FB: American Southwest Conference

[Etchglow]

On today's podcast, Pat and Greg mentioned that Belhaven, which has a decent shot at going 10-0 after this week's dominant win over Huntingdon, is within 500 miles of UMHB (but not Trinity), which would set up the possibility of the Cru going there should they win the ASC rather than the expected ASC champion-Trinity pairing in the first round.   Maryville (TN). at 4-1, is the only team currently with a winning record left on the Blazers' schedule.

That would be a nice rematch of former conference teams.  Interestingly enough, it shows at under 500 miles for google maps, but according to the NCAA's travel calculator (https://web2.ncaa.org/mileage) it shows 535 miles making it just outside the 500 mile limit :-(.

[Riley Zayas]

On today's podcast, Pat and Greg mentioned that Belhaven, which has a decent shot at going 10-0 after this week's dominant win over Huntingdon, is within 500 miles of UMHB (but not Trinity), which would set up the possibility of the Cru going there should they win the ASC rather than the expected ASC champion-Trinity pairing in the first round.   Maryville (TN). at 4-1, is the only team currently with a winning record left on the Blazers' schedule.

Really interesting. I had wondered about this but wasn't sure. Part of me wonders if a 9-1 Berry will get in. I can't say the likelihood seems especially high BUT with the way regional rankings go, Berry could end up as the No. 3 team in Region 3...Look at Logan Hansen's resume rankings (which should be updated soon)...Berry is No. 2 in Region 3 behind Trinity, and yes, ahead of RMC. I highly doubt UMHB or HSU will be slotted ahead of Berry in the regional rankings. So that could set up a UMHB-Trinity and Berry-Belhaven first round meeting.

[Pat Coleman]

On today's podcast, Pat and Greg mentioned that Belhaven, which has a decent shot at going 10-0 after this week's dominant win over Huntingdon, is within 500 miles of UMHB (but not Trinity), which would set up the possibility of the Cru going there should they win the ASC rather than the expected ASC champion-Trinity pairing in the first round.   Maryville (TN). at 4-1, is the only team currently with a winning record left on the Blazers' schedule.

That would be a nice rematch of former conference teams.  Interestingly enough, it shows at under 500 miles for google maps, but according to the NCAA's travel calculator (https://web2.ncaa.org/mileage) it shows 535 miles making it just outside the 500 mile limit :-(.

There must be a glitch there -- when you map it in the opposite direction, it's 487 miles. One of those has to be wrong.

[Ron Boerger]

On today's podcast, Pat and Greg mentioned that Belhaven, which has a decent shot at going 10-0 after this week's dominant win over Huntingdon, is within 500 miles of UMHB (but not Trinity), which would set up the possibility of the Cru going there should they win the ASC rather than the expected ASC champion-Trinity pairing in the first round.   Maryville (TN). at 4-1, is the only team currently with a winning record left on the Blazers' schedule.

That would be a nice rematch of former conference teams.  Interestingly enough, it shows at under 500 miles for google maps, but according to the NCAA's travel calculator (https://web2.ncaa.org/mileage) it shows 535 miles making it just outside the 500 mile limit :-(.

There must be a glitch there -- when you map it in the opposite direction, it's 487 miles. One of those has to be wrong.

Google Maps, Belhaven to UMHB, calculates exactly 487 miles via a fairly rural route through TX.  It doesn't find that route in reverse, but does find a 493 and a 496 (fastest but has tolls).  That combination would make me think the 535 is wrong, but how do you get the NCAA to investigate the discrepancy?

[BSCpanthers]

You guys are worried about the wrong mileage. It'll be Trinity hosting ASC winner and Belhaven hosting Pool C invite Berry.  No one airlines, no close calls to putting teams on an airplane until the second round. 

[Pat Coleman]

You guys are worried about the wrong mileage. It'll be Trinity hosting ASC winner and Belhaven hosting Pool C invite Berry.  No one airlines, no close calls to putting teams on an airplane until the second round.

We're just exploring the possibilities. Yes, your scenario is also, of course, possible.

[TLU02SA]

Cru looked great today and sent TLU out in style. They got to tuck their tails and run for their new conference where they will continue to get dominated unless they are able to really do some great recruiting.

It is this arrogance that is UMHB's problem.  TLU is not the school running and tucking their tails.  TLU is sticking with the ASU in football as long as they can (through next season so the "CREW" can kick their ass again) and providing the Baptist four a lifeline.  My understanding, TLU was the one school that was looking to move to the ASU but realized that was futile. Yeesh!!!  We get it...UMHB is good at football.  TLU's athletics department works really hard at giving their student athletes a complete experience while being competitive at the D3 level.  Don't trash what you don't understand and enjoy your win.

Arrogance? Have you read any of my other posts!?

The problem is we are getting St. Thomased, except in an opposite fashion. Also, not arrogance to be mad that all of the other teams are leaving for greener pastures to get away from UMHB and HSU. How is that arrogance. It's obvious what is happening.

I stand by my statement, except for putting all of UMHB's fans into the category of arrogance. That was wrong.  There are a lot of UMHB fans who have shown nothing but class and genuine interest in D3 football and sports in Texas and across the nation.  I respect that and am sorry to them for lumping them in that statement.  Wish I had not used that first sentence and had, instead, identified the initial statement as arrogant.  Otherwise, I stand by what I said (including the typos). 

[umhb2001]

Cru looked great today and sent TLU out in style. They got to tuck their tails and run for their new conference where they will continue to get dominated unless they are able to really do some great recruiting.

It is this arrogance that is UMHB's problem.  TLU is not the school running and tucking their tails.  TLU is sticking with the ASU in football as long as they can (through next season so the "CREW" can kick their ass again) and providing the Baptist four a lifeline.  My understanding, TLU was the one school that was looking to move to the ASU but realized that was futile. Yeesh!!!  We get it...UMHB is good at football.  TLU's athletics department works really hard at giving their student athletes a complete experience while being competitive at the D3 level.  Don't trash what you don't understand and enjoy your win.

Arrogance? Have you read any of my other posts!?

The problem is we are getting St. Thomased, except in an opposite fashion. Also, not arrogance to be mad that all of the other teams are leaving for greener pastures to get away from UMHB and HSU. How is that arrogance. It's obvious what is happening.

I stand by my statement, except for putting all of UMHB's fans into the category of arrogance. That was wrong.  There are a lot of UMHB fans who have shown nothing but class and genuine interest in D3 football and sports in Texas and across the nation.  I respect that and am sorry to them for lumping them in that statement.  Wish I had not used that first sentence and had, instead, identified the initial statement as arrogant.  Otherwise, I stand by what I said (including the typos).

I'm sorry I came across as arrogant. That definitely wasn't my intention. I apologize for coming across that way.

My intention was playful banter and good-humored competition. I stand behind the assertion that teams are leaving to get away from HSU and UMHB and that we are being reverse St. Thomased.

[jekelish]

Cru looked great today and sent TLU out in style. They got to tuck their tails and run for their new conference where they will continue to get dominated unless they are able to really do some great recruiting.

It is this arrogance that is UMHB's problem.  TLU is not the school running and tucking their tails.  TLU is sticking with the ASU in football as long as they can (through next season so the "CREW" can kick their ass again) and providing the Baptist four a lifeline.  My understanding, TLU was the one school that was looking to move to the ASU but realized that was futile. Yeesh!!!  We get it...UMHB is good at football.  TLU's athletics department works really hard at giving their student athletes a complete experience while being competitive at the D3 level.  Don't trash what you don't understand and enjoy your win.

Arrogance? Have you read any of my other posts!?

The problem is we are getting St. Thomased, except in an opposite fashion. Also, not arrogance to be mad that all of the other teams are leaving for greener pastures to get away from UMHB and HSU. How is that arrogance. It's obvious what is happening.

I stand by my statement, except for putting all of UMHB's fans into the category of arrogance. That was wrong.  There are a lot of UMHB fans who have shown nothing but class and genuine interest in D3 football and sports in Texas and across the nation.  I respect that and am sorry to them for lumping them in that statement.  Wish I had not used that first sentence and had, instead, identified the initial statement as arrogant.  Otherwise, I stand by what I said (including the typos).

I'm sorry I came across as arrogant. That definitely wasn't my intention. I apologize for coming across that way.

My intention was playful banter and good-humored competition. I stand behind the assertion that teams are leaving to get away from HSU and UMHB and that we are being reverse St. Thomased.

As a non-TLU/UMHB person chiming in... my impression from talking to people around both conferences is that, yes, a large chunk of it is people trying to get away from the two programs that have been, to at least some degree, the 'Bama/UGA of D3 for years. Like, I have literally been told by people "in the know" that it's a pretty significant factor.

[Riley Zayas]

Cru looked great today and sent TLU out in style. They got to tuck their tails and run for their new conference where they will continue to get dominated unless they are able to really do some great recruiting.

It is this arrogance that is UMHB's problem.  TLU is not the school running and tucking their tails.  TLU is sticking with the ASU in football as long as they can (through next season so the "CREW" can kick their ass again) and providing the Baptist four a lifeline.  My understanding, TLU was the one school that was looking to move to the ASU but realized that was futile. Yeesh!!!  We get it...UMHB is good at football.  TLU's athletics department works really hard at giving their student athletes a complete experience while being competitive at the D3 level.  Don't trash what you don't understand and enjoy your win.

Arrogance? Have you read any of my other posts!?

The problem is we are getting St. Thomased, except in an opposite fashion. Also, not arrogance to be mad that all of the other teams are leaving for greener pastures to get away from UMHB and HSU. How is that arrogance. It's obvious what is happening.

I stand by my statement, except for putting all of UMHB's fans into the category of arrogance. That was wrong.  There are a lot of UMHB fans who have shown nothing but class and genuine interest in D3 football and sports in Texas and across the nation.  I respect that and am sorry to them for lumping them in that statement.  Wish I had not used that first sentence and had, instead, identified the initial statement as arrogant.  Otherwise, I stand by what I said (including the typos).

I'm sorry I came across as arrogant. That definitely wasn't my intention. I apologize for coming across that way.

My intention was playful banter and good-humored competition. I stand behind the assertion that teams are leaving to get away from HSU and UMHB and that we are being reverse St. Thomased.

As a non-TLU/UMHB person chiming in... my impression from talking to people around both conferences is that, yes, a large chunk of it is people trying to get away from the two programs that have been, to at least some degree, the 'Bama/UGA of D3 for years. Like, I have literally been told by people "in the know" that it's a pretty significant factor.

Absolutely. Also, as Cory Hogue has reported before, there have been some disagreements on matters relating to institutional politics that I've been told have played into it as well. The schools that are leaving to the SCAC-McMurry, Ozarks, Concordia, Austin, TLU- are all institutionally aligned with the SCAC. And everyone wants a playoff spot in football. That won't happen playing in the same league as UMHB and HSU. 

[TLU02SA]

Cru looked great today and sent TLU out in style. They got to tuck their tails and run for their new conference where they will continue to get dominated unless they are able to really do some great recruiting.

It is this arrogance that is UMHB's problem.  TLU is not the school running and tucking their tails.  TLU is sticking with the ASU in football as long as they can (through next season so the "CREW" can kick their ass again) and providing the Baptist four a lifeline.  My understanding, TLU was the one school that was looking to move to the ASU but realized that was futile. Yeesh!!!  We get it...UMHB is good at football.  TLU's athletics department works really hard at giving their student athletes a complete experience while being competitive at the D3 level.  Don't trash what you don't understand and enjoy your win.

Arrogance? Have you read any of my other posts!?

The problem is we are getting St. Thomased, except in an opposite fashion. Also, not arrogance to be mad that all of the other teams are leaving for greener pastures to get away from UMHB and HSU. How is that arrogance. It's obvious what is happening.

I stand by my statement, except for putting all of UMHB's fans into the category of arrogance. That was wrong.  There are a lot of UMHB fans who have shown nothing but class and genuine interest in D3 football and sports in Texas and across the nation.  I respect that and am sorry to them for lumping them in that statement.  Wish I had not used that first sentence and had, instead, identified the initial statement as arrogant.  Otherwise, I stand by what I said (including the typos).

I'm sorry I came across as arrogant. That definitely wasn't my intention. I apologize for coming across that way.

My intention was playful banter and good-humored competition. I stand behind the assertion that teams are leaving to get away from HSU and UMHB and that we are being reverse St. Thomased.

As a non-TLU/UMHB person chiming in... my impression from talking to people around both conferences is that, yes, a large chunk of it is people trying to get away from the two programs that have been, to at least some degree, the 'Bama/UGA of D3 for years. Like, I have literally been told by people "in the know" that it's a pretty significant factor.

And that is a shame.  Competition is what makes sports fun.  UT's biggest win this year is beating Alabama.  Why? Because it is Alabama. When UGA falls, whatever school that beats them or knocks them off their podium, will celebrate and identify that game as one of their greatest.  I really don't like what is happening in D3 in Texas right now.  I want UMHB, HSU, HPU and ETBU to stay in D3 and be on TLU's schedules every year.  Whether that is in the same conference or non-conference games, I don't care.  I just want the competition to continue.  I also have concerns about who TLU would schedule for non-conference games in the event the Baptist 4 leave for other divisions. The way things are shaping up, you will have one D3 conference in Texas plus Trinity and Southwestern.  It will be necessary to schedule out of state games to have a complete schedule in every sport.  I don't know if that is doable for every Texas based D3 athletics program.

[TLU02SA]

Absolutely. Also, as Cory Hogue has reported before, there have been some disagreements on matters relating to institutional politics that I've been told have played into it as well. The schools that are leaving to the SCAC-McMurry, Ozarks, Concordia, Austin, TLU- are all institutionally aligned with the SCAC. And everyone wants a playoff spot in football. That won't happen playing in the same league as UMHB and HSU.

I think the institutionally alignment stuff is overblown.  I don't think that really drives the movement but is something for schools to say because they don't want to admit they are avoiding certain schools.

My prediction (which shouldn't be taken very seriously because my predictions are almost always wrong) is that UMHB, HSU, HPU and ETBU end up in the SCAC and the SCAC is, essentially, the ASC circa 2000 - 2010 and the SAA is the SCAC circa 2000 - 2010.  At some point the eastern schools in the SAA will get tired of Trinity beating them up again and will figure out how to get this carousel going again.  Just history repeating itself.

[Ralph Turner]

Absolutely. Also, as Cory Hogue has reported before, there have been some disagreements on matters relating to institutional politics that I've been told have played into it as well. The schools that are leaving to the SCAC-McMurry, Ozarks, Concordia, Austin, TLU- are all institutionally aligned with the SCAC. And everyone wants a playoff spot in football. That won't happen playing in the same league as UMHB and HSU.

True that!

I see 4 different types of "mission and vision" in this part of the country in the smaller colleges.

--The NAIA as one iteration.

--TU and Southwestern are of another type. Look at the schools that they consider their peers.

The Associated Colleges of the South (ACS)
www.acsouth.edu/

--The future SCAC, minus TU and Southwestern.

--Everyone left in the middle, for various reasons.

My hope is that the SCAC will accept the applications of ETBU, HPU and LeTU. I think that their institutional mission and vision aligns better with the SCAC than the NAIA.

With respect to excellence in intercollegiate athletics, especially at UMHB and HSU, those fans just have to realize that UMHB and HSU beat everybody so badly, so often, in so many sports, and for so many years, it was just time to re-assess the institutional policy for intercollegiate athletics.

The baby bust in 2026 and beyond is going to take a toll. Having a competitive conference for D-3 athletics is valuable.

[jekelish]

Absolutely. Also, as Cory Hogue has reported before, there have been some disagreements on matters relating to institutional politics that I've been told have played into it as well. The schools that are leaving to the SCAC-McMurry, Ozarks, Concordia, Austin, TLU- are all institutionally aligned with the SCAC. And everyone wants a playoff spot in football. That won't happen playing in the same league as UMHB and HSU.

My prediction (which shouldn't be taken very seriously because my predictions are almost always wrong) is that UMHB, HSU, HPU and ETBU end up in the SCAC and the SCAC is, essentially, the ASC circa 2000 - 2010 and the SAA is the SCAC circa 2000 - 2010.  At some point the eastern schools in the SAA will get tired of Trinity beating them up again and will figure out how to get this carousel going again.  Just history repeating itself.

I can basically guarantee you that will never, ever, ever happen barring something extremely unexpected. The only current ASC team that might still wind up in the SCAC is LeTourneau, at this point, based on what I've heard. Obviously it comes down to the college presidents, but I can tell you that basically everyone below that level is an emphatic "NO" to those other schools.

[crufootball]

Cru looked great today and sent TLU out in style. They got to tuck their tails and run for their new conference where they will continue to get dominated unless they are able to really do some great recruiting.

It is this arrogance that is UMHB's problem.  TLU is not the school running and tucking their tails.  TLU is sticking with the ASU in football as long as they can (through next season so the "CREW" can kick their ass again) and providing the Baptist four a lifeline.  My understanding, TLU was the one school that was looking to move to the ASU but realized that was futile. Yeesh!!!  We get it...UMHB is good at football.  TLU's athletics department works really hard at giving their student athletes a complete experience while being competitive at the D3 level.  Don't trash what you don't understand and enjoy your win.

Arrogance? Have you read any of my other posts!?

The problem is we are getting St. Thomased, except in an opposite fashion. Also, not arrogance to be mad that all of the other teams are leaving for greener pastures to get away from UMHB and HSU. How is that arrogance. It's obvious what is happening.

I stand by my statement, except for putting all of UMHB's fans into the category of arrogance. That was wrong.  There are a lot of UMHB fans who have shown nothing but class and genuine interest in D3 football and sports in Texas and across the nation.  I respect that and am sorry to them for lumping them in that statement.  Wish I had not used that first sentence and had, instead, identified the initial statement as arrogant.  Otherwise, I stand by what I said (including the typos).

I'm sorry I came across as arrogant. That definitely wasn't my intention. I apologize for coming across that way.

My intention was playful banter and good-humored competition. I stand behind the assertion that teams are leaving to get away from HSU and UMHB and that we are being reverse St. Thomased.

As a non-TLU/UMHB person chiming in... my impression from talking to people around both conferences is that, yes, a large chunk of it is people trying to get away from the two programs that have been, to at least some degree, the 'Bama/UGA of D3 for years. Like, I have literally been told by people "in the know" that it's a pretty significant factor.

Did those people know Trinity was leaving when they rejoined or joined the SCAC? That seemed to surprise people which would indicate they are fine with Trinity being in the SCAC which they have dominated in a fashion unlike any ASC school. Trinity has won the SCAC President's Trophy for 12 straight years and and according to a press release "Beginning with the 2012-13 season and excluding 2019-20, the Tigers have won 15, 13, 10, 12, 10, 10, 11, 13, 10 and 10 conference titles over the last decade plus".

Now Trinity is leaving but the only way to justify this is the mission component because neither HSU or UMHB has dominated the ASC in all sports the way Trinity has the SCAC.