FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[raiderpa]

Another school becomes a victim to the pandemic, Urbana has closed its doors.  What a shame for its students and athletes. My son was told that Kent State has lost 12 million room and board fees this spring.  I do not know if that is accurate, but I was stunned at the amount. 

[MUC57]

MUC57:

Just in case you missed it on the previous page of posts, I sent you a reply PM.

Doc

Got it. Just slow getting back to ya. Will do later. 😷 🍺

[Dr. Acula]

Another school becomes a victim to the pandemic, Urbana has closed its doors.  What a shame for its students and athletes. My son was told that Kent State has lost 12 million room and board fees this spring.  I do not know if that is accurate, but I was stunned at the amount.

It's sad for the students, athletes and employees.  I feel for all the folks who work maintenance, housekeeping, food services, etc. because it's not exactly like Urbana is overflowing with jobs. 

Places like Urbana or, in our D3 universe, Defiance are always barely keeping their head above water financially.  I'm fearful of how far up stream these issues end up though.  I was talking with a buddy in Boston.  Obviously New England is littered with small schools.  He said there is already rumblings of several closing up there too.

[rscl70]

http://athletics.mountunion.edu/sports/fball/2020-21/releases/20200423gb66nr?fbclid=IwAR2OFSP_3jTB-Q3G5rGNLJUARvvupx94FCNDBx7Lqmqk_S3IlB7KlJZ0FZo

More Mount Union Football on Saturday.

[jknezek]

Another school becomes a victim to the pandemic, Urbana has closed its doors.  What a shame for its students and athletes. My son was told that Kent State has lost 12 million room and board fees this spring.  I do not know if that is accurate, but I was stunned at the amount.

It's sad for the students, athletes and employees.  I feel for all the folks who work maintenance, housekeeping, food services, etc. because it's not exactly like Urbana is overflowing with jobs. 

Places like Urbana or, in our D3 universe, Defiance are always barely keeping their head above water financially.  I'm fearful of how far up stream these issues end up though.  I was talking with a buddy in Boston.  Obviously New England is littered with small schools.  He said there is already rumblings of several closing up there too.

We had some speculation going in another thread. I think most small schools will make it to this Fall, but if they can't rebound next spring with admissions, Fall 2021 is going to be a big problem. Personally I think you will see 20-50 colleges collapse between now and Fall 2021. The headwinds were already strong for many schools, and the expenses of this Spring, the lost revenue of this summer, and the potential lost revenue of smaller incoming classes, plus damage to endowments, is a savage combination.

[WRMUalum13]

Another school becomes a victim to the pandemic, Urbana has closed its doors.  What a shame for its students and athletes. My son was told that Kent State has lost 12 million room and board fees this spring.  I do not know if that is accurate, but I was stunned at the amount.

It's sad for the students, athletes and employees.  I feel for all the folks who work maintenance, housekeeping, food services, etc. because it's not exactly like Urbana is overflowing with jobs. 

Places like Urbana or, in our D3 universe, Defiance are always barely keeping their head above water financially.  I'm fearful of how far up stream these issues end up though.  I was talking with a buddy in Boston.  Obviously New England is littered with small schools.  He said there is already rumblings of several closing up there too.

We had some speculation going in another thread. I think most small schools will make it to this Fall, but if they can't rebound next spring with admissions, Fall 2021 is going to be a big problem. Personally I think you will see 20-50 colleges collapse between now and Fall 2021. The headwinds were already strong for many schools, and the expenses of this Spring, the lost revenue of this summer, and the potential lost revenue of smaller incoming classes, plus damage to endowments, is a savage combination.

Urbana was in a pretty rough situation prior to the pandemic. They were purchased by nearby Franklin University in 2014 to try and avoid financial collapse so technically they were kind of an independently branded branch of Franklin. I'm not convinced that admissions are going to be that far down in the fall regardless of if classes are only  offered fully online or in person, kids have already planned to go to college, not sure why delaying would be a viable option even if they are getting a lesser experience.

[formerd3db]

Another school becomes a victim to the pandemic, Urbana has closed its doors.  What a shame for its students and athletes. My son was told that Kent State has lost 12 million room and board fees this spring.  I do not know if that is accurate, but I was stunned at the amount.

It's sad for the students, athletes and employees.  I feel for all the folks who work maintenance, housekeeping, food services, etc. because it's not exactly like Urbana is overflowing with jobs. 

Places like Urbana or, in our D3 universe, Defiance are always barely keeping their head above water financially.  I'm fearful of how far up stream these issues end up though.  I was talking with a buddy in Boston.  Obviously New England is littered with small schools.  He said there is already rumblings of several closing up there too.

We had some speculation going in another thread. I think most small schools will make it to this Fall, but if they can't rebound next spring with admissions, Fall 2021 is going to be a big problem. Personally I think you will see 20-50 colleges collapse between now and Fall 2021. The headwinds were already strong for many schools, and the expenses of this Spring, the lost revenue of this summer, and the potential lost revenue of smaller incoming classes, plus damage to endowments, is a savage combination.

Urbana was in a pretty rough situation prior to the pandemic. They were purchased by nearby Franklin University in 2014 to try and avoid financial collapse so technically they were kind of an independently branded branch of Franklin. I'm not convinced that admissions are going to be that far down in the fall regardless of if classes are only  offered fully online or in person, kids have already planned to go to college, not sure why delaying would be a viable option even if they are getting a lesser experience.

Regarding Urbana, I assumed they had become a little more stable after that transaction in 2014, however, apparently not.  Their football program, though was starting to improve and they had assembled a pretty good staff (HC was a former coordinator at Adrian College and Indian, PA Div II.)  Prior to that, Urbana seemed to be a prepping ground for assistant coaches "climbing the ladder," although nothing wrong with that.  Still, I agree with and feel the same way as raiderpa and Dr. Acula for the coaches and players who are left in a huge dilemma now.  Although the amount of $ involved in their DII scholarships was not huge, still every little bit helps and they will not have that portion of funds available for wherever the players end up going to play this season in DII (although that won't have that available anyway if they choose the DIII route.)

As had been mentioned, all this brings to mind what other schools will be going under.  Discussion last fall on the boards about colleges in this precarious situation included schools such as Beloit and I wonder how the schools with such small enrollments will do such as Eureka, Iowa Wesleyan (the latter has been in financial distress), Crown, Finlandia, perhaps Bluffton, and, of course, Defiance as has been also mentioned.  Hiram has apparently has been stable since they re-vamped their curriculum, increased endowment, and cut costs/increased revenue by a variety of  means when their new president took over.  I wonder also what other small DII football schools will be in trouble (following Malone and now Urbana)...Lake Erie, Ohio Dominican???

Another thought, although tangential, I agree with you that likely the schools will do okay with teaching on-line if it has to still come to that for this fall (whether the football season occurs or not), however, I can imagine it will be a very strange atmosphere and feeling with all the empty new and historic buildings on these beautiful campuses everywhere.  Maintenance will still have to be done, so those staffs will have to be retained. 

All this is depressing and I'm trying to keep a positive attitude, one day at a time, although I've always lived my life that latter way.
I hope all of you are continuing to be healthy and following the protocols.  Stay safe and keep praying, press on.

[HScoach]

Call me crazy,  but some of these colleges closing might be a blessing in disguise.   There are way too many kids going to college for BS degrees that don't equate to anything but their parents shelling out a bunch of cash, or student loan debt, or both. 

College isn't for everyone.   And a college degree is only worth something if it isn't as common as a pair of used socks.  The average undergrad degree is no different than a HS degree was to my parent's generation.  Not a differentiator, just the baseline.  Nice to have, but doesn't mean anything unless it's in something worthwhile.

All 3 of my secretaries,  oops, administrative assistants at the office have 4 year business degrees from private NE Ohio schools and that degree means nothing.  Their pay is only a few bucks above minimum wage with a bachelor's degree.  Quite sad actually.   Those young ladies are holding the same position as others in my company with only a couple evening  classes at Stark State Community College after high school.

In my less than humble opinion,  the trades (plumbers, electricians,  masons, carpenters,  etc.) are going to have the world by the short hairs.  There is such a shortage of tradesmen right now, and it's getting worse,  that it's difficult to get work done.

[Dr. Acula]

Call me crazy,  but some of these colleges closing might be a blessing in disguise.   There are way too many kids going to college for BS degrees that don't equate to anything but their parents shelling out a bunch of cash, or student loan debt, or both. 

College isn't for everyone.   And a college degree is only worth something if it isn't as common as a pair of used socks.  The average undergrad degree is no different than a HS degree was to my parent's generation.  Not a differentiator, just the baseline.  Nice to have, but doesn't mean anything unless it's in something worthwhile.

All 3 of my secretaries,  oops, administrative assistants at the office have 4 year business degrees from private NE Ohio schools and that degree means nothing.  Their pay is only a few bucks above minimum wage with a bachelor's degree.  Quite sad actually.   Those young ladies are holding the same position as others in my company with only a couple evening  classes at Stark State Community College after high school.

In my less than humble opinion, the trades (plumbers, electricians,  masons, carpenters,  etc.) are going to have the world by the short hairs.  There is such a shortage of tradesmen right now, and it's getting worse,  that it's difficult to get work done.

I just spoke to a client yesterday.  Her son passed up engineering at OSU or Case.  He wants to work with his hands and not in an office so he started his apprenticeship with the IBEW.  He's also taking classes online at Columbus St. to get an Associates Degree in accounting because he wants to own his own business eventually.  The college is free other than the books thanks to grades/ACT.  How far ahead of most of his peers is he going to be in 4 yrs?

[edward de vere]

Call me crazy,  but some of these colleges closing might be a blessing in disguise.   There are way too many kids going to college for BS degrees that don't equate to anything but their parents shelling out a bunch of cash, or student loan debt, or both. 

College isn't for everyone.   And a college degree is only worth something if it isn't as common as a pair of used socks.  The average undergrad degree is no different than a HS degree was to my parent's generation.  Not a differentiator, just the baseline.  Nice to have, but doesn't mean anything unless it's in something worthwhile.

All 3 of my secretaries,  oops, administrative assistants at the office have 4 year business degrees from private NE Ohio schools and that degree means nothing.  Their pay is only a few bucks above minimum wage with a bachelor's degree.  Quite sad actually.   Those young ladies are holding the same position as others in my company with only a couple evening  classes at Stark State Community College after high school.

In my less than humble opinion,  the trades (plumbers, electricians,  masons, carpenters,  etc.) are going to have the world by the short hairs.  There is such a shortage of tradesmen right now, and it's getting worse,  that it's difficult to get work done.

Plus 100,000,000,000,000 Karma to this.

[MUC57]

formerd3db

Check your PMs. 

[hsbsballcoach7]

This is what I found so far from Twitter only on guys saying they will attend Mount Union next year. Remember, there is no such thing as committing to Mount Union because there is no binding financial agreement. Guys can still go somewhere else if they want. This is just a list to keep us junkies going until summer camp. So far I really like the mixture of local and out of state guys.
Nick Lopez Inverness, FL LB
Melik Frost Bluffton, SC LB/RB
Frank Schmidt Mentor, OH DL
Michael Milano Mayfield, OH OG/DE
Brody Lewis Marysville, OH DB
Jackson Paglio Mentor, OH LB
Cam Kamlowsky Streetsboro, OH WR/DB
Michael Kushner Poland, OH K
Easton Hitchens Shenandoah, OH OG/DT
Noah Mangan Avon, OH WR
Alex Blackie Madison, OH LB
Bryce Morris Martinsburg, WV LB
Carter Rode Louisville, OH WR/LB
Austin Beck Canton, OH (Central Catholic) QB
Jon Stevenson West Jefferson, OH OL
Chaz Hirschman Jacksonville, FL QB
Max Craig West Branch, OH OL
Reagen King Beavercreek, OH DE/TE
Dom LoParo Wadsworth, OH RB
Ben Lilly Wadsworth, OH OL
Drew Achor Phoenix, AZ DL
Ty Brown Springfield, OH DB
Jose Brazoban Fayetteville, NC WR

Tyler Dunn Palm Coast, FL
Hale Siulua Anchorage, AK LB
Vitico Mieses Cape Coral, FL RB
Randy Tawiah Columbus, OH K
Treyon Davis Ludowici, GA DB
Jordan Stancovich Monroeville, PA LB
CJ Shedd Myers Lake, FL QB (kid is going to compete for job with Plunk right away IMO)

Tylor Wissink Farmington, MN OL
Robert Kingsford Gilbert, AZ LB
Brandon Peck Fort Myers, FL LB
Pierre Johnson Chantilly, VA WR (kids reminds me of BJ Mitchell and I hate comparing anyone to him)
Zach Herrera Chandler Heights, AZ QB
Ricky Buggs Crestview, FL DB

DJ Bowman Chardon, OH LB/FB
Logan Watson Kingsland, GA QB
Jalen Wiggins Fort Wayne, IN DL
Anthony Parker Hinesville, GA WR/DB
Jaiden Headen Tampa, FL DL/OL
Brycetyn Hedden Port Clinton, OH ATH/P
AJ Lunardi Ravenna, OH LB
Mali Harris-Strayhorn Beavercreek, OH WR
Brendan Freisthler Beavercreek, OH DL

Trumel Isaacs Crestview, FL WR/DB/Ath (just a big athletic kid)
Noah Murry Warren, OH K
Reece Laughlin Oak Harbor, OH OL/DT
Keith Cruse Warren Howland, OH LB
Eric Kwon Chantilly, VA LB
Xavier Williams Palmetto, FL QB (strong arm, quick release, mobile)

[purple]

   HSCOACH.....Fifty years ago Time Magazine had a cover, "Is God Dead?"
  Woody Allen commented, "If you think God is dead, try getting a plumber on the weekend."

[formerd3db]

Speaking of college closures, and I may have missed this if it was mentioned here last fall or earlier this year, however, Cincinnati Christian College was another victim at the end of 2019 (they had a football team.)
I am cringing for fear if hearing the next school to announce that decision. Yet, I agree with you guys that we certainly need trades professionals and those who decide that traditional college/university route is not for them, that other route is excellent. Those people do great and necessary jobs, make good money and, they still have to get certified (pass certification exams like many graduated from traditional college/University programs, of course, depending on the profession).

My two cousins (who are brothers) took over their dad's auto mechanic business, an extremely successful business (they played football in high school, but did not go to college).  They once told me they felt they had feelings of less importance/stature than my brother and me because they never went to college like we did. I told them I never wanted to hear that from them ever again, reminding them they know so much more about vehicles than I ever will, and that they still had to have passed their state certification exams. I have tremendous respect for them.

(Edited for spelling corrections)

[Dr. Acula]

That's a good point.  I always think of construction trades and mechanics slip my mind.  Auto mechanics today are far more than just a guy and his tool box.  Cars have so many computer components those guys are like old school mechanics but with IT knowledge too.  I work with several car dealerships and if you're a service tech at a high-end store like Ferrari or Bentley those guys make over $100k.  They get flown over to Europe for training because the cars are so complicated.  Better than going to a tax update at the airport Hilton I'm guessing!