FB: American Southwest Conference

[jekelish]

Maybe Schreiner's complacency in getting their football program rolling (hard to imagine they will be ready in time).... added with Centenary and LeTourneau hoping for a "regional pod" of geographically close rivals will prompt ETBU's invitation to the SCAC too.  LETU, Centenary, and ETBU are all within an hour of each other.  That's got to be appealing. 

I will just say, I will be VERY surprised if ETBU ever gets an invite.

[CRUmember]

https://www.ncaa.org/news/2024/4/19/media-center-technology-rules-approved-in-football.aspx

[Mavchamp]

Maybe Schreiner's complacency in getting their football program rolling (hard to imagine they will be ready in time).... added with Centenary and LeTourneau hoping for a "regional pod" of geographically close rivals will prompt ETBU's invitation to the SCAC too.  LETU, Centenary, and ETBU are all within an hour of each other.  That's got to be appealing. 

I will just say, I will be VERY surprised if ETBU ever gets an invite.

Curious as to why you think so.

I would think LETU and Centenary would like to have a conference foe so close to them.  LETU and ETBU have been rivals dating back to NAIA days in the 90's.  Centenary is kind of on a football island...... a chance to have a close rivalry seems would be appealing. 

Lord knows ETBU football is nowhere near the level of HSU or UMHB....so that can't be an issue.  Not like we're going to juggernaut the conference in football.  Likely very middle of the road much like we are in the ASC.

Makes me think the reluctance is either political or doctrinal issues.... which seems odd given the diverse make up of the conferences between multiple denominations and secular schools.

Honestly...I hope you're mistaken.  SCAC seems a much better fit for ETBU than NAIA or D2.  And there really doesn't seem to be anywhere else in D3 to land. 

But the ASC is toast unless Wayland, NAU, SAGU, or Tx Wesleyan join.....which I don't see happening either.

[Mavchamp]

Remaining ASC schools are a hard no in the short term for SCAC. Football dominance has nothing to do with it, definitely more along the political issues lines.

Kind of a sad commentary that several Christian schools (though different denominations) are so fractured in their beliefs they can't even play nice in athletics.  But given the state of American politics right now it's no shock.  The GOP has been highjacked by the far right and Democrats have been highjacked by the far left.  Those of us in the middle are left wondering what the hell is going on.

So it is in politics.  So it is in sports.

Looks like the NAIA or D2 will be the only choices (for HPU and ETBU at least).  I just don't believe Wayland, NAU, or any of the SAC schools have much desire to move to the ASC.  The conference is toast.

[TLU02SA]

Remaining ASC schools are a hard no in the short term for SCAC. Football dominance has nothing to do with it, definitely more along the political issues lines. 

What is your proof for this statement? How do you know that the SCAC is saying no to all of the remaining ASC schools? How do you know this is about "political issues"? Is there a credible source to these statements or is this just conjecture?

[crufootball]

Remaining ASC schools are a hard no in the short term for SCAC. Football dominance has nothing to do with it, definitely more along the political issues lines. 

What is your proof for this statement? How do you know that the SCAC is saying no to all of the remaining ASC schools? How do you know this is about "political issues"? Is there a credible source to these statements or is this just conjecture?

I would LOVE to hear some actual reasons but until then the SCAC is going to get the same treatment the ASC is for not announcing some plan, which is for pure speculation which is almost always negative in light.

Either way if the SCAC is going to save some or all of the remaining members of the ASC they are certainly taking their time.

[Ron Boerger]

There's been a much more discussed move/merger of the remaining ASC schools (by Bob Quillman of the Q-cast, among others) to the C2C which similarly hasn't been announced for months now. 

[TLU02SA]

Remaining ASC schools are a hard no in the short term for SCAC. Football dominance has nothing to do with it, definitely more along the political issues lines. 

What is your proof for this statement? How do you know that the SCAC is saying no to all of the remaining ASC schools? How do you know this is about "political issues"? Is there a credible source to these statements or is this just conjecture?

I would LOVE to hear some actual reasons but until then the SCAC is going to get the same treatment the ASC is for not announcing some plan, which is for pure speculation which is almost always negative in light.

Either way if the SCAC is going to save some or all of the remaining members of the ASC they are certainly taking their time.

Silence is just that, silence, with no information being conveyed. My problem with the initial statement is that it clearly states that the SCAC is no to all of the remaining ASC schools because of "political issues".  That is a heavy accusation to make.  If that is the case, what is the source because, I like you, would like to know what the barrier is to inviting one or more of ETBU, HPU and, even, HSU or UMHB to the SCAC.

In my opinion, which does not matter and is based solely on my thoughts, the SCAC inviting just two of these schools makes sense.  That would be 12 full members and 6 full members that currently play football.  Along with affiliate Lyons and, hopefully, Schreiner starting their program, you have 8, which is a strong number of members for football.

I also disagree that the SCAC has been silent.

[Mavchamp]

I'm not saying it's correct....... but it certainly appears that the defecting schools are in fact trying to "escape" the domination that HSU and UMHB have had the last 25+ seasons.

But HPU and ETBU have been wildly mediocre most of that time period. ETBU only has 2 conference titles in that time period and ONE playoff appearance.  HPU about the same.
   
SCAC is not exactly cemented into stability just yet.  Schriener is still up in the air.  They haven't locked in an AQ just yet.  And who is to say someone doesn't jump over to the SAA with their potential opening(s)?   The SCAC just might need HPU and ETBU to get their numbers.

I can somewhat understand the reluctance of the block of four Baptist schools..... but with just 2.... I don't see how 2 Baptist schools would have any more power than the other schools.

This weird "cold war" that seems to be going on could come back to bite some in the back side.... conference realignment isn't stopping anytime soon.  Burning bridges seems to be an odd choice. 

[TLU02SA]

I'm not saying it's correct....... but it certainly appears that the defecting schools are in fact trying to "escape" the domination that HSU and UMHB have had the last 25+ seasons.

But HPU and ETBU have been wildly mediocre most of that time period. ETBU only has 2 conference titles in that time period and ONE playoff appearance.  HPU about the same.
   
SCAC is not exactly cemented into stability just yet.  Schriener is still up in the air.  They haven't locked in an AQ just yet.  And who is to say someone doesn't jump over to the SAA with their potential opening(s)?   The SCAC just might need HPU and ETBU to get their numbers.

I can somewhat understand the reluctance of the block of four Baptist schools..... but with just 2.... I don't see how 2 Baptist schools would have any more power than the other schools.

This weird "cold war" that seems to be going on could come back to bite some in the back side.... conference realignment isn't stopping anytime soon.  Burning bridges seems to be an odd choice. 

Mavchamp, I think you and I are on the same page on this. I don't know what the SCAC's, nor the individual member schools of the SCAC, position is on any of the 4 Baptist Schools. I just think that inviting two of them would go a long way of cementing the SCAC's status across all sports. It is not like there are other DIII schools in the SCAC's footprint that are available, let alone with active football programs.

I also don't know what each of the 4 Baptist school's position is. If I was in ETBU's or HPU's shoes (again, my opinion), I would not be thrilled with the prospect of the C2C conference and would be looking for something more local.

[Ron Boerger]

Austin is comparable to a number of the SAA schools; Colorado would probably exceed almost if not all if they weren't so poorly geographically situated and still had football.

[Etchglow]

All I've gotta say is that I hope everything works out for the SCAC and their plan works... Otherwise, pretty sure they've burned some bridges...

[Mavchamp]

Mavchamp, I think you and I are on the same page on this. I don't know what the SCAC's, nor the individual member schools of the SCAC, position is on any of the 4 Baptist Schools. I just think that inviting two of them would go a long way of cementing the SCAC's status across all sports. It is not like there are other DIII schools in the SCAC's footprint that are available, let alone with active football programs.

I also don't know what each of the 4 Baptist school's position is. If I was in ETBU's or HPU's shoes (again, my opinion), I would not be thrilled with the prospect of the C2C conference and would be looking for something more local.

I agree 100%  The SCAC is in a position of strength right now....especially compared to the ASC.  But they are not out of the woods.  I'm still not convinced Schriener is getting this off the ground like they are claiming.  They aren't making any headway.  All it would take is one school to jump ship and head off to the SAA and the SCAC would be in no better position than the ASC.  If we know anything of college realignment is that you can never think you're safe.

I could be wrong...but I think LETU and Centenary would both be interested in having another neighborhood rival nearby with most of the conference located much further west.  Longview/Marshall/Shreveport is a trio all within an hour of one another.  That's got to be appealing.

And I also agree... (even if I think it's somewhat dirty) that inviting 2 of the 4 Baptist schools not only would solidify the SCAC... it makes HSU and UMHB's decision to go D2 or FCS much easier.  But at the same time breaks up the "Baptist Block" that someone eluded to. 

And yes...the elephant in the room is you just kicked out two of the most successful D3 football programs in the country out of your conference.  I don't think ETBU or HPU would dominate the SCAC.  In fact....it would be a pretty competitive conference IMHO.  Likely a different champion every season. But I don't think anyone in the SCAC is a national contender any time soon.

I can't speak with great confidence as to what ETBU's plans are.  I have talked to students, alum, and faculty and most believe the Tigers will land either in NAIA or D2.  Neither seem real appealing to me for different reasons.  But neither does remaining D3 and teaming up with the SCIAC or the C2C.

I will say this.... from what I understand...ETBU's current AD has already transitioned 2 schools to D2.  Will this be his third?  Or will the transition be to NAIA....both of which would see scholarships come to fruition. 

So many mixed emotions for both D2 and NAIA.  Some good....but mostly negative for each.

[Mavchamp]

All I've gotta say is that I hope everything works out for the SCAC and their plan works... Otherwise, pretty sure they've burned some bridges...

Seriously.  Let's say UMHB and HSU go FCS and/or D2....
And ETBU end up NAIA or D2 (possibly in separate conferences)
And Schriener doesn't get their act together
or Austin College or Centenary head over to the SAA

SCAC could be in trouble and they'd have no one to turn to.....

This scorched earth policy seems kinda bizarre in today's realignment climate

[Pat Coleman]

the elephant in the room is you just kicked out two of the most successful D3 football programs in the country out of your conference. 

UMHB and HSU were never in the SCAC so ... they were not kicked out, no.