FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[WSUFan]

Bad news doesn't get better with age...and this is certainly bad news. In making this announcement, I find it interesting the WIAC commissioner hasn't made any comment (that I'm aware of) about the protocol for determining the scheduling of the NC games each year. I guess it would have to be a 7 year round robin. But, I'm curious how they intend to make the match-ups.  Under the status quo, I'm not sure if there is a team eager to play UWW twice in a season.  He indicated in the Madison.com article that it might only be a temporary condition, provided the economy picks-up. That makes the first year or two extremely important for a lot of teams.

I would think it's the job of the WIAC head office to try to turn this negative situation into a positive ~ if that's at all possible. I believe it is. If I had any pull, this is what I would propose initially: 

I would have a WIAC football extravaganza at Camp Randall, one of the first 3 weeks of the season. Of course it would require the Badgers to be on an away game. Four games, all eight teams involved, in one incredible day of football ~ all on a neutral field. Each game would be counted in the conference standings. Later in the season, the second game, the non-conference one, would be played at various campus stadiums. I wouldn't expect 80,000 spectators like a Badger game. But, I could see maybe 20,000-25,000 people. It would be the greatest day of DIII football, maybe ever on one field, on a single day. If I were the commissioner, my first telephone call today would be to Barry Alvarez to secure the use of Camp Randall.  Next, I'd be pounding the pavement getting a title corporate partner(s) for sponsorship. Long story short, it would be a great day of football and make a lousy situation somewhat palatable.

Thoughts?   

I'm sure this process had been on the table for some time as the commissioner has had to listen to AD's who've had to listen to coaches about scheduling.  My guess is it has come to the forefront with pressure to cut budgets.  I doubt UWL would pass on a chance to play UWW twice.

I like the idea of playing at Camp Randall... reminds me of the border battle against the NSIC.  Tailgating, followed by four games and an evening ending at Lucky's.

[Devil Badger Gopher]

I think several teams would want to take on UWW with the new format as opposed to none because then there is a better chance to beat them not only once but the unforseen two times in one season. 

I like the idea of playing at Camp Randall, but not sure if it would be a draw. 

I remember the border battle with the D2's of Minnesota with the D3's of Wisconsin getting the better of the battles more often than not.

Lastly, I was on teams that played against MIAC teams and we simply dominated them for the most part.  I am sure things have changed a little, but I think many may still shy away from the battle.

[retagent]

DBG - Methinks your memory is clouded with cheese, beer and brats.

I think D. O. C. was just trying to point out that there would be precious little upon which to base the "Toughest in D III" rating , when there was so little data.

Doesn't the NCAA have any clout in  "inducing" (Soprano style if need be) other conferences from scheduing WIAC non conference games?

[badgerwarhawk]

Doesn't the NCAA have any clout in  "inducing" (Soprano style if need be) other conferences from scheduing WIAC non conference games?

No

[BoBo]

Similar events have happen in other conferences. I believe St. Johns plays Augsburg in the Metrodome this season. But it's not really a "neutral" site since Augsburg is located in Minneapolis.

Personally, making the trip to Whitewater from Milwaukee is a long enough drive for me....let alone Madison.

Not a bad thought though....

Augsburg playing SJU at the Metrodome?  whoop-dee-doo!! No offense 02 Warhawk, but it's not even close to what I'm proposing. Neutral site since it's neither teams usual home field.  That game has ZERO added significance or appeal; the fact that Augsburg is closer to the dome still means SJU will have 5 times the fans in the yard.  Personally, I love football, but if I wasn't a fan of one of those two teams, I probably wouldn't drive 20 miles to see it.  Four games at Camp Randall in one day might even bring the guru to Madison for the day and it would probably bring me from Korea; I'm surprised you wouldn't care to drive the "extra" few miles from Milwaukee. It would be a great showcase day for the WIAC.

[UWP SID]

While the idea of a jamboree at Camp Randall sounds great, it is contradictory to what the WIAC is trying to accomplish.

Remember that the whole purpose behind this is to save costs. Under the newly announced plan, everyone is home every other year, meaning there are no costs involved and actual revenue to the school. Under a Camp Randall plan, all 8 schools must charter buses, pay pre- and post-game meals and maybe even hotel costs, depending on what time River Falls, Stout and Eau Claire would play in Madison every year. Plus, there would be the rental fee on Camp Randall. So instead of making money every other year, all eight schools would be spending every year.

I really like the idea as a fan, as the Border Battle Challenge was a ton of fun (and we may have had the only post-game BRUNCH in the history of college football since the Pioneers played the 8 a.m. game each time), but it would be a very costly endeavor.

[Pat Coleman]

You wouldn't be able to get another UW school to throw in the stadium, huh?

[BoBo]

While the idea of a jamboree at Camp Randall sounds great, it is contradictory to what the WIAC is trying to accomplish.

Remember that the whole purpose behind this is to save costs. Under the newly announced plan, everyone is home every other year, meaning there are no costs involved and actual revenue to the school. Under a Camp Randall plan, all 8 schools must charter buses, pay pre- and post-game meals and maybe even hotel costs, depending on what time River Falls, Stout and Eau Claire would play in Madison every year. Plus, there would be the rental fee on Camp Randall. So instead of making money every other year, all eight schools would be spending every year.

I really like the idea as a fan, as the Border Battle Challenge was a ton of fun (and we may have had the only post-game BRUNCH in the history of college football since the Pioneers played the 8 a.m. game each time), but it would be a very costly endeavor.

That's where the sponsors of the event come into play.  If we couldn't get sponsors than we're really in a sad state a affairs. If Culvers can sponsor the UW-Michigan hockey game in February, I'm sure with only a little bit of effort, a Wisconsin company or more would be willing to get involved as sponsors to underwrite a majority if not all the costs associated.

[footballfan413]

I would have a WIAC football extravaganza at Camp Randall, one of the first 3 weeks of the season. Of course it would require the Badgers to be on an away game. Four games, all eight teams involved, in one incredible day of football ~ all on a neutral field. Each game would be counted in the conference standings. Later in the season, the second game, the non-conference one, would be played at various campus stadiums. I wouldn't expect 80,000 spectators like a Badger game. But, I could see maybe 20,000-25,000 people. It would be the greatest day of DIII football, maybe ever on one field, on a single day. If I were the commissioner, my first telephone call today would be to Barry Alvarez to secure the use of Camp Randall.  Next, I'd be pounding the pavement getting a title corporate partner(s) for sponsorship. Long story short, it would be a great day of football and make a lousy situation somewhat palatable.

Thoughts?   

It would never happen.  Too big an idea and because the goal is to save money..... too big a gamble.  It is human nature to follow the path of least resistance but what a great idea.  I would be sooooooooo in!!   

[BoBo]

I would have a WIAC football extravaganza at Camp Randall, one of the first 3 weeks of the season. Of course it would require the Badgers to be on an away game. Four games, all eight teams involved, in one incredible day of football ~ all on a neutral field. Each game would be counted in the conference standings. Later in the season, the second game, the non-conference one, would be played at various campus stadiums. I wouldn't expect 80,000 spectators like a Badger game. But, I could see maybe 20,000-25,000 people. It would be the greatest day of DIII football, maybe ever on one field, on a single day. If I were the commissioner, my first telephone call today would be to Barry Alvarez to secure the use of Camp Randall.  Next, I'd be pounding the pavement getting a title corporate partner(s) for sponsorship. Long story short, it would be a great day of football and make a lousy situation somewhat palatable.

Thoughts?   

It would never happen.  Too big an idea and because the goal is to save money..... too big a gamble.  It is human nature to follow the path of least resistance but what a great idea.  I would be sooooooooo in!!   

fbf413, I guess I'm trying to create a revenue stream rather than just saving money. And since you have to spend money to make money, this idea is probably too grand for the WIAC's thinking.  I think it could be profitable from the get-go and not a huge financial risk if organized properly. But, since the WIAC has concluded this is the best solution to the problem and taken this action, there's probably no one in the corporate HQ that's willing to step out of the box and do some bold and creative things. It's a shame...really...I kind of thought the blue turf at Boise State was kind of stupid at first, too. But the more I've seen it, I really have come to think it's rather clever!! 

[Devil Badger Gopher]

DBG - Methinks your memory is clouded with cheese, beer and brats.

That is okay as you are entitled with your own opinion.  Now here is mine.  Funny thing is now I live in Minnesota and still cannot believe that St. Thomas is ranked over any of the other 7 schools that reside in the WIAC. 

[raiderguy]

Love the idea of a four game extravaganza in Madison for the answer to the NC portion of the schedule in the WIAC. I would drive from Minneapolis to see that. It would set up for neutral sight for all teams and the conference could control the pairings based on the previous seasons records with a 1 vs 2, 3 vs 4, 5 vs 6 and 7 vs 8 brackets. This would keep the top schools from picking the cupcake school for that NC game.
Just a thought.

[BDB]

I know one thing. If there were to be an extravaganza such as this, it would have one hell of a tailgate!  

I get the parking space next to footballfan413.  8)

[raiderguy]

DBG - Methinks your memory is clouded with cheese, beer and brats.

That is okay as you are entitled with your own opinion.  Now here is mine.  Funny thing is now I live in Minnesota and still cannot believe that St. Thomas is ranked over any of the other 7 schools that reside in the WIAC. 

Why do you find that so hard to believe. St. Thomas's losses have been  against top 10  ranked teams on the final plays of the game.Those teams have also continued to climb in the rankings each week because of their success. No one in the WIAC has that type of resume against teams they have lost to as I recall. 

[raiderguy]

I know one thing. If there were to be an extravaganza such as this, it would have one hell of a tailgate!  

I get the parking space next to footballfan413.  8)

I would like the space next to BDB since he is the finest host you could encounter at a game. "Note to BDB I will be the guy in purple with the coat that says MOUNT UNION on it so you won't be able to miss me"