose it looks like the MEC is a no brainer, but like you said does the MEC want them considering they do not have football? Could they be added with the condition they add the sport; similiar to Wheeling?

There's not an endless supply. The 'football only' thing sounded good right up until the choice was either break the rule or implode the league.

I still think within 10 years (or so) the PSAC will add the remaining MEC football-playing schools. Call it a merger, or whatever.

The PSAC has some dead weight but still has plenty of healthy programs.

Student population in the region is going to continue to plummet. I think both the current PSAC and MEC will lose some schools and/or programs. How long will the 'triads' each have (3) varsity football teams?

At some point it will make sense to merge the two together.

Has Bethany ever considered making the jump? I know their sports programs are currently, well, pretty bad. But, could they really be much worse than WVW?

[EastStroud13]

There's not an endless supply. The 'football only' thing sounded good right up until the choice was either break the rule or implode the league.

I still think within 10 years (or so) the PSAC will add the remaining MEC football-playing schools. Call it a merger, or whatever.

The PSAC has some dead weight but still has plenty of healthy programs.

Student population in the region is going to continue to plummet. I think both the current PSAC and MEC will lose some schools and/or programs. How long will the 'triads' each have (3) varsity football teams?

At some point it will make sense to merge the two together.

Has Bethany ever considered making the jump? I know their sports programs are currently, well, pretty bad. But, could they really be much worse than WVW?

You really think everyone in the PSAC will go for a full-on football merger? I feel like what's more likely is the MEC and NE-10 enter some sort of scheduling agreement. Both are facing similar numbers issues when it comes to football.

[boatcapt]

You really think everyone in the PSAC will go for a full-on football merger? I feel like what's more likely is the MEC and NE-10 enter some sort of scheduling agreement. Both are facing similar numbers issues when it comes to football.

I think more likely, and when I say more likely, I mean probably will NOT happen, is a MEC/GMAC merger. With both leagues maintaining their identity as the Private School Division (GMAC) and the Public School Division (MEC). Have a number of crossover games in season and a Champ Game in football and a Basketball tourney with the top 16 teams in basketball.

Makes sense...never going to happen...