FB: American Southwest Conference

[Ralph Turner]

The Abilene Reporter-News says that the NCAA hears McMurry's final appeal today.

[Bill McCabe]

Wonder who the first one will be to speculate Bomar is coming to their school? 

[Ron Boerger]

It depends on what action the NCAA takes.  If he is declared ineligible, he would have to get approval from the NCAA to play at ANY level.    Today's DMN said:

"Rules state that if the NCAA declares a player ineligible at the Division I-A level, that player would also be ineligible on the Division I-AA, II or III levels. Any school that wanted to sign such a player would have to apply for reinstatement.

The NCAA could act quickly, or a decision – on the players and OU itself – could take months."

Somehow I don't see this kid being the type to play D3 ball.  Yeah I know you were kidding but it's the off season. 

[Bill McCabe]

Ron,  Transferring to a D3 school worked out well for Brett Elliot.  I know it is a much different situation with Bomar.

[Ralph Turner]

Wonder who the first one will be to speculate Bomar is coming to their school? 

My first three were NAIA schools:

Carroll MT
Cumberland KY
Azusa Pacific

or locally, Bethany Nazarene OK.

[Indians]

When do practices begin? 

[Indians]

He could go to Texas college. They have also to got an all-american tight end and K-state starting Qb from last and the Texas running back. 

[Ralph Turner]

This email has been sent by Dr Russell to the McMurry community this afternoon.

McMurry University Alumni and Friends:



As most of you know, on August 3, 2006, the NCAA Executive Committee considering the University's second appeal to continue use of its name and imagery recommended that McMurry's appeal be rejected. We deeply regret the NCAA's decision.



McMurry University is committed to our respectful recognition of the Native American culture and the environment of a Christian Faith-based campus that recognizes and embraces diversity, and respects the dignity and worth of every individual. This is truly what makes McMurry University what it is—an institution that strives to "cultivate leadership, excellence and virtue... (in) every student, every day.



The University's Board of Trustees has commissioned a sub-committee to investigate the various options that McMurry might pursue. They will look at the costs associated with each option as well as the potential consequences of undertaking these options. The options that McMurry might pursue include:



1.      remaining the McMurry Indians, subject to sanctions against hosting NCAA post-season playoffs;

2.      undertaking a process to change the name from Indians to something else;

3.      undertaking legal action against the NCAA for the action they have taken;

4.      continuing all Indian traditions and celebrations of their heritage and culture but not have the name of Indians for our inter-collegiate teams;

5.      considering an affiliation with the NAIA.



The committee members represent key groups within the McMurry Community. This committee will report its findings at the next Board meeting on October 13, 2006. The Board is expected to announce a decision on the University's course of action following this meeting.



If you would like more information regarding the NCAA's decision, please do not hesitate to contact us at walters.kc@mcm.edu



McMurry University is committed to preserving the heritage and values that our alumni, students, faculty and friends know as uniquely our own. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers as we continue to deal with this issue.



Ala Cumba!



John H. Russell, Ph.D.

President

[Bill McCabe]

Doesn't the NCAA have better things to do than regulate a school's mascot?  What a shame.

[Ralph Turner]

Signs of the end times...

Toplessness to end on Paris Beaches

IMHO, what the prudishness of American culture in the late 20th Century could not change, the increasing prevalence of culturally more conservative Muslims as a portion of the French population has wrought.

[Zmotion10 out on 2]

I respect the administration at  McMurry an applaud their stance on their name (mascot) and what it stands for.  As an alumni of Midwestern State I'm embarrassed that my alma mater changed from the Indians to the Mustangs.

I hope they go with an alternative that would at least keep them in the NCAA.  But what ever they decide -- they have my support (not that it means anything). 

[minni]

Well I'm going to start the year in a bad mood.  Disrespect in the polls for the Cowboys.  I know I know we werent even ranked at the end of last year, so why am I complaining?  I guess I am just a Cowboy fan.  High expectations.  Oh well we will move up quickly when Linfield comes in. 

Just thought I would stir up the board a little bit!!!!

-Minni-

[Pat Coleman]

Wow. Complaining about going from unranked to No. 11? See something new every day, I guess.

[Josh Bowerman]

I actually think this is the best preseason poll d3football.com has put out in the last several years.

IMO and generally speaking, the past several preseason polls have focused more on historical performance, i.e. where the teams fell at the end of the previous season, than what is a realistic expectation for the current squad.  This poll overcomes that tendancy, though--as far as I can see.

The only real surprise, IMO, is that Trinity only checks in at #26.  The ASC actually is getting a fair amount of love--two teams in the top 11 in the country, HPU in the top 30-35 schools and even ETBU received votes.  That puts the ASC right up there with the elite conferences in DIII--the OAC and the WIAC.

If I were to just be contrary for the sake of it, the only nits I could pick are Rowan, Capital and UMHB.  I personally think that both are a 2-3 spots higher than they ought to be, given what I know of what these teams have in the way of returning personnel.  Having said that, though, I'm not sure who I'd put in their place if I had a vote--the rest of the top 10 or 15 schools look to be pretty fairly ranked behind them.

Overall, I really think this is a well thought out poll by the folks voting. 

Oh, and the photo on the main page ought to count for something, eh Brad.  (I know I'm partial to it!)   

[Zmotion10 out on 2]

I'm glad to see HSU in the polls and I think they should be there with most everyone else on here.  Exactly where will always be debatable.  If the players think it is too low then I hope it motivates them (like Mini suggests).  If it is too high then I hope they don't get the big head as they have some very tough games this year.  We will see where HSU is after those first two games.  Lindfield seems to be the talk of Abilene but SP will show up also.  If the Cowboys can put together two solid wins over these teams it will speak volumes about what is to come this year.  I suspect that the HSU / UMHB will be a better game this year than last or let me qualify that -- better for HSU as it can't be much worse from last years butt kicking we took.  But we have the away field advantage this year so you never know.  I also think the HP game will be much closer than last...a second year under their coach will help them.  After last years loss to TLU I hate to even think about going back there to play this year.     But some pay back has to be in order since their entire team is back (save three).  Should be another good one though.  I will get to watch some really good football teams and games this year.