FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[HOF]

Yes...sorry for misleading you here.  Jim Lyall, the new head coach at Siena Heights, is the former head coach at Adrian College.  Perhaps we might see the Adrian College vs. Siena Heights match up someday?  I know schedules are usually done two years in advance, but you never know.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Yes...sorry for misleading you here.  Jim Lyall, the new head coach at Siena Heights, is the former head coach at Adrian College.  Perhaps we might see the Adrian College vs. Siena Heights match up someday?  I know schedules are usually done two years in advance, but you never know.

Siena Heights/Adrian is such an obvious rivalry, I'd be shocked if it didn't happen pretty quickly.  Since Adrian would probably slaughter them the first few years, maybe not instantly, but I'll bet it happens within the first decade.

[cave2bens]

They're in Adrian, but play in NAIA.  But it does give another option for non-con games.

Another take on the "3 Rs" - River Raisin Rumble   

[formerd3db]

I heard from a reliable source very close to the school (who I won't/can't name due to obvious reasons) that Siena Heights University in Adrian, MI (across town from Adrian College) will very, very likely be adding intercollegiate football next year.  Their Board of Trustees meets in a couple of weeks and I was told it is highly likely.  Of course, their program will be NAIA scholarship football, just like Concordia-Ann Arbor who they play against in the same conference for other sports (although they will most likely be in the Mid-States football conference like Concordia and the other NAIA schools in the greater region that play scholarship DII football).  A very interesting development and I can see perhaps the potential for an occasional non-conference game for some of the MIAA schools.

After completing a thorough five-month exploration process, Siena Heights University announced it is starting intercollegiate football that will begin play in fall 2011.

President Albert said the decision was made to move forward with football based on the recommendation of the Football Task Force she established in January. The task force was led by SHU Athletic Director Fred Smith and included SHU faculty, staff and students as well as board members and members of the community. This task force gathered extensive information, including how football would impact the athletic, academic, financial and student life areas of SHU. After this information was compiled and presented, the SHU Board of Trustees met May 1, 2010, and approved the plan to begin football, which was the final step in the approval process.

“Adding football at Siena Heights has been talked about for years, but this was the right time for us,” Smith said. “I was impressed by the way our community came together and looked at all the factors involved in this decision, which were many. I would especially like to thank all those who were involved in the process. I am thrilled to have helped lead this exploration process and believe football will enhance the university as well as our athletic program.”

Siena Heights also introduced the coach who will begin Siena Heights’ football tradition. Veteran coach Jim Lyall was introduced as Siena Heights’ first head coach. With more than 20 years as a college head coach as well as being a former player at the University of Michigan under the late legendary coach Bo Schembechler, Lyall will bring his combination of leadership, experience and character to Siena Heights, according to Smith.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better person to lead our football program,” he said. “We wanted someone who understood not only how to run a college football program, but could build it the right way. We want success both on and off the field, and Jim will accomplish that for us at Siena Heights.”

“Since the very first day I came over and interviewed with Sister Peg, her focus is on the students here at Siena,” said Lyall, who served as a consultant during the exploration process. “Everything she does is pointed in that direction. How do we make the mission come alive here? How are we going to affect these young men and young women at Siena Heights for really the rest of their lives. … Having the opportunity to talk with Sister Peg, I know how important the mission is to Siena Heights University and that a program could be built around that whole idea of helping young men become competent, giving them purpose, meaning in their lives. And teaching and modeling ethical behavior. That has to be the foundation of the program.”

Lyall said he and new offensive/recruiting coordinator Jeff Hancock will begin recruiting student-athletes immediately. The Saints, who will become the only Catholic college or university in Michigan to offer football scholarships, will play a junior varsity schedule beginning in fall 2011. SHU has applied for membership in the Mid-States Football Conference, one of the top NAIA conferences in the country. If accepted, Siena Heights will begin conference play in 2012.

“We need to have young men who understand the whole meaning of character and integrity,” Lyall said. “Because we don’t have any senior leadership right now, it’s going to be important for us to recruit a certain type of student-athlete. We’re going to target captains. We’re going to going to target players from programs that have been successful.”

The Saints will also compete on a new, on-campus, artificial grass outdoor performance stadium that is expected to be completed by the start of the 2011 season.

That is great news for the MIAA, if they will complete in the conference. Where are they located?

Yes...sorry for misleading you here.  Jim Lyall, the new head coach at Siena Heights, is the former head coach at Adrian College.  Perhaps we might see the Adrian College vs. Siena Heights match up someday?  I know schedules are usually done two years in advance, but you never know.

Yes...sorry for misleading you here.  Jim Lyall, the new head coach at Siena Heights, is the former head coach at Adrian College.  Perhaps we might see the Adrian College vs. Siena Heights match up someday?  I know schedules are usually done two years in advance, but you never know.

Siena Heights/Adrian is such an obvious rivalry, I'd be shocked if it didn't happen pretty quickly.  Since Adrian would probably slaughter them the first few years, maybe not instantly, but I'll bet it happens within the first decade.

They're in Adrian, but play in NAIA.  But it does give another option for non-con games.

Another take on the "3 Rs" - River Raisin Rumble   

That is great news.  I guess my source was "right"   Also, although I didn't mention this, I figured that Coach Lyall would probably be among the candidates for consideraton, even though he was a consultant for the process initially (just like he was a consultant for Concordia-Ann Arbor).  While there were most likely some additional very qualified candidates, I think Lyall is a good and logical choice to start the program.  He is a veteran coach, knows the area, has connections and has the benefit of coaching at the DIII level as well as playing at U of Mich i.e. scholarship programs.  I think it will be a benefit to Siena Heights as he will integrate the DIII philosophy with regards to athletics and academics as he indicated, even though they will be a scholarship program.  One other minor aspect for that is it also eliminates he and his wife from having to move from the area

Also, not a surprise that he has already added Jeff Hancock to his staff, who had been with him at Adrian as I recall.

It will be interesting to see their program develop and, I , too, see the very possibility of some SH as well as Concordia-Ann Arbor match-ups with MIAA teams for some non-conference games.  IMO, that shouldn't be a detriment to anyone.

BTW, please forgive any typo's/misspellings here in my post - no time to modify those right now -thanks!

[Raider 68]

I heard from a reliable source very close to the school (who I won't/can't name due to obvious reasons) that Siena Heights University in Adrian, MI (across town from Adrian College) will very, very likely be adding intercollegiate football next year.  Their Board of Trustees meets in a couple of weeks and I was told it is highly likely.  Of course, their program will be NAIA scholarship football, just like Concordia-Ann Arbor who they play against in the same conference for other sports (although they will most likely be in the Mid-States football conference like Concordia and the other NAIA schools in the greater region that play scholarship DII football).  A very interesting development and I can see perhaps the potential for an occasional non-conference game for some of the MIAA schools.

After completing a thorough five-month exploration process, Siena Heights University announced it is starting intercollegiate football that will begin play in fall 2011.

President Albert said the decision was made to move forward with football based on the recommendation of the Football Task Force she established in January. The task force was led by SHU Athletic Director Fred Smith and included SHU faculty, staff and students as well as board members and members of the community. This task force gathered extensive information, including how football would impact the athletic, academic, financial and student life areas of SHU. After this information was compiled and presented, the SHU Board of Trustees met May 1, 2010, and approved the plan to begin football, which was the final step in the approval process.

“Adding football at Siena Heights has been talked about for years, but this was the right time for us,” Smith said. “I was impressed by the way our community came together and looked at all the factors involved in this decision, which were many. I would especially like to thank all those who were involved in the process. I am thrilled to have helped lead this exploration process and believe football will enhance the university as well as our athletic program.”

Siena Heights also introduced the coach who will begin Siena Heights’ football tradition. Veteran coach Jim Lyall was introduced as Siena Heights’ first head coach. With more than 20 years as a college head coach as well as being a former player at the University of Michigan under the late legendary coach Bo Schembechler, Lyall will bring his combination of leadership, experience and character to Siena Heights, according to Smith.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better person to lead our football program,” he said. “We wanted someone who understood not only how to run a college football program, but could build it the right way. We want success both on and off the field, and Jim will accomplish that for us at Siena Heights.”

“Since the very first day I came over and interviewed with Sister Peg, her focus is on the students here at Siena,” said Lyall, who served as a consultant during the exploration process. “Everything she does is pointed in that direction. How do we make the mission come alive here? How are we going to affect these young men and young women at Siena Heights for really the rest of their lives. … Having the opportunity to talk with Sister Peg, I know how important the mission is to Siena Heights University and that a program could be built around that whole idea of helping young men become competent, giving them purpose, meaning in their lives. And teaching and modeling ethical behavior. That has to be the foundation of the program.”

Lyall said he and new offensive/recruiting coordinator Jeff Hancock will begin recruiting student-athletes immediately. The Saints, who will become the only Catholic college or university in Michigan to offer football scholarships, will play a junior varsity schedule beginning in fall 2011. SHU has applied for membership in the Mid-States Football Conference, one of the top NAIA conferences in the country. If accepted, Siena Heights will begin conference play in 2012.

“We need to have young men who understand the whole meaning of character and integrity,” Lyall said. “Because we don’t have any senior leadership right now, it’s going to be important for us to recruit a certain type of student-athlete. We’re going to target captains. We’re going to going to target players from programs that have been successful.”

The Saints will also compete on a new, on-campus, artificial grass outdoor performance stadium that is expected to be completed by the start of the 2011 season.

That is great news for the MIAA, if they will complete in the conference. Where are they located?

Yes...sorry for misleading you here.  Jim Lyall, the new head coach at Siena Heights, is the former head coach at Adrian College.  Perhaps we might see the Adrian College vs. Siena Heights match up someday?  I know schedules are usually done two years in advance, but you never know.

Yes...sorry for misleading you here.  Jim Lyall, the new head coach at Siena Heights, is the former head coach at Adrian College.  Perhaps we might see the Adrian College vs. Siena Heights match up someday?  I know schedules are usually done two years in advance, but you never know.

Siena Heights/Adrian is such an obvious rivalry, I'd be shocked if it didn't happen pretty quickly.  Since Adrian would probably slaughter them the first few years, maybe not instantly, but I'll bet it happens within the first decade.

They're in Adrian, but play in NAIA.  But it does give another option for non-con games.

Another take on the "3 Rs" - River Raisin Rumble   

That is great news.  I guess my source was "right"   Also, although I didn't mention this, I figured that Coach Lyall would probably be among the candidates for consideraton, even though he was a consultant for the process initially (just like he was a consultant for Concordia-Ann Arbor).  While there were most likely some additional very qualified candidates, I think Lyall is a good and logical choice to start the program.  He is a veteran coach, knows the area, has connections and has the benefit of coaching at the DIII level as well as playing at U of Mich i.e. scholarship programs.  I think it will be a benefit to Siena Heights as he will integrate the DIII philosophy with regards to athletics and academics as he indicated, even though they will be a scholarship program.  One other minor aspect for that is it also eliminates he and his wife from having to move from the area

Also, not a surprise that he has already added Jeff Hancock to his staff, who had been with him at Adrian as I recall.

It will be interesting to see their program develop and, I , too, see the very possibility of some SH as well as Concordia-Ann Arbor match-ups with MIAA teams for some non-conference games.  IMO, that shouldn't be a detriment to anyone.

BTW, please forgive any typo's/misspellings here in my post - no time to modify those right now -thanks!

What is the benefit of being a NAIA school with a D3 approach? Who do you play in Michigan that has strong programs?

[formerd3db]

Raider68:

Here is my "take" on that, although I'm sure many people will disagree with me.  I think there are several potential benefits for some of the Michigan DIII schools playing an occasional non-conference game against some of these new NAIA schools.

1) While admittedly, new programs, especially in their first year or two, are not very good, on the other hand, I have the distinct feeling that these two new ones in Michigan will be.  Lake Erie College did it quite quickly and they are DII already (although that was their "game plan" all along) and North Carolina Wesleyan did also, along with Christopher Newport, just to mention a few examples.  On the other hand, one could point to St. Vincent College in PA which has had a tougher go at this.  In addition, many people feel that many of the NAIA schools are not as good as the better DIII schools, yet I would beg to differ on that since I think that many of them would beat and/or give the DIII schools a tough game - particularly at this time with regard to how the MIAA teams have been playing.  The NAIA competition is better than some people i.e. general fans/football followers let on or believe, although also many of those programs have been labeled and run as "renegade" programs (recruiting practices, etc. in some instances).

Taking all that into consideration, it gives the MIAA schools an opportunity to play "some different schools for a change (as opposed to the typical and routine scheduling other DIII's in nearby states - again I'm mentioning this in the sense of playing one game per season).  

2)  Assuming some of these NAIA schools are better/stronger than they were in general in past years, that in the long run will (should ) make the MIAA teams better overall and with regard to (hopefully) better success in the playoffs.  I've always had that philosophy and have discussed that on the boards in the past.  Way back when I played, we played DII schools on occasion and IMO, that really helped.  So did some of the other MIAA schools although also admittedly, some of those DII schools are now "way better" than they wre back then.

Alma scrimmages Northwood in pre-season the past few years and I think that is great and helps.  Also, some of the MIAA schools play the D-IAA non-scholarship schools (uh, I mean the FCD )  and I think that helps also (although some people disagree with me since they feel that many of those schools are no better than some of the DIII schools, to which I don't believe is true in all cases most of the time - certainly some years in the past 1 1/2 decades that has not been true).  Personally, I'd like to to see our MIAA schools schedule a DII or DIAA occasionaly/more often for one game per season.

3)  Also, with regard to Concordia-Ann Arbor and Sienna Heights, even though they will be new programs, I believe they will draw some very good players - certainly some of the general pool is much better for all schools in DII and DIII in this 5 state region than historically in the past.  As such with a verteran coach such as Lyall and his assistant so far, with the enthusiasm that will be in effect from players, families, fans and the communities for these being just that i.e. new programs and "something different", I think there is a real possibility for earlier success.  

4)  In regards to all the above, I think some neat new rivaliries could potentially be established.

5)  With regard to the economic factors, certainly it would help cut down on travel costs for the MIAA schools, even though they usually only do one long distance non-conference game per year now anyway.  Yet, I'm sure everyone will agree that every little bit helps.

6)  I could be wrong, but with regard to the SOS and the DIII playoffs, I don't think that would affect the MIAA schools that much because a) it is only one game "out of region or out- of -DIII", b) the MIAA champion gets the AQ anyway and 3) the way our MIAA teams have been playing in recent years, we're highly unlikely to get a second team bid anyway (at least for a while, unfortunately)

Finally, with regards to a NAIA scholarship school having the DIII philospohy, I'm just following up on what Coach Lyall said in this statement and I take him at his word for that.  I can't speak for Concordia-AA, however, it appears, at least from the press release that the Sienna Heights Committee and its school president appeared to suggest that, again, in conjunction with Lyall's statement.  

My apologies for rambling perhaps, yet I just thought I'd share and expand on that in reply to your question.  Besides, for the simple reason I think this would be a challenge and "just something different" and further besides, why not i.e. what the heck? .  What do you think?  

[formerd3db]

Oh, I forgot to mention Finlandia.  However, that could be "a different animal"   Also, I just thought I would confine my examples to the "closer located" two schools.

[Mr. Ypsi]

former,

Good summary.  But on the point of making the MIAA stronger, might not the fact that they can offer scholarships to players who might have otherwise gone MIAA run the risk that the MIAA will end up weaker?

[formerd3db]

Mr. Ypsi:

Thanks.  Good to hear from you also.  

You have a valid point and I agree.  Yet, also, that has already been happening the past several years.  Nonetheless, I think that can only potentially help the MIAA players get stronger.  In theory, it should, although admittedly that will not always happen and were a team to take that path, it most likely would take a few years to see the results - if they scheduled consistently (the latter has not really happened of recent though).

I dare say that some of the NAIA schools in Kentucky and Tennessee are very good teams and could beat many of the DIII teams including some of the upper tier DIII teams.  I never believed that a few years ago, however, after following a few of those from time to time of recent, I'm beginning to change my mind.

BTW, in reading over on your CCIW board, it appears that your IWU is further doing well and "reloading" for this season.  Are you planning on coming to the game at Hope this year (it is the first one of the season)?  If so, let me know and perhaps wer can hook up for dinner after the game  i.e. more time to visit than when you were here a couple of years ago.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Mr. Ypsi:

Thanks.  Good to hear from you also.  

You have a valid point and I agree.  Yet, also, that has already been happening the past several years.  Nonetheless, I think that can only potentially help the MIAA players get stronger.  In theory, it should, although admittedly that will not always happen and were a team to take that path, it most likely would take a few years to see the results - if they scheduled consistently (the latter has not really happened of recent though).

I dare say that some of the NAIA schools in Kentucky and Tennessee are very good teams and could beat many of the DIII teams including some of the upper tier DIII teams.  I never believed that a few years ago, however, after following a few of those from time to time of recent, I'm beginning to change my mind.

BTW, in reading over on your CCIW board, it appears that your IWU is further doing well and "reloading" for this season.  Are you planning on coming to the game at Hope this year (it is the first one of the season)?  If so, let me know and perhaps wer can hook up for dinner after the game  i.e. more time to visit than when you were here a couple of years ago.

I've got the Hope/IWU game on my calendar, but not sure.  I'll be going to Bloomington to the Homecoming game (my 40th reunion ) - not sure how traveling to TWO games in one season would fly with my wife!

[Raider 68]

Mr. Ypsi:

Thanks.  Good to hear from you also. 

You have a valid point and I agree.  Yet, also, that has already been happening the past several years.  Nonetheless, I think that can only potentially help the MIAA players get stronger.  In theory, it should, although admittedly that will not always happen and were a team to take that path, it most likely would take a few years to see the results - if they scheduled consistently (the latter has not really happened of recent though).

I dare say that some of the NAIA schools in Kentucky and Tennessee are very good teams and could beat many of the DIII teams including some of the upper tier DIII teams.  I never believed that a few years ago, however, after following a few of those from time to time of recent, I'm beginning to change my mind.

BTW, in reading over on your CCIW board, it appears that your IWU is further doing well and "reloading" for this season.  Are you planning on coming to the game at Hope this year (it is the first one of the season)?  If so, let me know and perhaps wer can hook up for dinner after the game  i.e. more time to visit than when you were here a couple of years ago.

The Ohio NAIA teams are not that strong IMHO!

[formerd3db]

Mr. Ypsi:

Thanks.  Good to hear from you also. 

You have a valid point and I agree.  Yet, also, that has already been happening the past several years.  Nonetheless, I think that can only potentially help the MIAA players get stronger.  In theory, it should, although admittedly that will not always happen and were a team to take that path, it most likely would take a few years to see the results - if they scheduled consistently (the latter has not really happened of recent though).

I dare say that some of the NAIA schools in Kentucky and Tennessee are very good teams and could beat many of the DIII teams including some of the upper tier DIII teams.  I never believed that a few years ago, however, after following a few of those from time to time of recent, I'm beginning to change my mind.

BTW, in reading over on your CCIW board, it appears that your IWU is further doing well and "reloading" for this season.  Are you planning on coming to the game at Hope this year (it is the first one of the season)?  If so, let me know and perhaps wer can hook up for dinner after the game  i.e. more time to visit than when you were here a couple of years ago.

The Ohio NAIA teams are not that strong IMHO!

Raider:

I can agree with you on that.  But also, as I mentioned, I do think that several of the KY and TN NAIA teams are strong teams.  Of course, the one out in Carroll, MT which has won the national championship is not all that bad either.


Mr. Ypsi:

I totally understand.  I hope you have a great time for your reunion there.  Nonetheless, keep me posted, and if by some chance you end up being able to sneak to the Hope/IWU game as well, we'll  try to work something out for a quick lunch or dinner visit either before or after the game.

[sac]

The article mentions Sienna Heights will join the Mid-States Football Association........that is a HUGE conference, 16 teams currently split into 2 divisions.


In its current format, the two division play each other once with the games counting in the standings.   Everyone gets one crossover game vs the other division, which doesn't count in the league standings.  This means at most Sienna will have 2 non-conference openings per season.......and it won't take long for Adrian/Sienna to hook up on the football field, thats a serious basketball rivalry complete with its own traveling trophy.


I would assume Sienna Heights would be in the Mid East League

Mid East League
Malone University Pioneers
Marian College (Indiana) Knights
Olivet Nazarene University Tigers
Saint Xavier University Cougars
Taylor University Trojans
Trinity International University Trojans
University of Saint Francis (Indiana) Cougars
Walsh University Cavaliers


Midwest League (MWL)
Grand View University Vikings
Iowa Wesleyan College Tigers
McKendree University Bearcats
Quincy University Hawks
St. Ambrose University Fighting Bees
University of Saint Francis (Illinois) Fighting Saints
Waldorf College Warriors
William Penn University Statesmen

[formerd3db]

The article mentions Sienna Heights will join the Mid-States Football Association........that is a HUGE conference, 16 teams currently split into 2 divisions.


In its current format, the two division play each other once with the games counting in the standings.   Everyone gets one crossover game vs the other division, which doesn't count in the league standings.  This means at most Sienna will have 2 non-conference openings per season.......and it won't take long for Adrian/Sienna to hook up on the football field, thats a serious basketball rivalry complete with its own traveling trophy.


I would assume Sienna Heights would be in the Mid East League

Mid East League
Malone University Pioneers
Marian College (Indiana) Knights
Olivet Nazarene University Tigers
Saint Xavier University Cougars
Taylor University Trojans
Trinity International University Trojans
University of Saint Francis (Indiana) Cougars
Walsh University Cavaliers


Midwest League (MWL)
Grand View University Vikings
Iowa Wesleyan College Tigers
McKendree University Bearcats
Quincy University Hawks
St. Ambrose University Fighting Bees
University of Saint Francis (Illinois) Fighting Saints
Waldorf College Warriors
William Penn University Statesmen

sac:

Indeed, that is a huge conference.  Some of those schools have been pretty strong teams, IMO, such as St. Francis (both the IL and IN ones), Olivet Nazarene on occasion, and even Marian IN has been improved despite being one of the new programs (former Rose-Hulman Head Coach and Northwestern i.e. Big Ten star Ted Karras - nephew of Detroit Lions great Alex) is the head coach there and has been building a pretty good program.  These schools, especially the St. Francis two and Olivet Nazaene (the latter of which has played MIAA and other DIII schools regularly in the past and beatne them handily, although Olivert IL hasn't been great of recent) are schools that I would consider among some of the upper tier of NAIA and certainly can beat and/or give DIII schools a tough time.  Some might even beat the weaker DII teams around the Midwest.  Nonetheless, it is neat to see some of these schools banding together to provide even more opportunities for college football for student-athletes (but, does that further delete the pool of talent and/or just provide parity in some instances as we've discussed ??)

On the other hand, some of the other schools such as Quincy, Mckendree, IA Wesleyan, Wm Penn and St. AMbrose are pretty weak and, IMO, essentially are on par with some of the weaker DIII teams.

Don't forget that Notre Dame College in Ohio will be joining that league as well as Ohio Dominican I believe (or was Ohio Domincan going DII - on second thought, I think the latter is the scenario - I should check back on the OAC board regarding Capital's coach who left recently for that school - it is very late so please forgive me!!), so it will become even larger.  

It will be interesting to see how some of this plays out as you mentioned and I agree that Adrian/Sienna Heights will become an intense rivalry most likely.  Also, I see Concordia-AA vs. Adrian and/or Sienna as one also.  As far as Finlandia, as we've discussed previously, I see them hooking up more with the Wisconsin and MN teams, although I think they will play an occasional game against some of the MIAA schools (and or quite possibly Northern MI or Mich Tech since they are close in distance especially Tech across the river - although those two DII teams would/will probably smash Finlandia

Thanks for your good input.

[Uncle Rico]

I think Mr Ypsi makes a very valid point about another scholarship offering program taking away some DIII players.  Michigan already has some very good DII schools that attract kids.  A ton of choices for a player to make.  The strength of the MIAA DIII schools has to be an excellent education, generous academic scholarships, and the opportunity to play football.