FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[sac]

I find it odd that EMU only has about 25 kids from the Detroit area on their roster.  Not many PSL kids either, most are suburban kids.

If you buy into recruiting rankings, one site has their last 4 classes as

05--103 (this yr's Sr's)
06--104
07--85
08--85

WMU and CMU weren't ranked much higher. 

A year or 3 in what used to be I-AA might do them some good.  The closest 1AA around I can think of is Youngstown.

PS. They've sucked since they dropped the 'Hurons'.

[cave2bens]

While probably possible to at least occasionally be good, EMU has some huge obstacles.  Probably number one on the list is sitting 7 miles from the Big House - they are totally overshadowed even in their own home town.  And it may take a miracle fo them to even retain d1A status, due to the attendance requirement.  They dodged the bullet the first time from a massive PR campaign (and the purchase of thousands of tickets by business sponsors - something they cannot count on too often).  The second time they dodged the bullet through outright fraud: attendance numbers were proven to have been inflated by 50-300%.  I'm not sure how they can survive a third time.  Against Central (Central!) they eliminated ticket prices (i.e., FREE admission to all) and had attendance of 5500, about half of whom were cheering for CMU.

Let's just blame it on Monihan for foresaking his Domino's roots in Ypsilanti, and moving his complex to an agrarian, but Ann Arbor/ Dixboro address. 

PS. They've sucked since they dropped the 'Hurons'.

Good Point... in light of the Miami sellout (they'll aways be the Redskins to this curmudgeon), I wonder how Central has managed to avoid the political correctness?  Perhaps Eastern can take a similar stance and claim to be named for the river in town as well?    Former D3 - which friends of yours played ball in MP?  I had a bunch of the 1975ers (Szymarek, Neumann, Riordan, Smallbone, and Kovaleski among others post eligibility) playing rugby much to Kramer and Deromedi's chagrin in that timeframe/warp.  Any inane post to help y'all reach 200.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Both the Hurons (now mostly in Oklahoma) and the Wyandottes (same tribe, but in Canada) wanted the Huron name retained (which the NCAA has accepted for specific tribal names, such as the Chippewas).  It was the administration (especially detested former President Shelton) who caved to pressure from 'generic' Indian activists and their misguided non-Indian allies, who apparently felt that the Hurons were too simple-minded to know that they should be offended.  Personally, I was and will always be a 'Huron'.  (And I'm hardly alone: while EMU refuses to officially recognize its existence, by far the largest single alumni group is the "Once a Huron, Always a Huron" chapter.)

I find it especially galling that the Huron emblem was a very respectful (and accurate) representation of Huron dress, while the Eagle (a bird sacred to many Native American cultures) is a ridiculous cartoon character (maybe we can get PETA or the Audubon Society to protest the slur ).  Not to mention that 'Huron' was unique, while there must be several hundred (if not thousands of) 'Eagles'.

[formerd3db]

Ypsi, cave2, and sac:

+k for all you guys!  Great commentary all.  Indeed, I've always been p.o.'d about that nickname insane, ludicrous and very aptly desicribed misguided (by Ypsi) arguement for changing it.  Those idiots sure did cave in; lest anyone call me a racist, I have Native American direct lineage (albeit small about 5%).  That nickname circus business has been another "craw" with me regarding EMU.

Anyway, all that being said, Ypsi brings up some valid concerns.  Duely pointed out is the $ for ticket buyouts by corporations is most likely gone give the current economic situation.  BTW, I was shocked to learn that the attendance for the EMU/CMU game was only 5500 - that is as much as we get at the big MIAA games .  While I was aware (again thanks to Ypsi ) that many of the tickets were free admission, that is still shocking.  Particulary when they drew well over 25,000 the same year that Mich Tech and Grand Valley State played there and drew 51,000 about 3 years ago or so.

On the other hand, I would be disappointed if they dropped to the former DIAA (i.e. now FCS) status and if they did, as I mentioned before IMO and albeit that some of the MAC schools have had better success/attendance (but in reality not up the the expectations of "true" DI i.e. FBC level) then the entire MAC should really be in that category.  It will be interesting to see who they get for the next head coach.  We'll ask our friend Mr. Ypsi for his astute sports commentary on that when it happens.

Also, cave2, I will answer your question in the post which will immediately follow this one!

[formerd3db]

cave2:

Again, good comments re: EMU.  Moreover, indeed, thanks for your help in getting us to that #200!   We need all the help we can get!

My friends were Rykulski, Verrell and Knickerbocker.  I know the first two more, as the first name was a high school teammate of mine (Carman i.e. now Carman-Ainsworth) and still a longtime friend of mine; the other two we played against at our rival high school (Swartz Creek), Verell roomed with Rykulski one year I believe, then Verell was an assistant principal at our daughter's high school here.  Knick was again a teammate of Verrell's in h.s. however, admittedly, I only knew of him peripherally via the other two.  Small world and since you were from S.C as I recall (or had relatives there??).   

Anyway, I hope that you and your family had a nice Georgia Thanksgiving!

[D306]

EMU has been scuffling with it's image and reputation for several years now.
The name change was an insult to all former Huron's and the Tribe itself.
The change is and was an example of the political correct idiots in Academia.
The Presidential nightmare of a few years ago and the high profile death recently have all damaged the EMU reputation.
EMU has always been a power house in training our teachers and I am confident in saying anyone who attended school in Michigan has had at least 1 if not more EMU educated teachers in their life.

The college needs a high level influx of professional marketing, the programs offered are strong the educational value is under rated by so many presently.
The University also needs to define itself as to the student profile it desires, mixed message recently.

The growth of GVSU, CMU, UT, and WMU have hurt EMU status and capability to draw students and athletes. I also believe the energy around the east side of the state is poor presently the westside has a better vibe. This comes from someone whom lives in the Detroit area and who also owns property (and lived for 5 years)on the westside of the state.

I know so many whom attended EMU over the years the sad thing is they all are from "back in the day". Of my 3 kids circle of friends or the other students whose famlilies were active in PTO, Sports, Quiz Bowls, whom graduated recently only 1 attended EMU or even had them on the list of possibles.  He choose EMU for a Baseball Scholarship. 

[cave2bens]

EMU has been scuffling with it's image and reputation for several years now.
The name change was an insult to all former Huron's and the Tribe itself.
The change is and was an example of the political correct idiots in Academia.
The Presidential nightmare of a few years ago and the high profile death recently have all damaged the EMU reputation.
EMU has always been a power house in training our teachers and I am confident in saying anyone who attended school in Michigan has had at least 1 if not more EMU educated teachers in their life.

The college needs a high level influx of professional marketing, the programs offered are strong the educational value is under rated by so many presently.
The University also needs to define itself as to the student profile it desires, mixed message recently.

The growth of GVSU, CMU, UT, and WMU have hurt EMU status and capability to draw students and athletes. I also believe the energy around the east side of the state is poor presently the westside has a better vibe. This comes from someone whom lives in the Detroit area and who also owns property (and lived for 5 years)on the westside of the state.

I know so many whom attended EMU over the years the sad thing is they all are from "back in the day". Of my 3 kids circle of friends or the other students whose famlilies were active in PTO, Sports, Quiz Bowls, whom graduated recently only 1 attended EMU or even had them on the list of possibles.  He choose EMU for a Baseball Scholarship. 

Would have to agree, regarding the competition for both students and athletes in Michigan, especially with competitive emergence of DII schools in the GLIAC.  If there is any good news for EMU and the MAC, the Amstutz-less Toodleedoo situation and the more volatile circumstance at BG this past weekend might even up the playing field a bit.    Begs into question, which one is bigger - Charlie Weis, Tom Amstutz, or Ray Majerus 

According to the Toledo rag, quite a few of the early commitments are taking a "wait and see" after Gregg's, post UT meltdown about attendance/ fair-weather fans (though I would agree that the traditional, mid-October exchange between the Glass Bowl and Doyt Perry was preferable to the ESPN scheduling dictates). 

Thanksgiving in Toledo (if there is such a thing  ) should have remained commited to the HS "Shoe Bowl" played at UT.  Wow - memory flashback! 

[formerd3db]

Again, great comments guys (and +karma for you too D306 ).  I'll bet Mr. Ypsi can't believe (?understand ) why all this talk about EMU?!!! (Why not since it is now "off-season" for the MIAA football teams and besides, talking about the DIII playoffs, we need these other topics so we can reach that great plateau of 200 pages of posts ).  Anyway, I don't want to "beat a dead horse" but I think we're all on the same mindset on the EMU situation and what must (should be) done for the football program.  I'm sure we'll revisit this with some comments when they select the new head coach in the near future.  But for now, I'll try to "let it rest" .

While we know that anything can happen in the DIII playoffs and that perhaps it is fairly apparent who will probably (or rather should) win this weekend, what are your predictions as to the winners of this next round in the playoffs?  My predictions are Mt. Union, Wheaton, UW-W and MHB.  Nothing against Wheaton, but it would be neat to see Franklin continue their season, although I think Wheaton would have a better chance against Mount Union.  Warburg is having a great season, however, I think that UW-W is just too strong (and has the experience edge as far as being in the playoffs and to the Stagg's "big show" obviously).

[D306]

Mount Union they are a machine
UW-W staying strong.
Wheaton getting hot at the right time 
MHB do not know much about this game so I am taking a guess ( like the rest are'nt as well LOL )

OK don't shot me, just a rumor that I did not start but will ask on the site because this site is certainly more accurate and civil then were I read this rumor.

Olivet leaving the MIAA after 09 season. Not sure I  believe that and then what happens to the AQ if this rumor is true?
The rumor is getting some comments regarding the conference they may join. I hope this is not true, Olivet is a long standing College and in the heart of the conference landscape why leave?

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

D306:

I know not whether Olivet is leaving the conference after the 09 season or not, but I will say this.  If there was a team leaving, especially a team with such a long standing tradition in the MIAA, it would not be able to be kept as a secret of this level for this long.

[formerd3db]

I cannot imagine Olivet even contemplating leaving the MIAA.  They are a charter member and, as mentioned, have had an integral part of the history of the league.  While they have struggled at times over those 120 years, they have made great strides in both the athletics and academic programs.  I don't mean this as a negative, yet realistically, they have a difficult time even winning in the MIAA, so I'm not sure why they would contemplate leaving for another conference.  The only one I can think ("NCAA wise") that would even be remotely a reasonable choice for them would be the HCAC, however, think of the further disadvantages of that i.e. even more travel costs than it is for the MIAA schools which are within 2 hours drive for most.  I don't see Olivet's chances at winning in that conference any more than in the MIAA.

Not chastizing you at all D306, but where did you hear that rumor?  If I was a betting man (which I'm not ) I would venture a guess that it might have come from the same venues as that Kazoo rumor a year or two ago that they were going to drop football (such as the M-line - which has about as much credibility and character as Barney Frank, or O.J. Simpson or O.J. Simpson or Harry Reid or a combination of all of them ).  Anyway, like DAWG said, I would hate to see them leave and actually would be very disappointed and crushed.  I will try to check with my league sources on any credibility of this rumor and will get back with you guys on this once I've done some "sleuth" work.

[D306]

D3DB

You are correct I read it on M-Live which I concur is not a very reliable source or site.

That is why I asked and prefaced my comments the way I did.
I can not imagine Olivet moving on from the MIAA.

The question I was more concerned with was what would happen IF the  MIAA lost a member.
Would the size decrease automatically drop the MIAA out of the AQ for football playoffs?

Hey you know the rumors fly after and just before the season.

[Pat Coleman]

A conference has a two-year grace period to get back up to seven teams in a particular sport once it falls below that threshold.

[sac]

A conference has a two-year grace period to get back up to seven teams in a particular sport once it falls below that threshold.

Picture a scene at the Calvin College Presidents house, a dark cold winter evening.  Snow slowly gathering in piles.  Twelve dark figures trudge towards the door.

ding dong.

"Why its the other six presidents and six athletic directors of the MIAA, come in gentlemen.  So what would you like to discuss............"

[D306]

Pat

thats why "your the man" and I posted on this site to ask the question.
I knew we would get an answer, and not alot of stupid talk.

SAC

LOL you are very right about that, or the MIAA goes a calling to Hillsdale to ask them to come back to the MIAA.