FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[BDB]

Very cool, formerd3db. 

[OzJohnnie]

Big article on where football stands for the MIAC this year.

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-s-small-colleges-cite-astronomical-costs-of-ncaa-s-covid-19-recommendations/571811142/

Per the NCAA's guidelines, which aren't requirements, student-athletes in high-contact risk sports such as football, soccer and volleyball will need COVID-19 testing within 72 hours of every game. The cost of that, as St. John's football coach Gary Fasching put it, is "astronomical."

"It's incredible costs that I don't know that we could absorb at this time," Fasching said.

Across the NCAA, several conferences, including the Division I Ivy League and Patriot League, have already canceled fall sports. In Minnesota, D-III Carleton College has canceled fall sports, but the rest of the MIAC has yet to do more than cancel nonconference games for the fall.

The cost of testing could become a tipping point. Brooks estimated for just his D-III fall sports high-risk teams — men's and women's soccer, football and volleyball — testing would cost more than $300,000.

"That's not Mankato's plan; that's what this [NCAA] document is saying you should do," Buisman said. "And again the operative word is 'should.' They're not saying required, they're saying based on the NCAA's medical team, this is what we should do."

At St. John's, Fasching expects what could be his biggest-ever roster of 220 players arriving on campus Aug. 22. Testing for each of the seven remaining games on the D-III Johnnies' schedule could cost $154,000.

[formerd3db]

Big article on where football stands for the MIAC this year.

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-s-small-colleges-cite-astronomical-costs-of-ncaa-s-covid-19-recommendations/571811142/

Per the NCAA's guidelines, which aren't requirements, student-athletes in high-contact risk sports such as football, soccer and volleyball will need COVID-19 testing within 72 hours of every game. The cost of that, as St. John's football coach Gary Fasching put it, is "astronomical."

"It's incredible costs that I don't know that we could absorb at this time," Fasching said.

Across the NCAA, several conferences, including the Division I Ivy League and Patriot League, have already canceled fall sports. In Minnesota, D-III Carleton College has canceled fall sports, but the rest of the MIAC has yet to do more than cancel nonconference games for the fall.

The cost of testing could become a tipping point. Brooks estimated for just his D-III fall sports high-risk teams — men's and women's soccer, football and volleyball — testing would cost more than $300,000.

"That's not Mankato's plan; that's what this [NCAA] document is saying you should do," Buisman said. "And again the operative word is 'should.' They're not saying required, they're saying based on the NCAA's medical team, this is what we should do."

At St. John's, Fasching expects what could be his biggest-ever roster of 220 players arriving on campus Aug. 22. Testing for each of the seven remaining games on the D-III Johnnies' schedule could cost $154,000.

Actually, testing will cost much more than that.  At $100 per test (which is the current cost), indeed, the $154,000 only covers that number of players you mention.  That does not take into consideration all the other people who will need to be tested (coaches, officials for game days, equipment managers and their staff, the athletic training staff, sideline personnel, even press box officials, etc.).  For example, currently over this way in west Michigan, some colleges are not even sure they will be able to get the quick result test and if that is not readily available, testing will take two days for the results to return.  And as you know, any of the tests only relate that a person is negative for the day they are tested-that could change in 24 hours. 

Anyway, indeed, as everyone here has mentioned, this is a very difficult problem/challenge facing all the programs who have said they are planning and desire to move forward with even an abbreviated season.  Recommendations are just that and as you and others have said, each school will need to make their own decisions based on their resources and what they perceive is best for all teams including based on local, state, and federal guidelines/recommendations and, of course, any state mandates that may be enacted.  Truly, this is a mess, but everyone just has to deal with it the best they can.  In my own mind, I have this scenario of what I believe is probably going to happen, but...I'll keep that to myself!  Appreciate everyone's input here-nothing wrong with discussing opinions and potential options, even if not everyone is on the same game plan. 

[formerd3db]

DBD:
Thank you and check your PMs.

Texas Ole:
Agree with you 100%!

[Jonny Utah]

Big article on where football stands for the MIAC this year.

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-s-small-colleges-cite-astronomical-costs-of-ncaa-s-covid-19-recommendations/571811142/

Per the NCAA's guidelines, which aren't requirements, student-athletes in high-contact risk sports such as football, soccer and volleyball will need COVID-19 testing within 72 hours of every game. The cost of that, as St. John's football coach Gary Fasching put it, is "astronomical."

"It's incredible costs that I don't know that we could absorb at this time," Fasching said.

Across the NCAA, several conferences, including the Division I Ivy League and Patriot League, have already canceled fall sports. In Minnesota, D-III Carleton College has canceled fall sports, but the rest of the MIAC has yet to do more than cancel nonconference games for the fall.

The cost of testing could become a tipping point. Brooks estimated for just his D-III fall sports high-risk teams — men's and women's soccer, football and volleyball — testing would cost more than $300,000.

"That's not Mankato's plan; that's what this [NCAA] document is saying you should do," Buisman said. "And again the operative word is 'should.' They're not saying required, they're saying based on the NCAA's medical team, this is what we should do."

At St. John's, Fasching expects what could be his biggest-ever roster of 220 players arriving on campus Aug. 22. Testing for each of the seven remaining games on the D-III Johnnies' schedule could cost $154,000.

There is this underlying issue of student athletes putting down deposits, sitting out a semester, paying or not paying tuition for that semester, allowed to stay another year, etc, etc.

If SJU has 200 football players and the cost of everything at SJU is 55K a year, that's 10 million dollars or so coming into the school (or not coming into the school based on the above).  Even if that number is 5 million, are colleges taking this into account, especially with athletes who may or not pay this fall based on whether or not a sport is being played?

I could be way off on these figures, and maybe colleges don't even look at it that way, but from a few of my friends who are sending kids away for their freshman year, I get the impression that they want ALL freshman on campus as soon as possible, and that the reason behind this is to "lock" these kids into the school asap. 

But I also get that SJU is not like other MIAC members, and if they don't have anyone to play in a season that might not count, maybe you have to look at folding your cards for the season. 

[jknezek]

When you look at the schools that have announced no athletics you definitely see schools less reliant on enrollment. I personally believe there are a lot of schools and conferences that are more reliant on enrollment will hold this charade of athletics until after athletes return. Then a round of testing, maybe, a few positives on campus inside or outside athletics and poof...  it will end. The goal is to lock in the dollars but the point of failure is going to be so low cancellation is almost inevitable.

The NCAA recommendations make athletics at any level but Power 5 too expensive. Granted it is only recs, but is the NCAA going to allow a post season under their liability against their recs? Of course not. So any hope of a D3 national tournament died with those recs. Is a shortened regular season worth the testing costs and risks? No. But pretending for a few more weeks to lock in those fall enrollments is not just worth it but possibly necessary for a whole lot of schools.

[jamtod]

Interesting article on AL.com about "college football information wars"

https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2020/07/inside-college-footballs-coronavirus-information-war.html?outputType=amp&__twitter_impression=true

"I fully understand why athletic directors and conference commissioners have fought vigorously to get college football going," Finebaum said. "You don't need a Ph.D. in mathematics from M.I.T. to understand that. It is about the money."

The optimism campaign backfired. Predictions of a relatively normal season with normal crowds may have lulled fans into a false sense of security as some states reopened too soon and many returned to their pre-pandemic way of life. Hope for having an on-time and full football season has been replaced by hope for a 2020 season in any form, and only if the negative trajectory is corrected.

[Texas Ole]

With 220 football players if the MIAC shuts it down SJU could have a intramural league.  The MIAC is one of the few conferences that does not allow for graduate players.  I can't remember the MIAC or D3 rules on other 5th year eligibility issues.  If the MIAC decides on no fall sports or no football could schools still play an independent schedule?

I haven't seen anything from Mac regarding fall sports, but I am guessing if they can take a year off from football than they will do it.  They are probably next to cancel fall sports.  A year ago we were all wondering why some of these schools built these massive endowments.  Now a lot of schools are having to look to these endowments to cover losses.  As a rule you never touch the principal, but I am fearing that might happen soon for a few schools especially if enrollments drop.

[formerd3db]

With 220 football players if the MIAC shuts it down SJU could have a intramural league.  The MIAC is one of the few conferences that does not allow for graduate players.  I can't remember the MIAC or D3 rules on other 5th year eligibility issues.  If the MIAC decides on no fall sports or no football could schools still play an independent schedule?

I haven't seen anything from Mac regarding fall sports, but I am guessing if they can take a year off from football than they will do it.  They are probably next to cancel fall sports.  A year ago we were all wondering why some of these schools built these massive endowments.  Now a lot of schools are having to look to these endowments to cover losses.  As a rule you never touch the principal, but I am fearing that might happen soon for a few schools especially if enrollments drop.

Unfortunately, some schools have been doing that for the past several years (some out of necessity, others not) and that is why they are in trouble.

[repete]

A small Scots  kerfuffle and, way down in the story, word  that there is no decision yet for Mac fall sports.

https://themacweekly.com/78516/sports/assistant-football-coach-reed-tweets-criticism-for-covid-19-precautions/

[miac952]

With 220 football players if the MIAC shuts it down SJU could have a intramural league.  The MIAC is one of the few conferences that does not allow for graduate players.  I can't remember the MIAC or D3 rules on other 5th year eligibility issues.  If the MIAC decides on no fall sports or no football could schools still play an independent schedule?

I haven't seen anything from Mac regarding fall sports, but I am guessing if they can take a year off from football than they will do it.  They are probably next to cancel fall sports.  A year ago we were all wondering why some of these schools built these massive endowments.  Now a lot of schools are having to look to these endowments to cover losses.  As a rule you never touch the principal, but I am fearing that might happen soon for a few schools especially if enrollments drop.

Unfortunately, some schools have been doing that for the past several years (some out of necessity, others not) and that is why they are in trouble.

The majority of endowment funds are restricted with specific rules on use and specificity on operational budgets for the areas of use not being reduced to be saved or used elsewhere. This will inhibit many universities from using this in the event of emergent cash flow needs. It will be interesting to see what movement there is in bond ratings for those that are struggling like Hamline, Bethel, St Kate's, etc. That will be an indicator of serious issues.

[miac952]

A small Scots  kerfuffle and, way down in the story, word  that there is no decision yet for Mac fall sports.

https://themacweekly.com/78516/sports/assistant-football-coach-reed-tweets-criticism-for-covid-19-precautions/

I thought I've seen it all, but seeing Mac have a COVID conspiracist under their employ is a new one. Regardless of the guy's views on the topic using coined phrases like "corona bro's" is a sad assessment of his intellect. His responsibilities as social media guy for Mac Football will probably be re-evaluated

[jamtod]

A small Scots  kerfuffle and, way down in the story, word  that there is no decision yet for Mac fall sports.

https://themacweekly.com/78516/sports/assistant-football-coach-reed-tweets-criticism-for-covid-19-precautions/

I thought I've seen it all, but seeing Mac have a COVID conspiracist under their employ is a new one. Regardless of the guy's views on the topic using coined phrases like "corona bro's" is a sad assessment of his intellect. His responsibilities as social media guy for Mac Football will probably be re-evaluated

In a sad and weird way, that whole article was kind of hilarious coming from that bastion of right-wing intellectualism, Macalester.

The majority of endowment funds are restricted with specific rules on use and specificity on operational budgets for the areas of use not being reduced to be saved or used elsewhere. This will inhibit many universities from using this in the event of emergent cash flow needs. It will be interesting to see what movement there is in bond ratings for those that are struggling like Hamline, Bethel, St Kate's, etc. That will be an indicator of serious issues.

Hmmm. St Kate's has financial troubles. St Thomas has to find a place to build a hockey arena.

Hmmmmmm. You don't think? Maybe?

I've mostly found other avenues to channel my charitable donations since I've graduated, but I think I could find a few $$s to throw UST's way for the UST Athletic Village @ Randolph and Cleveland

[jamtod]

Star Tribune puffing up St Thomas as it heads to D1, with an alleged quote from an existing Pioneer League member about UST being "too good"

https://www.startribune.com/st-thomas-too-good-for-division-i-pioneer-football-league-too/571839771/

[faunch]

D3 fall championships about to get the 🪓 for 2020.

https://twitter.com/d3football/status/1285682888617472001?s=21