I was and continue to be a big fan of former ONU Headcoach Dean Paul who is now at John Carroll and he once told me while he was at ONU what a challenge recruiting was after I had called his attention to an athlete that my nephew was playing high school football and basketball with. In talking with my nephew later on I found out that his teammate loved ONU and Coach Paul but just felt the facilities didn't measure up to what similar D3 schools had to offer.

These indoor practice facilities cost millions of dollars but they pay dividends that result in increased student enrollments and pride for the community and the alumni for years down the road. This results in increased giving by alumni, the community and fan support. They really pay for themselves. I wish the ONU administration could see this. The "Forward Together" campaign brought in over $112M yet we can't spend $9M to save the oldest building on campus which is registered with the National Historical Society? President Baumann indicates that a New Health & Wellness Center is a Priority yet no movement on that in over 2 years? All while Musky has completed the Bullock Center and Heidleberg is completing their new indoor facility? Again, I'm just very dissappointed in what I see as a lack of support for our coaches, alumni and student athletes.     

that, and the #2 spot in the OAC (nearly a guaranteed playoff spot) being wide open had to be intriguing.  If Etta, Berg, BW, ONU, etc are all racing for that spot, it'd be hard to pick anyone but Etta

D3fan is right on and to my dissappointment being an ONU alum I think we can count ONU out of the race. They hired an outstanding coach and staff but the administration is just too reluctant to spend or raise any funds for athletic facilitiy improvements. Nothing has been done to the 80,000 square ft. sports center in over 30 years. Compare that to Musky's 120,000 Sq. ft. Bullock Health & Wellness Center and Berg's new 110,000 Sq. ft. Athletics & Health Center and that really puts ONU coaches behind the eight ball when they are trying to recruit athletes to compete in the OAC. It's gotten so bad that they don't even want to maintain buildings used for general offices and academics such as Hill Memorial. I'm a frustrated Polar Bear.

I understand there is this loophole that allows people to opt out of subscriptions after several months but my experience with canceling subscriptions has not always been clean and simple. I'm happy it has worked out for you but I feel that the best way to increase interest in D3 sports is to make it as accessible to fans as possible. Can you imagine making people subscribe to a video service to see D1 championships?

In the long run I believe D3 Sports would profit from getting rid of subscription services as a requirement to watch playoffs and championships much like we currently have with D1 sports but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

I for one feel D3 would benefit by going to a PPV format rather than a Subscription Service for coverage of playoff games. If I am watching a game I am much more inclined to pay for PPV service than a full blown subscription. I think this would greatly benefit D3 Football as I believe there are a lot of fans that feel the same way I do and decide to listen to the game on audio rather then shell out $12 a month for a subscription that I may only use several times.

That may take some negoiation on the NCAA's part (and some backbone) but in the long run it would greatly benefit d3 football IMHO.

As Lee Corso used to say, "Not so fast my friend". ONU suffered injuries all season long at the QB position. They Started a 3rd unit freshman against Marietta. They were competitive against MTU into the 4th quarter. The starting QB got knocked out of the game against BW as he was crossing the goal line and fumbled through the enzone which ultimately cost them the game.

They have enhanced their facilities and this year Coach Fries has a full year to recruit. Maybe I am wrong but I think if they can stay healthy at the OB position they will surprise some people next year. Time will tell.

https://onusports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/releases/20240923lrgd9v

I agree with Sigma One in regard to CWRU and leaving the PAC. The OAC would be a better fit geographically and IMHO philosophically for CWRU. But this is something for thewm to consider and I doubt any of us on this board has any influence over.

Well this will certainly be interesting as we continue to approach the college age enrollment cliff. Hiram is leaving the NCAC, Oberlin has 7 freshman coming in so who knows where they will be at in several years, Wittenberg is having financial issues so the NCAC is very fortunate to have John Carroll coming in. The thought of Wittenberg no longer existing would be crushing to me as I came within a hair of going to college there but instead went elsewhere. Everyone seems to think that it's in RHIT's best interest to jump ship but they may feel different. As my supervising Professor used to say when I was finishing up my graduate degree, "would you rather be a little fish in a big pond or a big fish in a little pond?" RHIT is currently a big fish in their conference. They may feel completely different about becoming a "small fish" in a big pond. As Pat has said time will tell.   

Not to rain on everyone's parade but according to Bob Quillman Rose Hulman will not be joining the NCAC.

https://x.com/IWUhoopscom/status/1743353034569076932

As my famous boss at Pillsbury/Gen Mills used to say, "Not defending, just reporting".

Quote from: Dr. Acula on August 17, 2024, 07:21:13 AMSeeing ONU 7th in the preseason poll (behind Musky) will just never seem right to me.

ONU has a first year head coach and recently lost a newly hired QB Coach/Offensive Coordinator to Washington & Jefferson. Here they are entering the season with a new coach and no QB coach/Offensive Coordinator. I think this is why they have been ranked in the lower half of the OAC.

The OAC has started their search for a new commissioner.
 
https://www.oac.org/information/Releases/2024-25/24CommissionerSearch

I seriously hope some of the posters on this board apply as I really agree with what they have been saying!

With the current tax deductions permitted you can claim 50% of your AGI and carry the full amount over for a 5 year period until you reach the full amount of your donation. It will appear on line 12 of your individual deductions on your Federal Tax Return. Like Little Giant 89 I am taking full advantage of this opportunity and am a major donor to the Polar Bear Club.

Also interested in who will be the new comish of the OAC if you find that out.

For anyone in the know is there a front runner to replace our departing OAC Commissioner? Any existing Athletic Directors under consideration?

Quote from: Kira & Jaxon's Dad on May 15, 2024, 02:50:31 PMThe OAC Commissioner is leaving to become the UAA commissioner.  Announced today.

link?