MBB: Great South Athletic Conference

Ralph Turner · August 12, 2009, 03:15:38 PM

Quote from: scottiedoug on August 12, 2009, 12:13:40 PM
Hewre is the MC press release. Not much different from the more complete Daily Times article.

http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/athletics/news-detail.asp?sportNameID=18&id=3080

It will be interesting if the current economic situation forces some schools that are more affluent than the GSAC institutions to affiliate "down" from their accustomed "higher" status. My fear would be that such moves would be temporary and that the status itch will reemerge as dominant when the economy gets better.

I know that is an underlying thought in these issues, but the reality is that there do not appear to be any schools in the NC/VA area of sufficient "highness of stature" to move to D3 and the USA South.

When Shenandoah leaves, the USA South loses its AQ in 2012-13, and it is a five year process at the minimum to become a full member. (I don't know how that PSU-Harrisburg will accomplish it in three years.)

batteredbard · August 12, 2009, 03:36:36 PM

I'm not surprised by the vote except that it was unanimous. I do wish we'd been able to see a copy of what it was they actually voted on rather than hear it explained from coaches.

Geographically I think we might see a school or two consider the GSAC. I would think Covenant adds some momentum. And while economics would probably be the impetus to consider a switch even in good times its hard to justify conferences that aren't somewhat marginally geographically compact.

There's just so much more that can be done for the athletes rather than flying each team two or three times a year. I've asked a few athletes about it the last two years and the majority of that very unscientific polling would rather go somewhere different every year if they're going to travel.

I think GSAC hopes for two converts and another school to move up/down to D3 in the GA TN Ala area.

As for the USA South, Greensboro is a worry. They need the teams but have to afford them. We know there is a difference between having athletics and properly supporting athletics. Shenandoah is a Catch-22. Sure they might want to leave but do they risk being independent in all other sports to get in the ODAC for football? Until the ODAC lifts the moratorium on full members SU is stuck. It sounds like USAC is all or nothing about it. If SU leaves for football they are out for all according to what the commish said in an article earlier this summer.

So maybe in two years they do this all over again but the GSAC is the one voting rather than the USAC?

scottiedoug · August 13, 2009, 10:22:57 AM

What I had in my mind in my references to the status issue was the issue of any SCAC schools that are in the east (Rhodes, Centre, Oglethorpe, BSC, Sewanee...) joining the GSAC. It would make all kinds of sense for the athletes to participate in a conference that was current GSAC, Covenant, Berry, and the ones I mention above, but the issue of status for the schools (as distinguished from the issue of what is best for the student-athletes) is likely to mess it up.

bballlover · August 26, 2009, 01:36:07 PM

While the Scots schedule does not look to be as brutal as last years,the trip to Guilford will be a real test.

mattgrubb · August 28, 2009, 09:56:44 PM

lets just wait and see who gets tired of paying for travel in this economy, this economy aint lookin up anytime soon
not a question of can they pay for it, but will they have the desire or will they took the easier road which is less travel and more natural rivalries

hasanova · August 29, 2009, 11:37:39 PM

Quote from: bballlover on August 26, 2009, 01:36:07 PM
While the Scots schedule does not look to be as brutal as last years,the trip to Guilford will be a real test.

I haven't seen a schedule for either Maryville or Guilford, bballlover. What's the date for the game? The Scots play at Greenboro on Jan. 6, so my guess would be within a day or so of this game (travel costs again).

bballlover · August 30, 2009, 09:12:46 AM

Sorry Nova I can't get this laptop to copy but the game is Dec. 16.They play at Averett on the 14th . The schedule is on the board somewhere.Thats where I saw it.I'm sure it's on the Scots sight also.

hasanova · August 31, 2009, 04:36:34 PM

Quote from: bballlover on August 30, 2009, 09:12:46 AM
Sorry Nova I can't get this laptop to copy but the game is Dec. 16.They play at Averett on the 14th . The schedule is on the board somewhere.Thats where I saw it.I'm sure it's on the Scots sight also.

Thanks for the information. Maryville combining a trip to Averett and Guilford makes sense as well - Danville and Greensboro are about 50 miles apart.

mattgrubb · September 09, 2009, 11:43:11 PM

here is something that makes sense
the fighting scots will win another GSAC title this year
Another NCAA Bid
and Pat, help start this train in the right direction, Eryk Watson, All America

think about it
I love making predictions for march in early september, we are only 6 months away

Spencer Beaty · September 10, 2009, 02:48:11 PM

I agree with you there Mr. Grubb

mattgrubb · September 22, 2009, 08:54:10 PM

mc alumni bball game october 16th at 8 pm
Usually cast of characters so be ready

GSAC Killer · September 30, 2009, 09:24:48 AM

I will be there!! Two time alumni champion..

bballlover · October 15, 2009, 09:11:38 AM

The fun begins.Optimism abounds.

MCSID · October 16, 2009, 07:43:03 AM

Maryville College Midnight Madness Video at: http://www.wbir.com/video/default.aspx?aid=85200&storyid=101958

Spencer Beaty · October 18, 2009, 10:46:51 PM

I was at the Midnight Madness for the Scots, and I was very impressed. With the exception of Eryk and Greg, no one stood out, but everyone looked good. Greg showed his game has matured even more than last year, and Eryk is going to be an all-american. Williamson, Lambert, Damron, and Willet all looked very good. There were a few freshman that look to be contributors in 2009-2010.