LSC changes, NW schools be prepared

[D2Rover]

Per the general discussion thread, A&M Texarkana is going D2 in 2027 and adding football soon. Not clear what conference they'll be in.

[Buffalo/Islander Alum]

Per the general discussion thread, A&M Texarkana is going D2 in 2027 and adding football soon. Not clear what conference they'll be in.

Ah ok. I was uninterested in this news when I looked at their website and they didnt have football.

They are closer to all the GAC schools but they have a lot of football schools and the LSC needs some football schools if something happens there.

[MooseLodge]

Per the general discussion thread, A&M Texarkana is going D2 in 2027 and adding football soon. Not clear what conference they'll be in.

Hard to imagine them being in anything but a Texas-centric D2 conference, but it would certainly be a lot cheaper to play in the GAC. Fewer scholarships and lower travel costs.

[ASUPops]

Hard to imagine them being in anything but a Texas-centric D2 conference, but it would certainly be a lot cheaper to play in the GAC. Fewer scholarships and lower travel costs.

I believe they are going GAC route.

[Mavchamp]

HSU and UMHB are the only ones that may seriously considering a move to the LSC. By reading this thread...... it may not be an option for them.

I've heard rumors that ETBU has contacted the GAC....but nothing of significance has come of it. At least thus far. May be a far reach for them too.

I have to wonder how the announcement from A&M Texarkana affects how ETBU moves forward concerning the GAC. They may see it as an chance to have a local travel partner as Marshall and Texarkana are only 75 miles apart. BUT.... they may not want to compete head to head with them in recruiting being so close in proximity. Not to mention.... UT Tyler is only 60 miles from ETBU in the LSC in all non-football sports.

With UT-Tyler, ETBU, and A&M Texarkana all so close together as D2..... recruiting could be tough in all sports. Football included.

But adding 2 schools that are within their footprint might be worth exploring for the GAC. Although they both have enrollments less than 2000.

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I think ETBU and HPU either end up getting a last second reprieve from the SCAC.....which seems unlikely. The SCAC is hardly on solid ground at 7 football members. They may begrudgingly invite them. OR they both end up in the NAIA. Sooner Conference for football. Red River Conference for other sports.

No clue for HSU and UMHB. I don't think the GAC has any interest in expanding their footprint that far away from their core. And it sounds like the LSC is not viable financial decision for either even though it makes perfect geographical sense.

They may have to go either to the east coast (USA South) or the west coast (Southern California IAC) in D3 to survive.

[MooseLodge]

HSU and UMHB are the only ones that may seriously considering a move to the LSC. By reading this thread...... it may not be an option for them.

I've heard rumors that ETBU has contacted the GAC....but nothing of significance has come of it. At least thus far. May be a far reach for them too.

I have to wonder how the announcement from A&M Texarkana affects how ETBU moves forward concerning the GAC. They may see it as an chance to have a local travel partner as Marshall and Texarkana are only 75 miles apart. BUT.... they may not want to compete head to head with them in recruiting being so close in proximity. Not to mention.... UT Tyler is only 60 miles from ETBU in the LSC in all non-football sports.

With UT-Tyler, ETBU, and A&M Texarkana all so close together as D2..... recruiting could be tough in all sports. Football included.

But adding 2 schools that are within their footprint might be worth exploring for the GAC. Although they both have enrollments less than 2000.

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I think ETBU and HPU either end up getting a last second reprieve from the SCAC.....which seems unlikely. The SCAC is hardly on solid ground at 7 football members. They may begrudgingly invite them. OR they both end up in the NAIA. Sooner Conference for football. Red River Conference for other sports.

No clue for HSU and UMHB. I don't think the GAC has any interest in expanding their footprint that far away from their core. And it sounds like the LSC is not viable financial decision for either even though it makes perfect geographical sense.

They may have to go either to the east coast (USA South) or the west coast (Southern California IAC) in D3 to survive.

Another option is just stick with 4 conference members, play each other twice a season, and hope you can find another out of conference game or two to round out the schedule. You won't get AQ with just four, but it might be the best of the options. I don't see the SCAC inviting any of the Baptist schools. NAIA may be the second best option. Wayland is operating a similar business model as the ASC Baptist schools: As many teams as you can logistically field, with as many tuition and fees-paying athletes as possible, to keep the university afloat. All of the ASC schools must keep football - the universities themselves can't financially afford 200 fewer paying students. A whole lot of cart-before-the-horse going on out there, from the top of college sports to the bottom.

[Goods]

Another option is just stick with 4 conference members, play each other twice a season, and hope you can find another out of conference game or two to round out the schedule. You won't get AQ with just four, but it might be the best of the options.

GNAC members loved having to defend their reputation weekly when they did a round robin for a few years. It was awesome. in related news, I'd like to say thank you to Western Washington, Humboldt State, Azusa Pacific and Simon Fraser for cutting football. I'd also like to say thanks to Dixie State, SD Mines for flirting with us a few years.

[Buffalo/Islander Alum]

I guess the next question is how many schools would be too many for the GAC? They are already at 12?

I know this would likely never happen but just looking at the map it would make more geographical sense for Northwestern Oklahoma State and Southwestern Oklahoma State to join the LSC and then Texarkana and the other East Texas schools to go GAC and then pick up a Mary Hardin Baylor for LSC if all scenarios are in play.

[MooseLodge]

I guess the next question is how many schools would be too many for the GAC? They are already at 12?

I know this would likely never happen but just looking at the map it would make more geographical sense for Northwestern Oklahoma State and Southwestern Oklahoma State to join the LSC and then Texarkana and the other East Texas schools to go GAC and then pick up a Mary Hardin Baylor for LSC if all scenarios are in play.

The Oklahoma schools like the GAC because it's cheap.

[Buffalo/Islander Alum]

The Oklahoma schools like the GAC because it's cheap.

Indeed but the LSC isnt the juggernaut it once was especially with Western New Mexico and Sul Ross entering the chat and the "traditional" competitive teams leaving the chat the last 10 years.

Even some of the LSC schools (WT) dont spend the money that they once did.

In fact the top 3 LSC football schools are likely weaker than the top 3 GAC football schools and may be more competitive in the LSC.

In other sports you have Cameron, Lubbock Christian, Dallas Baptist, Oklahoma Christian, and Texas Womens university even closer than the GAC schools.

[D2Rover]

I believe they are going GAC route.

The GAC allegedly declined two out-of-state schools recently.

[Herb Street]

The GAC allegedly declined two out-of-state schools recently.

Too bad A&M Texarkana isn’t in Arkansas. 🤣

[Buffalo/Islander Alum]

Too bad A&M Texarkana isn’t in Arkansas. 🤣

Yeah even the Arkansas side has the whataburger. 🤣

[ASUPops]

The GAC allegedly declined two out-of-state schools recently.

Do you know which two? Weird to say "out of state" schools when their members are in three different states.

[Buffalo/Islander Alum]

Do you know which two? Weird to say "out of state" schools when their members are in three different states.

My guess is likely GSC schools. No love loss for East GAC/GSC like there is no love loss for West GAC (OK)/LSC.