FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[jamtod]

Listening to the Around the Nation Podcast. Sounds like there was no contact between UST and the ARC in either direction.

You don't bring in a bunch of associate ADs from a Big 10 school to even consider something like that.

Early on, seemed like all possible avenues were considered. I didn't expect they would actually go that route, but figured there was at least a preliminary discussion early on while exploring the more likely, viable options.

Not gonna lie, if we move up from D3, I'm going to be kind of sad about it. I love D3 and what it stands for, D2 is weird, and it's going to take some time to be competitive and interesting if we land in D1 eventually.

It is a very slim chance that D2 ever enters the picture. The focus is centered on a direct path to DI and the prerequisites are being addressed as we speak. As far as dropping sports go? It's not a preference but let's face it, Dr. Sullivan came from San Diego. She has no love for Minnesota hockey and hockey right now is the achilles heel ($$) to this whole transition. It won't be shocking to me if hockey ends up paying the price in this undertaking.

Could be. I don't think she's so shortsighted for it to be driven by her lack of love for the sport though, it would be a business/financial/pragmatic driven decision and it would be sad.

I just have a really hard time imagining the path to D1 and Title IX compliance and scholarships (non-scholly football helps) and facilities that doesn't involve dropping some sports

[miac952]

MUC, You're killin' me man. I go away for a cup of coffee and you crawl in bed with SJ2. What happened to the neutral guy I used to know and love? Anyway, soon you guys will be able to use USTD again, as long as you add a "1" after it. USTD1 because all things indicate over at Summit and Cretin Ave. Division I is a forgone conclusion. Great to be back! Hi Duff, Oz and the rest!

The facilities/land situation could prove to be a challenge. Do you have any inside info on that?

my prediction is that U$T helps STA upgrade their hockey arena and either plays football at Allianz Field or partners with the Vikings to upgrade their TCO field. That said off campus facilities will all but kill student attendance...but U$T should be used to low attendance numbers from the student body..

Adding all their games to the Allianz schedule could be a scheduling nightmare....I really hope that doesn't happen

I'm still a bit concerned about even hosting the 1 game at Allianz, followed the next day by a soccer game.  The pitch at Allianz already isn't in great shape...barely had any growing season for the newly laid sod before the games started, so it gets torn up pretty badly, even from just a half of soccer.  I hope there is some grass left by the end of the weekend!

If you take a gander at the Pioneer League stadiums (non-scholarship D1) you begin to realize O'Shaugnessy is perfectly suited if that's where they end up. It gives them time to make some upgrades if and when they go the scholarship route. Move the track team over the the new U track complex in STP and you have a lot of room to work with.

UST is going D1; the question is will it be 2 years or 8-10 years. The facility financial investment will be significant, but can be done over a decade. Little Augustana is able to make it work; and they are interested in going all in with scholarship football from the start.

[MiacMan]

Listening to the Around the Nation Podcast. Sounds like there was no contact between UST and the ARC in either direction.

You don't bring in a bunch of associate ADs from a Big 10 school to even consider something like that.

Early on, seemed like all possible avenues were considered. I didn't expect they would actually go that route, but figured there was at least a preliminary discussion early on while exploring the more likely, viable options.

Not gonna lie, if we move up from D3, I'm going to be kind of sad about it. I love D3 and what it stands for, D2 is weird, and it's going to take some time to be competitive and interesting if we land in D1 eventually.

It is a very slim chance that D2 ever enters the picture. The focus is centered on a direct path to DI and the prerequisites are being addressed as we speak. As far as dropping sports go? It's not a preference but let's face it, Dr. Sullivan came from San Diego. She has no love for Minnesota hockey and hockey right now is the achilles heel ($$) to this whole transition. It won't be shocking to me if hockey ends up paying the price in this undertaking.

Could be. I don't think she's so shortsighted for it to be driven by her lack of love for the sport though, it would be a business/financial/pragmatic driven decision and it would be sad.

I just have a really hard time imagining the path to D1 and Title IX compliance and scholarships (non-scholly football helps) and facilities that doesn't involve dropping some sports

You are correct. I didn't mean that she dislikes hockey as reason (she probably likes hockey)I just meant it might be an easier pill for her to swallow than us. That being said, UST would have to build an arena (5k+ capacity) they have no land to do this. Their only realistic option for a conference would be the WCHA, which would be an extremely tough place to start. The flip side of this coin is that potentially, this could be their fastest option to a major revenue producing sport but it's a major investment $$ (risk vs. reward?)

[jamtod]

Listening to the Around the Nation Podcast. Sounds like there was no contact between UST and the ARC in either direction.

You don't bring in a bunch of associate ADs from a Big 10 school to even consider something like that.

Early on, seemed like all possible avenues were considered. I didn't expect they would actually go that route, but figured there was at least a preliminary discussion early on while exploring the more likely, viable options.

Not gonna lie, if we move up from D3, I'm going to be kind of sad about it. I love D3 and what it stands for, D2 is weird, and it's going to take some time to be competitive and interesting if we land in D1 eventually.

It is a very slim chance that D2 ever enters the picture. The focus is centered on a direct path to DI and the prerequisites are being addressed as we speak. As far as dropping sports go? It's not a preference but let's face it, Dr. Sullivan came from San Diego. She has no love for Minnesota hockey and hockey right now is the achilles heel ($$) to this whole transition. It won't be shocking to me if hockey ends up paying the price in this undertaking.

Could be. I don't think she's so shortsighted for it to be driven by her lack of love for the sport though, it would be a business/financial/pragmatic driven decision and it would be sad.

I just have a really hard time imagining the path to D1 and Title IX compliance and scholarships (non-scholly football helps) and facilities that doesn't involve dropping some sports

You are correct. I didn't mean that she dislikes hockey as reason (she probably likes hockey)I just meant it might be an easier pill for her to swallow than us. That being said, UST would have to build an arena (5k+ capacity) they have no land to do this. Their only realistic option for a conference would be the WCHA, which would be an extremely tough place to start. The flip side of this coin is that potentially, this could be their fastest option to a major revenue producing sport but it's a major investment $$ (risk vs. reward?)

Aren't the Gophers struggling to get butts in the seats at Mariucci too? I'd think that would be an uphill battle for UST.

[sjujohnnie]

Living outside of Minnesota, I know VERY FEW people who care about hockey whatsoever! As a Johnnie, I'm still disappointed that St Thomas is leaving the MIAC. I wonder if St John's will be adversely affected as their biggest competitor (since Caruso took the helm) will no longer provide a tale of the tape to measure against/raise the bar. It's one thing to dominate weak conference competition, but another to compete against perennial title contenders.

[hazzben]

MUC, You're killin' me man. I go away for a cup of coffee and you crawl in bed with SJ2. What happened to the neutral guy I used to know and love? Anyway, soon you guys will be able to use USTD again, as long as you add a "1" after it. USTD1 because all things indicate over at Summit and Cretin Ave. Division I is a forgone conclusion. Great to be back! Hi Duff, Oz and the rest!

The facilities/land situation could prove to be a challenge. Do you have any inside info on that?

my prediction is that U$T helps STA upgrade their hockey arena and either plays football at Allianz Field or partners with the Vikings to upgrade their TCO field. That said off campus facilities will all but kill student attendance...but U$T should be used to low attendance numbers from the student body..

I could see the STA hockey partnership. I could also see Allianz as a temporary venue while renovations happen. TCO would be an awesome facility, but the location is terrible. I can't see UST playing there for anything but a stopgap, last resort while they renovate O'Shag.

[MiacMan]

Aren't the Gophers struggling to get butts in the seats at Mariucci too? I'd think that would be an uphill battle for UST.

Yeah, whole different animal at the UM though. Big 10, Sunday games, lack of team consistency vs. expectations. UST would have the "New Ballgame" in town. I think St. Paul would be rockin' bringing in UMD vs. UST, MSU vs. UST, SCS vs. UST, now involve some non-con games with Nortre Dame, North Dakota They would have no problem selling out a 5k seat arena. (They wouldn't even need students to sellout) Sure they'll get pounded on the first few years but it would be no different than the Wild first few seasons. 

[jamtod]

Aren't the Gophers struggling to get butts in the seats at Mariucci too? I'd think that would be an uphill battle for UST.

Yeah, whole different animal at the UM though. Big 10, Sunday games, lack of team consistency vs. expectations. UST would have the "New Ballgame" in town. I think St. Paul would be rockin' bringing in UMD vs. UST, MSU vs. UST, SCS vs. UST, now involve some non-con games with Nortre Dame, North Dakota They would have no problem selling out a 5k seat arena. (They wouldn't even need students to sellout) Sure they'll get pounded on the first few years but it would be no different than the Wild first few seasons.

Fair point. I hadn't really considered the WCHA bit actually bringing more local competition for hockey than what a D1 UST would end up with in other sports.

[art76]

Latest video out of BU Football: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnhlbteA3Ko

[hazzben]

If you take a gander at the Pioneer League stadiums (non-scholarship D1) you begin to realize O'Shaugnessy is perfectly suited if that's where they end up. It gives them time to make some upgrades if and when they go the scholarship route. Move the track team over the the new U track complex in STP and you have a lot of room to work with.

UST is going D1; the question is will it be 2 years or 8-10 years. The facility financial investment will be significant, but can be done over a decade. Little Augustana is able to make it work; and they are interested in going all in with scholarship football from the start.

If Pioneer League is the goal, they are all good with the current O'Shag setup. They'd have a top 3 venue in the conference with Drake and MSU. But the scuttlebutt has seemed to be that the Pioneer League was really being envisioned as a stepping stone to scholarship FCS. If that's the long term play, then things need to be upgraded.

[MiacMan]

If you take a gander at the Pioneer League stadiums (non-scholarship D1) you begin to realize O'Shaugnessy is perfectly suited if that's where they end up. It gives them time to make some upgrades if and when they go the scholarship route. Move the track team over the the new U track complex in STP and you have a lot of room to work with.

UST is going D1; the question is will it be 2 years or 8-10 years. The facility financial investment will be significant, but can be done over a decade. Little Augustana is able to make it work; and they are interested in going all in with scholarship football from the start.

If Pioneer League is the goal, they are all good with the current O'Shag setup. They'd have a top 3 venue in the conference with Drake and MSU. But the scuttlebutt has seemed to be that the Pioneer League was really being envisioned as a stepping stone to scholarship FCS. If that's the long term play, then things need to be upgraded.

Spot on Hazz, I believe Pioneer is a stepping stone but, it is a long term stepping stone. I don't believe there would be another move for at least 10years, almost certainly not until after their Medical School is established and generating revenue.

[hazzben]

If you take a gander at the Pioneer League stadiums (non-scholarship D1) you begin to realize O'Shaugnessy is perfectly suited if that's where they end up. It gives them time to make some upgrades if and when they go the scholarship route. Move the track team over the the new U track complex in STP and you have a lot of room to work with.

UST is going D1; the question is will it be 2 years or 8-10 years. The facility financial investment will be significant, but can be done over a decade. Little Augustana is able to make it work; and they are interested in going all in with scholarship football from the start.

If Pioneer League is the goal, they are all good with the current O'Shag setup. They'd have a top 3 venue in the conference with Drake and MSU. But the scuttlebutt has seemed to be that the Pioneer League was really being envisioned as a stepping stone to scholarship FCS. If that's the long term play, then things need to be upgraded.

Spot on Hazz, I believe Pioneer is a stepping stone but, it is a long term stepping stone. I don't believe there would be another move for at least 10years, almost certainly not until after their Medical School is established and generating revenue.

If UST ends up in the PL, why couldn't Johnnie - Tommie continue down the road? They'd both be playing in non-scholarship divisions. Has anyone theorized this at all? I know Franklin has played Butler several times over the years.

[MiacMan]

If you take a gander at the Pioneer League stadiums (non-scholarship D1) you begin to realize O'Shaugnessy is perfectly suited if that's where they end up. It gives them time to make some upgrades if and when they go the scholarship route. Move the track team over the the new U track complex in STP and you have a lot of room to work with.

UST is going D1; the question is will it be 2 years or 8-10 years. The facility financial investment will be significant, but can be done over a decade. Little Augustana is able to make it work; and they are interested in going all in with scholarship football from the start.

If Pioneer League is the goal, they are all good with the current O'Shag setup. They'd have a top 3 venue in the conference with Drake and MSU. But the scuttlebutt has seemed to be that the Pioneer League was really being envisioned as a stepping stone to scholarship FCS. If that's the long term play, then things need to be upgraded.

Spot on Hazz, I believe Pioneer is a stepping stone but, it is a long term stepping stone. I don't believe there would be another move for at least 10years, almost certainly not until after their Medical School is established and generating revenue.

If UST ends up in the PL, why couldn't Johnnie - Tommie continue down the road? They'd both be playing in non-scholarship divisions. Has anyone theorized this at all? I know Franklin has played Butler several times over the years.

That's a great question and I have thought the same thing. The general thought process would be that UST has nothing to gain by theoretically playing down 1.5 divisions, except for a big payout with the gate. Therefore, I would venture to state that UST would not agree to the game unless it was always held at a big venue (Target Field, Allianz, etc.) and the gate was split every year. No inside info just my take.

[formerd3db]

If you take a gander at the Pioneer League stadiums (non-scholarship D1) you begin to realize O'Shaugnessy is perfectly suited if that's where they end up. It gives them time to make some upgrades if and when they go the scholarship route. Move the track team over the the new U track complex in STP and you have a lot of room to work with.

UST is going D1; the question is will it be 2 years or 8-10 years. The facility financial investment will be significant, but can be done over a decade. Little Augustana is able to make it work; and they are interested in going all in with scholarship football from the start.

If Pioneer League is the goal, they are all good with the current O'Shag setup. They'd have a top 3 venue in the conference with Drake and MSU. But the scuttlebutt has seemed to be that the Pioneer League was really being envisioned as a stepping stone to scholarship FCS. If that's the long term play, then things need to be upgraded.

Spot on Hazz, I believe Pioneer is a stepping stone but, it is a long term stepping stone. I don't believe there would be another move for at least 10years, almost certainly not until after their Medical School is established and generating revenue.

If UST ends up in the PL, why couldn't Johnnie - Tommie continue down the road? They'd both be playing in non-scholarship divisions. Has anyone theorized this at all? I know Franklin has played Butler several times over the years.

hazzben;

Franklin is not the only DIII school to play an FCS (Butler) over the years.  Others have done so (such as Hope, Alma, Albion, Olivet)  playing Valpo, Drake, Dayton, Butler, until most DIII schools discontinued that as it doesn't count i.e doesn't help in the SOS determinations for playoff factors, whether for seeding or consideration of an at-large bid.  IMO, I see no reason why a DIII school shouldn't play those type of games for one of their non-conference games (or against a DII school, like we did way back in my time) as it doesn't matter because you have to win your conference anyway to get the AQ (for most schools).  Besides, I believe it makes you better in the longer term.  So FWIW, I see no problem with UT playing a Pioneer League opponent (that league gets an AQ to the FCS playoffs for its champion), although I do see your point (and other's points as well) about it being played at the Target Field venue.

[jamtod]

Greetings from O'Shaughness Stadium. Tapped into the campus wifi and working remotely for the rest of the afternoon.