FB: American Southwest Conference

[roocru]

MCMfan, I disagree.  I think Dr. Page meant exactly what he said.  Playing six similar schools in five states (Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Mississippi and Texas) obviously covers a wider number of states and gives more national exposure to their type of kids than playing no similar schools in three states (Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi).

Josh, you said you did not want to revisit the issue but you did feel like some historical perspective.  Here is my historical perspective as to the cancellation of the game on 9/11. Perhaps AC did the right thing while HSU ignored the lead of the vast majority of sports teams in the country and callously wanted to play anyway. Why did HSU want to play so badly that they took no initiative in cancelling the game and rather blames AC for cancelling at the last minute?  The "weasel" comment from "sthrncwby" hit a "raw nerve" with me as well.

These comments are the perspective of one AC alumnus and should be taken with a grain of salt as all comments on this board should be.  However, any negative comments about any school deserve at least a rebuttal.  AC was an independent when I played, a founding school of the ASC and stood alongside three other schools when it was the old TIAA and they had to play each other twice to keep D3 non-scholarship football alive in Texas.  Rather than cheap shots on their parting, perhaps we need to wish one of our family good luck as they strike out on their own !!!

[Ron Boerger]

Do those numbers keep in mind UTD and UTT...they are cheap.....and easy to get into

As I said earlier, only football-playing schools were included in the comparison.   So, no, no UTD, UTT, Concordia, Ozarks, Schreiner, or LeTourneau; no Southwestern, Hendrix, or Oglethorpe in the SCAC numbers.    This is D3football.com, not D3anysports.com. 

To answer the questions about "what happens if Sul Russ was excluded," the differences are not major.   Average SAT would go up 20, ACT by .5, tuition by $1k/year, room/board by $70.   And if you do the "olympic" thing Pat mentions, that would probably cancel out. 

[Pat Coleman]

Perhaps AC did the right thing while HSU ignored the lead of the vast majority of sports teams in the country and callously wanted to play anyway.

That was only true in the professional ranks (and I'm including Division I-A football in that statement -- because that's how I feel about I-A football). However, in Division III, three-quarters of the scheduled games were played.

[roocru]

Pat,  I stand corrected, even if I still disagree with those 75%. 

[Josh Bowerman]

AND AC had agreed to play the game earlier in the week, after much discussion between AC/HSU and UMHB/McM.  This all happened when my contacts in the ASC were still top-calibre, and I know this for a FACT.   All four schools had decided that they would all play or none would play.  It was an 11th hour deal.  Period.

Don't go getting self-righteous all of a sudden, roocru.  You, yourself know damned well it could have been handled better by AC--and the fact that other athletic contests were held on their campus that weekend proves it.

Maybe Tim could have chosen a better word to bring up the topic, but sheesh--sometimes you gotta call a spade a spade, man!

[Josh Bowerman]

Furthermore, roocru, I don't appreciate the implication that I'm sticking any "parting shots" to anybody at AC.  You seem to forget that I'm a college guy, and have a pretty good idea of the general lay of the land.

I think AC is an excellent school--one I almost attended instead of HSU, to be quite honest.  I personally happen to think that they'll be a lot better off in the SCAC all the way around, and I always found it a bit perplexing that they were never allowed in.  I wish them luck. 

(BTW, Bonzo will back me up on this, because he and I discussed our opinions of the situation extensively on the drive to and from Dallas to Abilene a couple of weeks ago.)

If you get that upset over a simple, tounge-in-cheek comment....well, me thinks you might have some serious inferiority complex issues.

[roocru]

Josh,  I see now in reading my rebuttal during the light of the day that you might think I was directing my "cheap shot " statement directly to you and you alone.  That was not intended to be the case.  I was directing it to all who were making comments about AC leaving the ASC, not the 9/11 thing.  You stated to Bill and Ron that you were "not trying to revisit" and were "only being sarcastic" and I took you at your word on this. It is alright if we disagree on the 9/11 thing (just like Bill McCabe did) and I believe and we can leave it at that. 

Most of my rebuttal was directed to the fact that people seemed to feel that AC thought they were too good for the ASC and that was the main thrust of my reply.  From your comments you agree with that aspect and I think we are on the same page there. 

I don't think any inferiority complex is involved.  I do think I should be able to state a personal and what I personally believe to be a well-thought out opinion here without receiving attacks in return but I can see as, I said before, you thought I was directing my comments to you alone.  I also said in my conclusion that you could take my comments, along with those of any other posters, with a grain of salt.

Besides, I lost a hard earned karma point while trying to defend my alma mater

[Josh Bowerman]

Well, you'll have to pardon me, then. 

When the crux of your original statement is underneath a comment directed at me by name, I can only assume that you are directing your thoughts toward me.

[sthrncwby]

I see the whole "hit a nerve" thing, but I still stand behind my statement.  AC weaseled out of a beating.  AC hosted tournaments that weekend.  Does patriotism and respect only apply to football programs.  Make a decision and stand by it.  But we cannot change what happened in the past.  Let them run to the SCAC.  Hope its a more level playing field?  Put your pants on and be a man.

[cgmatch]

Here is a link to an article in today's edition of The Town Talk.  Jamie Rister came to LC and ended up starting at QB.  He was asked to move to TE for the benefit of the team, and did it without question.  It turns out that it worked out quite well.  I would like to see him used more in the gameplan, he has good hands, and good speed, but everybody's a coach, right?  At any rate, here's the link:

http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050928/SPORTS/509280325/1006

[roocru]

sthrncwby,
As I said everyone has a right to their opinion and yours and mine happen to differ.  I think on the 9/11 issue they will always stay different but that is OK with me.  I also happen to think you are coming on a little strong about the issue, but that is your perogative as well.

Back to my rebuttal, it seems everyone has latched onto one small part regarding 9/11 while the vast majority of the two part post  regarded the leaving of Austin College to the SCAC.  I think it is the duty of every school official to do what they believe is right for their school.  I am the AD in a school district where a school of less than 1400 enrollment  still plays district contests against schools with enrollments ranging from 2100 to more than 4000 because of what is perceived as "travel reasons".  That is not fair to that school and I am working to change that so they have a level field of competition.  Does this mean I should make them "put on their pants and play like a man"?  I see no real reason that AC should not do what they perceive as fair and best for their kids as well.

Ron and Josh have listed actual facts showing the differences in the makeup of the two conferences.  So far the only negative effect on the ASC is HSU replacing the AC game with Linfield    I jest, but I do realize there are more scheduling issues to arrive later.  I hope the best for all ASC schools and for AC in their new home.

ps.  Now that I have cleared up the issue with Josh, can I get my karma point back?   

[Josh Bowerman]

When I get my three karma points back!   

[sthrncwby]

I respect roocru's opinion.  Just to be clear, my problem had nothing to do with 9/11, it was toward AC actions.  As for my coming on strong, I was a player awaiting a game that at the last minute was cancelled.  You may not understand the preparation that goes into a college football game.  I did not prep all week to do nothing on sat.  AC also represents/represented the American Southwest Conference.  To make such a mistake makes us, all teams associated in the ASC, look bad.  That's why I feel so strongly.  The "pants" comment was targeted for college athletics, not high school.  If my head coach wants to step up and play some of the big boys, so be it.  I would "put my pants on and and play like a man."  I wouldn't back down from any opponent.  Coach Keeling wants to set up a game with Linfield?  Great!  I wish Linfield the best of luck.  I expect HSU to show them some cowboy football.

[minni]

Here is an idea from a different point of view on the AC-HSU game several years ago.  As a player all we wanted to do was play.  Coach K would tell us everyday that week, when we step on the field its time for football and the things of the world need to be put aside.  Also telling us that week if we did play that we were going to go do something that many people in this country love to play and watch and that was football.  Weather it was right or not to play or not play was a decision made by a president and his school.  Were we upset as players?  of course we were you took our chance of doing something that we get to only do a certain number of times.  But I personally think this conversation should be over and maybe talk about the absolutely marvolous schedule Coach K has blessed us with next year.  I realize it is next year but finally some teams in this country are going to give us something to be excited about and look forward to.  Just my thoughts.

[minni]

I really hope I didnt offend anyone.  I sometimes get to typing and thinking without thinking.  Sorry if I stepped on toes.