FB: Centennial Conference

[Ralph Turner]

The Grove,

Welcome to the little ivy league.....enjoy the ride........real scholars playing real football (and

women's golf).

Susquehanna gives the CC 6 women's golf teams.  The CC is one shy of the AQ in women's golf.

http://www.centennial.org/golf/women/index.html

Page 30-31 D-III Women's Golf Handbook

Are there any other acceptable affiliates to bring the conference to 7?  NYU?  The UAA doesn't have near enough teams to sponsor women's golf.

How about St Lawrence, Vassar and Wm Smith from the LL?  As I review the Handbook, I think that the Pres AC and the NATHC move from Pool B to Pool A.  There were 6 Pool B bids in 2008.  There may only be 4 bids this year.  It certainly makes sense to lock in a Pool A bid by taking affiliates.

[muledaddy]

Ralph,

As ever, you are on the money....1 more affiliate for the AQ in women's golf makes real good sense.

I hope the powers that be in the CC move in that direction forthwith.

[IllinoisCoach]

WIll someone tell me what Steve Ulrich and the rest of the scribes doing the Centennial COnference have been drinking?  Comparing this conference and its "elite" academic status with other noted and recognized academic conferences?  Give me a break - the Centennial has a few schools whose admissions standards are "Are You ALive?" and "CAN YOU AFFORD THIS PLACE?"  If you have answered yes to the above two, congratulations!  Merely check out McDaniel (there are some who call it "McDumbell"), Ursinus, and Moravian to name just a couple.  Not exactly the NESCAC, UAA, or Liberty League I might add!  True, you have Johns Hopkins, Muhlenberg, Gettsyburg (somewhat), and Dickinson but to call it an ELITE ACADEMIC CONFERENCE!!!? C'mon man - wake to hell up!  I mean McDaniel admits 700 SATs for cripes sake!  Ursinus??!!  Moravian??!!

[pizzashop]

Springfield High football rules 

[BTEXPRESS]

Illinois, Are you attacking the whole conference? Maybe they all aren't the Williams or Amhersts of the world but the top five or six CC schools you mentioned are among the top liberal arts schools in the country among many rankings. I think you are being a little harsh on McDaniel and Ursinus. Maybe you are using reputations from 7 to 10 years ago. From the time Western Maryland changed their name to McDaniel their entrance requirements went way up. The current Ursinus president has really improved that school both academically and facility wise during the last ten years. And by the way, where did YOU go to school???

[old ends]

To handle oneself with comments using terms that have no bearing with out points of reference are deemed--non factual. Therefore Ilcoach, let me know the next time you talk to any of the people who represent the schools with-in the Centennial and or any of the other Conferences in Division III. Please provide numbers percentages etc to warrent your statement. Also glad you made this conference post the first of your post. We do not feel honored

Thank you

[muledaddy]

      Yikes!!!!!!!!!!

[Ryan Tipps]

Academic-schmacademic. Of the Centennial's 10 football-playing members for 2009, a *mere* seven of them are listed as Tier 1 schools on U.S. News & World's liberal arts ranking report. Just seven!? Gosh, that's a C-minus. 

But, erm, upon further review, one member, Johns Hopkins, isn't a liberal arts school. It's rated by USN&W as one of the best universities in the country. That's all. Just one of the absolute best out there.

As for the two remaining schools, they make the cut as as Tier 3 schools in the report.

Personally, I consider the Centennial an academic conference, hands down. The UAA and NESCAC have been mentioned as others in D3land, but two biggies out there also are the North Coast and the Midwest conferences. 

[BTEXPRESS]

There has been very little reaction/talk on this board about Susguehanna coming into the CC in 2010. Personally, I think it is a great idea. Good school academically, outstanding football stadium, not too far geographically. I thought they should have come aboard when the CC expanded with Moravian and Juniata. I know it only leaves one out of conference game and there could be some impact on getting more than the CC champion into the playoffs, but right now that seems a long shot anyway. Thoughts??? Wonder how the Susguehanna fans feel about it.? Obviously way less travel!

[TheGrove]

The Liberty League board has discussed this more than this board. (BTW, they didn't seem too happy about it)

I haven't really heard much chatter amongst alumni or anyone else. Even the local paper didn't give it much ink. I'm definitely psyched about playing "closer" teams, especially Gettysburg and Dickinson which are near my roots. I liked the Liberty League teams, but this is definitely more familiar territory.

[old ends]

One thing that stumps me is that when Moravian and Juniata where voted in to football, poor Susquehanna was left out. Even though they did ask, something happened that they were not let in.

With travel of 5 overnight trips for Susquehanna, this was a logical move.
The most that I can think is maybe 2 hours to Allentown and Collegeville. The rest around an hour if that.

[BTEXPRESS]

With Susquehanna coming into the league in two years, it got me thinking how nice their football stadium is and how it will be a welcome addition to the conference. Overall, I think the CC is very fortunate with great athletic facilities. For fun, here is my rankings of the stadiums in the conference based on the actual facility, atmosphere, crowds etc. see if you agree:

1. Gettysburg ( big stadium, great crowds)
2. Muhlenberg( not the biggest stadium, but the new style turf was a great improvement)
3. Dickinson( the first phase of renovations this year make this a first class place to watch football)
4. McDaniel ( sitting in the bowl gives this stadium a great atmosphere)
5. Hopkins( a DI facility but a terrible atmosphere with small crowds even for night games)
6. Moravian( the covered grandstands give it a unique look)
7. Juniata( best natural turf in the conference)
8. F & M ( the stadium could use some upgrades)
9. Ursinus( all their other athletic facilites have been upgraded, now it's the football teams' turn)

[old ends]

Nice BT-- Hopkins is a great stadium, but there it is Lacross.
              Ursinus--with not even charging to see the game and
                           the current President is not a fan of football--it will be ahwile till that happens.

[muledaddy]

Old,

I like the stadium at Ursinus, but the playing surface, poorly kept natural grass, sucks. There is a movement afoot,  and the student newspaper ran a feature article on the need for a new field, but,
for the reasons cited in your comment, i won't hold my breath.
   I live about 15 minutes from Ursinus so I wish they would get the new field, giving me a nearby vantage
point to see our CC kids compete well, on good footing.

[muledaddy]

Old,

Time flies when you are having fun.I just got back from the Mules football banquet, celebrating the

CC championship for the 2nd straight year. It was a 300 person lovefest, honoring the team,coaches, and

16 senior players.

Four hours went fast, knowing this was the last gathering of the team.Friendships made for life,between

players, as well as parents, will endure.