Quote from: Fifth and Putnam on August 15, 2017, 01:16:39 PM

Quote from: HOPEful on August 15, 2017, 10:23:04 AM

Quote from: Pat Coleman on August 15, 2017, 10:10:54 AM
Thomas More tried to get into the HCAC for a long time and failed. I'd be surprised if enough personnel over there have changed over for there to be a change of heart. Not that long ago Mount St. Joseph pulled out of its rivalry football game with Thomas More, so I'd be surprised if there were less bad blood now.

It really feels like pulling out of the PAC was a knee jerk reaction. Even if it were deemed necessary, I would think a lot of leg work could/should have been done in advance. Now it appears as though it's OAC or Independent, and I don't see the OAC accepting TMC without dropping a member. Is it possible Wilmington would return to the HCAC if given the opportunity? Maybe. Is it possible TMC had some or all of these conversations prior to announcing leaving the PAC. Sure. But it seems like a lot of ducks to get in a row to avoid being an Independent and that the rumor mill would be spinning faster if there was already a plan in the works.

My feeling of the situation was that TMC left on their own, but would have been forced out shortly after if they hadn't. I am not sure this is a situation they were necessarily ready for. The only way I see TMC joining the OAC is if another member makes a move to the HCAC (the common thought he is Wilmington which I agree with). It's been hinted to me that some at Wilmington may want to go back to the HCAC but I am not sure where those who make those decisions stand on that. If none of those pieces move, TMC might be stuck in a rough spot with no where to go.

I'm really baffled by the idea that TMC didn't have a predetermined place to land when they announced they were leaving the PAC.  Particularly since they asked the PAC to cut the normal 2 year waiting period down to 1.  I figured they already knew where they were going.  There were some rumors floating around that they might be moving up to DII. 

Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on July 26, 2017, 02:20:32 PM

Quote from: Fifth and Putnam on July 24, 2017, 04:41:39 PM
It is my understanding that Thomas More has sent a letter of interest to the OAC. Do I think it's something that happens? Probably not as I don't believe schools in the conference want 11 members. The only scenario I can imagine working out from here is that Wilmington has a desire to go back to the Heartland and is accepted back making room for Thomas More (not completely out of the question in my opinion).

I am willing to bet TMC has sent an letter of interest to a number of conferences. I am not surprised in the least OAC got one. I am sure they sent another (or continued conversations) to the MIAA. I am sure the NCAC and the HCAC also got letters.

And who knows... now-a-days, 11 members isn't as bad a deal as it used to be. Unbalanced schedules are also starting to become a bit more normal - or at least discussed.

Given one of the main reasons cited for leaving the PAC was the amount of travel involved for TMC for away games, the MIAA wouldn't make much sense.  Joining the MIAA would actually increase their travel requirements.  The closest PAC school to TMC is Bethany at 255 miles while the closest MIAA school would be Trine at around 230 miles. On the other hand, the furthest PAC school for TMC is St Vincent at 330 miles, while Calvin, Hope and Alma all exceed 370 miles.  The NCAC also doesn't seem very plausible either, since TMC doesn't fit the institutional profile.

The conferences that make sense would be the OAC or HCAC, with the HCAC being the best from a geographical standpoint and it would also provide an instant rival in Mt St Joseph.

[Fixed formatting/pc]