(non-MVC) Realignment News

[BCPanther]

KSFY reported tonight on the 5:00 news that Augie will start D1 in the Fall of 2021, so two more years in the NSIC, then up to D1 (assuming the SL invites them, which is a no brainer). They also reported they will take ALL sports to D1, including football, but did not specify if they'd go non scholarship.

So it looks like 2 more years for sure before they actually start in D1

That'll give time for some other old D2 schools to announce moving up, like Morningside (Sioux City), University of Sioux Falls, Minnesota State-Mankato, Minnesota-Duluth, Southwest Minnesota State, Wayne State (Nebraska), etc.... and they can all join the SL as well. It'd make for a great conference geographically and competitively.

Morningside dropped to NAIA several years ago. They won't be moving up. Otherwise, it's basically going to be the old North Central Conference minus UNI.

[isumvc1]

KSFY reported tonight on the 5:00 news that Augie will start D1 in the Fall of 2021, so two more years in the NSIC, then up to D1 (assuming the SL invites them, which is a no brainer). They also reported they will take ALL sports to D1, including football, but did not specify if they'd go non scholarship.

So it looks like 2 more years for sure before they actually start in D1

That'll give time for some other old D2 schools to announce moving up, like Morningside (Sioux City), University of Sioux Falls, Minnesota State-Mankato, Minnesota-Duluth, Southwest Minnesota State, Wayne State (Nebraska), etc.... and they can all join the SL as well. It'd make for a great conference geographically and competitively.

Morningside dropped to NAIA several years ago. They won't be moving up. Otherwise, it's basically going to be the old North Central Conference minus UNI.

If Sanford gets into the Sioux City market and takes over the health care systems there as well, then it wouldn't be surprising to see them fund Morningside's move all the way back up to D1, they're right on I-29 with all the other schools, so it makes complete sense. Sanford has over a billion dollars, so money is no issue, it could happen.

[VUGrad1314]

A bit dated but potentially relevant: Could Eastern Michigan leave the MAC?

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/ ... 440968002/

If it happens I'm sure they'd go to the HL and their football team if it still exists would probably go to the MVFC or Pioneer League. Could a trade of YSU and Eastern Michigan make sense? I can't imagine the conference wanting ANOTHER Ohio school and I can't imagine EMU being too thrilled about giving up the main branding edge they have over UDM and Oakland .

Other candidates could be UMASS EKU Illinois State UNI and Missouri State but I can't see any of them making the jump due to the finances and increased travel involved. UCONN could be a football fit if they go to the BE but then they'd need a basketball member. I can't see anyone in the MVC making that jump. Maybe a HL team like UIC or Milwaukee?

[IWokeUpLikeThis]

Virtually impossible for EMU to drop out of the MAC. Just invested $76 million in an IPF that broke ground this fall. Also in the midst of a FB golden age (2 bowls/3 years, wins over B1G teams in B2B years, beat Purdue, chipshot walkoff FG from MAC CCG).
https://emueagles.com/news/2018/8/30/ge ... aking.aspx

I believe that same writer has written stuff like Oakland had an invite to A10, so I wouldn’t trust him.

[VUGrad1314]

I remember that tweet. Most hilarious bunch of nonsense I've ever read.

[VUGrad1314]

One Denver fan is very unhappy with the Summit League potentially inviting Augustana.

https://twitter.com/LetsGoDU/status/1073635173957279744

https://twitter.com/LetsGoDU/status/1073694567646535682

[UNDfan]

Would be interesting if Augie start a hockey team. The Sioux Falls USHL team draws major crowds, DI hockey is a step up from that U20 league, Augie would play also in the Sanford Center, and Augie could get Denver's, Omaha's, and UND's votes then as hockey is key at those schools.

[IWokeUpLikeThis]

WAC recently added Cal Baptist, who sold out their 5k+ seat new stadium for the opener and came within a shot of knocking off Tulsa.

Cal Baptist knocks off NMSU to hijack 1st in the WAC in front of an arena and crowd more electric than the 2 WCC games on tv tonight.

4 more years until eligible for NCAA Tournament.

[VUGrad1314]

I wonder if the WCC will raid the WAC at some point for Seattle Cal Baptist GCU and Denver out of the Summit. Would Gonzaga and BYU go for that?

[Jsnhbe1Birds]

I wonder if the WCC will raid the WAC at some point for Seattle Cal Baptist GCU and Denver out of the Summit. Would Gonzaga and BYU go for that?

Gonzaga will be in the MWC sooner than later. probably about 5 years. BYU will probably relent at some point and join as a FULL member once they realize theyre not getting a P5 next time around. So, yes, the WCC will raid the WAC but not because theyre trying to make Gonzaga happy. I wouldn't be surprised to see. St. Mary's will be the odd duck left out.