MBB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

[steelyglen]

It's clear the ODAC tournament is well attended.

A 764 average is NOT well attended

[3sdown]

Algernon-

Your points are very well taken.  And I agree that the ability to meet and talk with others from other schools is a nice trait to the current system.  Although I continue to advocate for moving the Tournament Games to the higher seed, I do enjoy going to Salem in order to meet up with people, etc.

With that said the "environments" of the games aren't good in my opinion.  Fans are a considerable distance from the floor.  You don't have sections of the arena/gym standing the entire time.  You don't have "crazy" student sections (accept for a handful of students usually from RC or HSC) in attendance.  The game environment stinks in my opinion.

Does the environment of the game make the game?  No, but in my opinion it adds to the experience for student-athletes, students, and fans.  And again, more people is better, especially students.  Lastly, I agree with Algernon that for a late February tournament game there would be more in attendance than during the regular season.

And again I AM wierd...I have been the Final Four (Division I) several times and the environment at the game aren't like those experienced in arenas on college campuses across this nation.  And that pisses me off b/c it is basically a "corporate" event rather than a college athletic event.  And for the most part the college students are back in their hometown bars or in the bars of say New Orleans partying it up b/c they can't get tickets.  AND that sucks!  It takes the best part of the game out of the game...The fanatic students that belong to the universities/colleges.      

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

"kid"...for what its worth...at the Guilford game 10 days ago, an elderly BC fan came up to Mrs. Steelyglen and myself at halftime and after exchanging pleasantries, proceeded to tell us how much she and numerous other BC fans missed us at the games. "The crowd just sits on their hands..." she went onto say, "...there isn't much enthusiasm, just not as much fun as when you guys were here..." and from what I saw she was right! There was more hype surrounding the halftime "shoot free throws for trinkets" that for most of the game!

Well, when you were here, I think we won a few more games.

It's much easier to cheer and be a fan for a "winner."

[steelyglen]

The USA South's quarters are hosted at the higher seed this year. This is the first time this has happened. In the past, the tourny used to start Thursday and run thru Saturday afternoon. The venue rotated from school to school and each school hosted every seven years (for the men). This year, the coaches decided to go to a quarterfinal game on Tuesday at the higher seed and the remaining teams meet for the final four and semis at one place. This year, CNU is hosting both the men's and women's final four. Apparently the offer to the conference was too sweet to pass up. Who knows whats going to happen next year, but I do know they are going to the Quarterfinal game on Tuesday and the semis and champs Friday and Saturday.

Now there's an idea! IMO

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

It's clear the ODAC tournament is well attended.

A 764 average is NOT well attended

Okay, then nine of the 10 ODAC schools (by my chart) aren't either.

[3sdown]

I think one thing being overlooked in this Salem vs. campus discussion is the time and effort needed to conduct such an event.  I think the ODAC is lucky to have the Salem Rotary.  I've done large volunteer events and it's hard work.  

I'm not sure some or most schools want the event, given the cost and effort.  The reason I say that, is that the people (Presidents and ADs) making the decision to leave the event in Salem could move it to campus if they wanted to. 

I would just be another event at their gym, like any other game for example.  SIDS, teams, and staff at the colleges could do this just as they do for regular season game.  The only other thing would be needed would be a media room, which RMC and HSC have had in the past for NCAA games.  No logistical problems at the schools in my opinion

[steelyglen]

"kid"...for what its worth...at the Guilford game 10 days ago, an elderly BC fan came up to Mrs. Steelyglen and myself at halftime and after exchanging pleasantries, proceeded to tell us how much she and numerous other BC fans missed us at the games. "The crowd just sits on their hands..." she went onto say, "...there isn't much enthusiasm, just not as much fun as when you guys were here..." and from what I saw she was right! There was more hype surrounding the halftime "shoot free throws for trinkets" that for most of the game!

Well, when you were here, I think we won a few more games.

It's much easier to cheer and be a fan for a "winner."

You missed the point "kid" this was coming from a longtime BC fan who has attended for over 20 years, one who has seen NCAA caliber teams and "other" teams as well...either support it or don't...you do, right?

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

You missed the point "kid" this was coming from a longtime BC fan who has attended for over 20 years, one who has seen NCAA caliber teams and "other" teams as well...either support it or don't...you do, right?

Oh, there's no question I support Bridgewater - a winner or not.

I'm saying for the casual fan who doesn't try and make every game they can because they're a big Eagles fan like you and me.  Unfortunately, that's a large part of the student crowd that comes (the casual fan that is).

[steelyglen]

It's clear the ODAC tournament is well attended.

A 764 average is NOT well attended

Okay, then nine of the 10 ODAC schools (by my chart) aren't either.

"kid" this isn't W&L v. Lynchburg on a Wednesday Night...This is the ODAC Tournament...wouldn't you expect more? I believe that the tournament should outdraw ANY regular season game of the same match-up?

[cnufan]

For kid.....


"but it'll draw more ppl if it's on the campuses"

[cnufan]

How about this for stiring up controversy. Will the ODAC get three schools into the NCAA Tourny?

[steelyglen]

How about this for stiring up controversy. Will the ODAC get three schools into the NCAA Tourny?

NO! One for sure ...two if they get Macon to the ODAC tourney finals and they win or lose against Wesleyan...one man's opinion...

[cnufan]

Say Sydney runs the table, then what?

[steelyglen]

To me...if Sydney runs the table then they get the AQ and Wesleyan gets a nod and Macon is out. Just don't think the committee will give the ODAC 3 teams.

[hasanova]

I think one thing being overlooked in this Salem vs. campus discussion is the time and effort needed to conduct such an event.  I think the ODAC is lucky to have the Salem Rotary.  I've done large volunteer events and it's hard work.  I'm not sure some or most schools want the event, given the cost and effort.

I don't think putting together a single game or even back to back games is that big of a deal. Most schools host their own tournaments or doubleheaders each year anyway. Don't get me wrong a lot of work is involved but worth it!

The biggest issue as I see it would be the potential travel involved. Guilford travels to E&H for a quarterfinal game then to Wesleyan for a semifinal game then to EMU for a finals..THAT my friend is brutal!

If Guilford won all those games, I'm sure they would do it gladly.  lol