FB: New Jersey Athletic Conference

[MRMIKESMITH]

Rowan re-published a Philadelphia Business Journal story saying they are looking to expand from 23,000 to 40,000 students, grow endowment from $340M to $1B, spend $500M on capital projects over the next 5-6 years, and work with a private developer to build a 5-7K seat arena that the developer would own but allow Rowan to hold campus events such as basketball and graduation.

And you don't need a basketball arena that large unless you're thinking about D1 - which the article also says is being explored.

"That's something that takes effort, it takes resources, it takes partnership, but we certainly believe that we deserve it," [Rowan President Ali] Houshmand told the Business Journal in an interview. "We are good enough, we are large enough and we believe that we should be moving in that direction. How long will it take? I don't know, but we have every intention of pursuing it."

On the higher end of that 5-7K range.........their on-campus arena would dwarf those at St. Joe's, LaSalle, Drexel..........and would be close to those at Penn (Palestra), Villanova and Temple.

Rowan has much bigger aspirations than hanging around the D3 ranks..........but if for some reason they do, they should be national contenders in many sports given the size, facilities and the much less expensive cost to attend vs. the typical D3 private school.

The old Glassboro State wouldn't recognize this place! Thank you Henry Rowan!!!

I think with the new change in legislation, you'll see many teams that were held back due to previous rules consider moving to D1 and/or DII to help with cost and to match their enrollment with other regional schools that are D1-FCS and DII. There is no reason that Frostburg is DII and not Salisbury. Salisbury not going DII was strictly due to not having a viable conference to join and DII not being a better alternative for our top sports being in that of DIII.

[RowanPhan]

Rowan re-published a Philadelphia Business Journal story saying they are looking to expand from 23,000 to 40,000 students, grow endowment from $340M to $1B, spend $500M on capital projects over the next 5-6 years, and work with a private developer to build a 5-7K seat arena that the developer would own but allow Rowan to hold campus events such as basketball and graduation.

And you don't need a basketball arena that large unless you're thinking about D1 - which the article also says is being explored.

"That's something that takes effort, it takes resources, it takes partnership, but we certainly believe that we deserve it," [Rowan President Ali] Houshmand told the Business Journal in an interview. "We are good enough, we are large enough and we believe that we should be moving in that direction. How long will it take? I don't know, but we have every intention of pursuing it."

Very interesting indeed 

I know this is not a new topic at Rowan, and the University has conducted their research in the past.  I have no problems with the university staying at D3  or moving up.  As an alumnus/fan, it will be interesting to see how this evolves over the next few years.

One challenge Rowan will face if it plans to grow is real estate. Glassboro is a small town, and they have already built up the campus on ever square inch.  They would likely have to further build-up around the hospital on route 55. 

At the moment, I'm just looking forward to the 2022 football season

Let's go Profs!

[jmcozenlaw]

Rowan re-published a Philadelphia Business Journal story saying they are looking to expand from 23,000 to 40,000 students, grow endowment from $340M to $1B, spend $500M on capital projects over the next 5-6 years, and work with a private developer to build a 5-7K seat arena that the developer would own but allow Rowan to hold campus events such as basketball and graduation.

And you don't need a basketball arena that large unless you're thinking about D1 - which the article also says is being explored.

"That's something that takes effort, it takes resources, it takes partnership, but we certainly believe that we deserve it," [Rowan President Ali] Houshmand told the Business Journal in an interview. "We are good enough, we are large enough and we believe that we should be moving in that direction. How long will it take? I don't know, but we have every intention of pursuing it."

Very interesting indeed 

I know this this not a new topic at Rowan, and the University has conducted their research in the past.  I have no problems with the university staying at D3 level or moving up.  Will be interesting to see how this evolves. 

One challenge Rowan will face if it plans to grow is real estate. Glassboro is a small town, and they have already built up the campus on ever square inch.  They would likely have to further build up around the hospital on route 55. 

At the moment, I'm just looking forward to the 2022 football season

Let's go Profs!

I don't see any way a 40,000 student school stays at the D3 level. With those lofty ambitions, screw D2..........head straight to D1. That size would dwarf any of the the Big Six (Big Five + Drexel) schools in Philadelphia.

I could see a CAA 1-AA (I refuse that silly FCS moniker:) fit playing schools like Towson, Delaware, Drexel, Maine, New Hampshire, Navy, etc.

Staying in the NJAC (whatever would remain by that point, especially on the football side) really wouldn't even be a possibility. Their resources would dwarf their already advantageous position with less expensive costs to attend.

Every small school needs a Henry Rowan!!

[RowanPhan]

I saw a note that Rowan will have an open practice on August 14th in Wildwood, NJ

Football season is right around the corner

[MRMIKESMITH]

Had a chance to digest the DIV 1 FBS media days and I was trying to figure out what team reminds me of Salisbury and Salisbury trajectory to winning a national championship. The one team that stood out was Iowa. Now don't get me wrong here, Salisbury doesn't have the big lineman that Iowa has that can just line-up and just play smash mouth football, Salisbury Spread (Triple-Option) Offense is predicated on making the opposing defense play the guessing game. Defensively, Iowa is always pretty decent, being able to hold their own on most occasions. Nevertheless, Iowa appears to always be in the conversation of winning the BIG, coming out the west, but always appears to come up short  to teams with better athletes or teams that appear to match up pretty well to stop the "rushing attack". With that there were discussions on how Iowa can get over the hump and it was mentioned that for Iowa to get over the hum, that can't not be ranked 120 out 130 in passing. As such, Iowa has brought in a new passing game coordinator that will help change the narrative. However, my concern is if this new passing coordinator disrupts what consistency Iowa has, it can either catapult them into a decade of mediocrity or propel them into getting into the final 4. I somewhat share that same sentiment with Salisbury.

Looking at the last 15 years, Salisbury has played 50 teams with 8+ wins, accumulating a record of 18-32 or .360 win pct.  2021 - UWW (L), JH (L). 2019 - UWO (W) , Wesley (W), Union (W), Muhlenberg (L). 2018 - Montclair State (W), FSU (L). 2017 - Wesley (L), FSU (L), Albright (L), Ithaca (L). 2016 - FSU (L), Wesley (L), FSU (L). 2015 - Kean (W), Wesley (W), Cortland (L). 2014 - SJF (W), Buff St (L), Wesley (L). 2013 - Ithaca (L), SJF (W), Alfred (L), Wesley (L). 2012 - SJF (W), Wesley (L), Widener (L). 2011 - SJF (W), Alfred (W), Wesley (L), WNE (W), Kean (W), UWW (L). 2010 - HSC (L), Wesley (L), DelVal (L). 2009 - NCW (L), Wesley (L), Union (W), HSC (L), LVC (L). 2008 - Albright (W), CNU (W), DVU (L), Wesley (L), Moravian (W). 2007 - Geneva (W), Wesley (L), Muhlenberg (L).

So here is my question. Should Salisbury risk doing something completely different to get over the hump to become a regional juggernaut (being the best in R1/R2) that can compete nationally or continue to be respectable nationally and be known for winning a big game here and there, but not the big one's? What is everyone else perspective on how they view Salisbury. \

To be honest, I expected our win% to be .500 or greater considering the last 3 years have been very successful, but that could be solely due to the departures of both Wesley and Frostburg and NJAC not being as dominate as the early 2000s to 2010s and the lack of opponents with good records outside of playoffs and bowl games.

[The Mole]

FAN,

Very insightful post. I am a but surprised to see that record vs winning teams, would have thought it would be closer to 500. In any case, Coach Wood and staff have done a really good job with the program overall. If my math is right, they have won 170 games going back to 1998. That ain't too shabby. I think 24th (top 10%) in overall wins in that time period. Consistent postseason participant (ECAC or NCAA) and a name many may not want to schedule because of that option attack. My son plays for another D3 team, but Salisbury was his next choice based on Perdue School of Business, distance, location, program strength, coaching staff and overall affordability. I would have been just fine with him going to SU.

Big picture, the majority of teams at this level would be envious of the program. It is just really hard to make that next jump. Look at Muhlenberg as an example. Are they almost there? We will find out in Week 1. I am not sure it is a scheme or coaching issue given the success overall. In reality, how many programs year in and out have a legitimate shot to win it all? Five, maybe 6? Tough being in the shadow of lacrosse and some other Seagull teams, but you are just fine IMO.

[jmcozenlaw]

Fan,

Great post! I'll add more when I get a bit more time but I think the Seagulls could actually face a bigger issue within the next couple of years and that's NJAC football. There are some conversations taking place that could POTENTIALLY hurt or even kill NJAC football. A couple of teams are VERY quietly engaging in "what if" talks to move out and Rowan has MUCH bigger future plans/dreams (think D1-AA........I still refuse to say that goofy FCS).

I have no clue where the Seagulls could wind up if the NJAC (from a football perspective) blew up. Maybe the couple of remaining teams could raid a program here or there and cobble something together. The MAC would never work given the sheer number of teams already..........unless 2 other teams (not even going to drop a speculation nugget) make a Landmark type move.

I'd hate to see it for the Seagulls, but this conference roulette is far from over.........from sea to shining sea(gull)!!

[MRMIKESMITH]

Fan,

Great post! I'll add more when I get a bit more time but I think the Seagulls could actually face a bigger issue within the next couple of years and that's NJAC football. There are some conversations taking place that could POTENTIALLY hurt or even kill NJAC football. A couple of teams are VERY quietly engaging in "what if" talks to move out and Rowan has MUCH bigger future plans/dreams (think D1-AA........I still refuse to say that goofy FCS).

I have no clue where the Seagulls could wind up if the NJAC (from a football perspective) blew up. Maybe the couple of remaining teams could raid a program here or there and cobble something together. The MAC would never work given the sheer number of teams already..........unless 2 other teams (not even going to drop a speculation nugget) make a Landmark type move.

I'd hate to see it for the Seagulls, but this conference roulette is far from over.........from sea to shining sea(gull)!!

Some interesting tidbits there. Salisbury has played the independent game and I do not want that for them, I'd rather them go to DII. Maybe they get an invitation from the E8 or CC. I think CC would be fine as Stevenson and McDaniel are natural in-state rivals for Salisbury. I'd also venture to say if Salisbury has an issues, so does CNU. 

[CNU85]

Interesting posts Fan. I tend to agree with Mole in that SU is just fine athletically. Although, anytime you guys want to get rid of the Option I'm good with that!

Haha....and yes CNU has similar issues concerning conferences (as does UMW).

It's difficult for SU and CNU to find a conference home. State schools. Geographically isolated to some extent. Winning athletic departments. I think every sport except football this past academic year at CNU was nationally ranked at one point in the season (Hence a new coach). I believe 4 teams were ranked #1 at one point in their season - Softball, Women's Soccer, Men's Lacrosse and Women's basketball, finishing with 2 trophies and some final fours, elite 8's, and sweet 16's mixed in.

Who wants CNU and SU to join a conference?

[unionpalooza]

Fan,

Great post! I'll add more when I get a bit more time but I think the Seagulls could actually face a bigger issue within the next couple of years and that's NJAC football. There are some conversations taking place that could POTENTIALLY hurt or even kill NJAC football. A couple of teams are VERY quietly engaging in "what if" talks to move out and Rowan has MUCH bigger future plans/dreams (think D1-AA........I still refuse to say that goofy FCS).

I have no clue where the Seagulls could wind up if the NJAC (from a football perspective) blew up. Maybe the couple of remaining teams could raid a program here or there and cobble something together. The MAC would never work given the sheer number of teams already..........unless 2 other teams (not even going to drop a speculation nugget) make a Landmark type move.

I'd hate to see it for the Seagulls, but this conference roulette is far from over.........from sea to shining sea(gull)!!

Some interesting tidbits there. Salisbury has played the independent game and I do not want that for them, I'd rather them go to DII. Maybe they get an invitation from the E8 or CC. I think CC would be fine as Stevenson and McDaniel are natural in-state rivals for Salisbury. I'd also venture to say if Salisbury has an issues, so does CNU.

It's interesting to think about how many of the current NJAC schools might be good fits for D2 or FCS.  I was curious and looked at enrollment numbers by D3 region, and it's WILD the extent to which the region 2 schools enrollment numbers dwarf all the others.  Although region 6 has the large UW schools, it's nothing like region 2, which has a bunch of schools with 5-10k students and two (Rowan and Montclair) at ~14k.

[CNU85]

I think one of the major issues for schools contemplating a move out of D3 is the uncertainty of the direction of the NCAA. The D1 Power 5 conferences are signaling a shift in the landscape which would shake up the entire organization. If I was a decision maker at a D3 institution, I would plug along as is for the next few years to see how things shake out and then make a move once the new environment is better known. Just a thought.

[jknezek]

I think one of the major issues for schools contemplating a move out of D3 is the uncertainty of the direction of the NCAA. The D1 Power 5 conferences are signaling a shift in the landscape which would shake up the entire organization. If I was a decision maker at a D3 institution, I would plug along as is for the next few years to see how things shake out and then make a move once the new environment is better known. Just a thought.

I think this is a valid idea, BUT if you have no conference it's hard to just plug along. I'm no fan of D2, I think it combines the worst of D1 and D3 (higher expenses than D3, lower revenue than D1) However, if you can secure a conference of peers in D2 and you can't in D3, no matter what happens with the NCAA, it's better to have a home than be an independent.

Fighting Irish football being the only possible exception, and even that I see coming to an end shortly as these Super Conferences decide if Notre Dame doesn't want to play ball with them, well, they don't need to be given special status any more than Army's history earns them special status.

So if the NJAC folds up for any reason, I think for CNU and Salisbury, the most important thing will be finding a home that will work as more than a few year stop gap and then having to deal with the stop gap problem over and over. Let the NCAA change around them, but find a place where they fit and they don't have to be part of the C2C or members of convenience in the NJAC because no one else wants them.

[CNU85]

Good points JK. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a logical D2 option in this part of SE Va. The best non D3 option would be D1 FCS. But then you're talking scholarships and increased salaries and department budgets. The current endowment just doesn't seem to support it. I'm curious how other D1 schools manage it with a smaller endowment. CNU already has steep student fees for athletics at $111.03 per credit hour (includes intramural support as well as intercollegiate athletics).

But hey - if there was an easy or obvious answer, it would have been figured out by now and by folks a lot smarter than I am.

Did you see the NJAC/C2C Men's Lacrosse new conference?

[MRMIKESMITH]

Good points JK. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a logical D2 option in this part of SE Va. The best non D3 option would be D1 FCS. But then you're talking scholarships and increased salaries and department budgets. The current endowment just doesn't seem to support it. I'm curious how other D1 schools manage it with a smaller endowment. CNU already has steep student fees for athletics at $111.03 per credit hour (includes intramural support as well as intercollegiate athletics).

But hey - if there was an easy or obvious answer, it would have been figured out by now and by folks a lot smarter than I am.

Did you see the NJAC/C2C Men's Lacrosse new conference?

I had that same thought, that DIV 1 would be a more viable option based upon traveling purposes. Salisbury could make the jump, I think offering scholarships could increase what donors can do for the athletic department. Going back to the DII discussion and this is allowing our Lacrosse and other sports programs that may not be viable at DII to go DI only (similar to what Utica is going to do). There are conferences like South Atlantic and CIAA (which has divisions) that could be a temporary home in DII. I think Bluefield and UNC-Pembroke are Independent, could get E&H on board and possibly Newport News (Considering the current NIL laws) so they could improve their membership. It is just uneasy that the likes of CNU and Salisbury may end up on the outside of conference reshuffle (all speculation at this point). Salisbury and CNU take pride in all their sports and respect what DIII has and continues to offer them.

[jknezek]

Good points JK. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a logical D2 option in this part of SE Va. The best non D3 option would be D1 FCS. But then you're talking scholarships and increased salaries and department budgets. The current endowment just doesn't seem to support it. I'm curious how other D1 schools manage it with a smaller endowment. CNU already has steep student fees for athletics at $111.03 per credit hour (includes intramural support as well as intercollegiate athletics).

But hey - if there was an easy or obvious answer, it would have been figured out by now and by folks a lot smarter than I am.

Did you see the NJAC/C2C Men's Lacrosse new conference?

I have to admit, I know very little about D2 and the conferences. I know E&H actually managed to find a more compact conference than the ODAC for their purposes, and Frostberg found a home that seems to work so I assumed there would be something else around, but I guess not.

As for the NJAC/C2C, it's one of the few sports in the C2C that actually makes sense. As a whole, the C2C just makes me cringe.