Should Jamestown be accepted into the NSIC?

[Stanger86]

Spot on regarding Crookston U. My God, for some school pride and ending the constant transfer cycle move to D3.

I can't pull up the article now, but there was an article from when Crookston and St Cloud dropped football, either the AD or president was quoted talking about how they align better with D2 instead of D3, or something like that.

[laker]

I can't pull up the article now, but there was an article from when Crookston and St Cloud dropped football, either the AD or president was quoted talking about how they align better with D2 instead of D3, or something like that.

I've posted this before, but years ago I talked to the AD at Martin Luther College, who had some really interesting things to say about former UMAC and now defunct NAIA Presentation and also why they didn't want UMC because they lack a travel partner.

[Stanger86]

I've posted this before, but years ago I talked to the AD at Martin Luther College, who had some really interesting things to say about former UMAC and now defunct NAIA Presentation and also why they didn't want UMC because they lack a travel partner.

That's probably a big part of why Crookston is comfortable in the NSIC. Having Moorhead (75 miles) and Bemidji (90 miles) so close matters. Crookston is 200 miles from Morris, which I believe would be the closest school in the UMAC. These are travel and financial decisions that institutions have to make. Some people don't like to hear this, but college sports is about more than just wins and losses or championships.

If people want Crookston out of their conference, they should be hoping that more programs like Dakota State, Mayville and so on join the NSIC in the coming years, because eventually it would get to a point where the league might split in two.

[SW_Mustang]

That's probably a big part of why Crookston is comfortable in the NSIC. Having Moorhead (75 miles) and Bemidji (90 miles) so close matters. Crookston is 200 miles from Morris, which I believe would be the closest school in the UMAC. These are travel and financial decisions that institutions have to make. Some people don't like to hear this, but college sports is about more than just wins and losses or championships.

If people want Crookston out of their conference, they should be hoping that more programs like Dakota State, Mayville and so on join the NSIC in the coming years, because eventually it would get to a point where the league might split in two.

I have to respectfully disagree - my high level opinion is that if we're going to pour resources into letting adults play children's games, then winning is paramount. I know that conversation could delve into the nitty gritty of how much losing is acceptable and what sports, etc. - but Crookston is clearly an extreme case.

Maybe they'd be better off moving everything to club or intramural? The students would still have opportunities to play sports, but there's less financial output and less risk of lifelong injury. I mean, I guess for SMSU's sake - keeping UMC around is good for padding the stats too...

I'd swap UMC for DSU in a heartbeat.

[Millsy]

I have to respectfully disagree - my high level opinion is that if we're going to pour resources into letting adults play children's games, then winning is paramount. I know that conversation could delve into the nitty gritty of how much winning is acceptable, etc. - but Crookston is clearly an extreme case.

Maybe they'd be better off moving everything to club or intramural? The students would still have opportunities to play sports, but there's less financial output and less risk of lifelong injury. I mean, I guess for SMSU's sake - I guess keeping UMC around is good for padding the stats too...

I'd swap UMC for DSU in a heartbeat.

If wins and losses is the criteria for conference membership, where do draw the line? I mean, Bemidji could be considered in the same boat over the years.....

2025-26 NSIC All Sports Competition
RK School Points
1 Minnesota State (18) 226.5
2 Augustana (18) 189
3 Winona State (14) 142.5
4 University of Mary (18) 142
5 Sioux Falls (18) 140.5
6 Concordia-St. Paul (16) 132.5
7 Wayne State (14) 121.5
8 Minnesota Duluth (14) 121
9 Northern State (15) 111.5
10 St. Cloud State (12) 107
11 MSU Moorhead (16) 102
12 SMSU (16) 79
13 Jamestown (18) 76.5
14 Minot State (16) 67.5
15 Bemidji State (13) 64
16 Minnesota Crookston (11) 62

[Stanger86]

I have to respectfully disagree - my high level opinion is that if we're going to pour resources into letting adults play children's games, then winning is paramount. I know that conversation could delve into the nitty gritty of how much winning is acceptable, etc. - but Crookston is clearly an extreme case.

This is the NSIC, not the Big Ten. I wouldn't classify the investments here as "pouring resources" into it.

[Stanger86]

If wins and losses is the criteria for conference membership, where do draw the line? I mean, Bemidji could be considered in the same boat over the years.....

This has been exactly my point. Those demanding to kick out Crookston or saying Jamestown isn't worthy of this level should have the same level of passion against schools like Bemidji and Southwest being in Division II and the NSIC, otherwise it's disingenuous to me.

[SW_Mustang]

This is the NSIC, not the Big Ten. I wouldn't classify the investments here as "pouring resources" into it.

Relative to the size of the school - that money could do a lot of good in other areas. And I never said Crookston students don't deserve to play sports, there are just other options like intramurals and club options.

[SW_Mustang]

If wins and losses is the criteria for conference membership, where do draw the line? I mean, Bemidji could be considered in the same boat over the years.....

Right - I mentioned that Crookston is an extreme case and that discussion is an entire rabbithole.

I just want UMC out of the conference lol

[zimmy21]

This has been exactly my point. Those demanding to kick out Crookston or saying Jamestown isn't worthy of this level should have the same level of passion against schools like Bemidji and Southwest being in Division II and the NSIC, otherwise it's disingenuous to me.

Personal opinion only, and does not reflect the views of Minnesota State or others of it's fan base....but If we held schools accountable to be competitive (how you define that is not up to me) I would not be upset. There needs to be a sports sponsorship minimum of at least 80% of the total sponsored sports so let's say 15.

[Stanger86]

Personal opinion only, and does not reflect the views of Minnesota State or others of it's fan base....but If we held schools accountable to be competitive (how you define that is not up to me) I would not be upset. There needs to be a sports sponsorship minimum of at least 80% of the total sponsored sports so let's say 15.

So long Winona, Wayne, Duluth, St Cloud, Bemidji and Crookston!

[zimmy21]

So long Winona, Wayne, Duluth, St Cloud, Bemidji and Crookston!

St. Cloud would actually be able to stay starting this upcoming school year, as they are adding 3 sports. Track or Cross Country are options for Winona. That is cheap. Golf should be added by UMD and Wayne.

It seems odd that you can be allowed in a conference as a "Full-member" and only participate in under 80% of a conference's offerings. I would say until the schools are within compliance they are ineligible for participating/hosting Conference Tournaments.

[SW_Mustang]

Personal opinion only, and does not reflect the views of Minnesota State or others of it's fan base....but If we held schools accountable to be competitive (how you define that is not up to me) I would not be upset. There needs to be a sports sponsorship minimum of at least 80% of the total sponsored sports so let's say 15.

Just crazy to me that a public school is fielding sports teams for adults in a competitive lane while not being able to compete - and we're all expected to babysit them.

Some people are going to be in for a rude awakening in the employment world if they think my take is harsh...

I don't hate UMC, I just think they'd be better served in a different lane.

[Millsy]

Personal opinion only, and does not reflect the views of Minnesota State or others of it's fan base....but If we held schools accountable to be competitive (how you define that is not up to me) I would not be upset. There needs to be a sports sponsorship minimum of at least 80% of the total sponsored sports so let's say 15.

If only we all had a filthy rich donor or two like Glen Taylor, things would be so much easier.

[WSUWarriorFan]

St. Cloud would actually be able to stay starting this upcoming school year, as they are adding 3 sports. Track or Cross Country are options for Winona. That is cheap. Golf should be added by UMD and Wayne.

It seems odd that you can be allowed in a conference as a "Full-member" and only participate in under 80% of a conference's offerings. I would say until the schools are within compliance they are ineligible for participating/hosting Conference Tournaments.

WSU has Mens and Women's cross country but only has women's track and field, not sure the reason behind that.