MBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[realist]

MIAA post season tournaments in all sports are going to the 4 team format.
The key here is all sports.  While many of us might want an exemption for men's bball obviously the powers that be didn't see it that way.  Looking at the attendance reords for those first round games it looks like a money losing proposition even for men's bball, and would doubt there are many or even any exceptions in the other sports.  We know everyone of the MIAA schools are looking for ways to cut or keep costs down.  

If men's bball fans want to get an exemption they should make sure all 4 games this year at all 4 sites are SRO sellouts.

If memory serves correct one of the arguements for going with the post season tournaments was this was a method that could be used to defray some of the expenses involved in operating the MIAA.  The MIAA runs the games, and benefits from the earnings.  It makes sense that the MIAA would want to eliminate those games that are consistant money losing ventures.  Like the man said: "follow the money".

[Knightmare]

MIAA post season tournaments in all sports are going to the 4 team format.
The key here is all sports.  While many of us might want an exemption for men's bball obviously the powers that be didn't see it that way.  Looking at the attendance reords for those first round games it looks like a money losing proposition even for men's bball, and would doubt there are many or even any exceptions in the other sports.  We know everyone of the MIAA schools are looking for ways to cut or keep costs down. 

If men's bball fans want to get an exemption they should make sure all 4 games this year at all 4 sites are SRO sellouts.

What sports currently have a post-season tournament?  I know soccer hasn't had one at all.  With going to just 4-team tourney's are some of the sports that previously didn't have one going to now add a post-season tournament?

[ChicagoHopeNut]

MIAA post season tournaments in all sports are going to the 4 team format.
The key here is all sports.  While many of us might want an exemption for men's bball obviously the powers that be didn't see it that way.  Looking at the attendance reords for those first round games it looks like a money losing proposition even for men's bball, and would doubt there are many or even any exceptions in the other sports.  We know everyone of the MIAA schools are looking for ways to cut or keep costs down. 

If men's bball fans want to get an exemption they should make sure all 4 games this year at all 4 sites are SRO sellouts.

What sports have end of season conference tournaments? Based on the MIAA website I think the following sports have a playoff in some format:

Men's and Women's Basketball
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
Softball
Men's and Women's Tennis
Women's Golf

Am I missing any? That would be 8 out of 18 sports. Depending on how you count the following:

Will only 4 teams be invited to the season ending Swimming and Diving meet?

What about cross country? Right now the final meet is worth 1/3 and the regular season is worth 2/3 of final standings. Will that be different and only 4 teams run?

Track only inviting 4 teams to the final Championship Field Day? Once again, this would require the MIAA to redo how standings are determined.

If you count those 6 sports then it's up to 14 out of 18 sports but I don't see how they can invite only 4 teams to any of those events. It would completely change the dynamic of the events and I think be very unfair to individual athletes who may not be on a team that is competitive but might be able to win individual events and/or qualify themselves for the NCAA tournaments.

I think the savings here are limited and it's a bad call. If you want to do it on a sport by sport basis you can but this is really an unfortunate call.

[realist]

CHN:  It strikes me that the difference may be that some sports allow for individuals to qualify for the NCAA's.  The schedules are set in such a way that the jamboree's and field days are in lieu of a double round robin.
Cross county runners compete individually, and swimmers and divers along with track and field need to meet NCAA qualifying performance.  

If one reads all sports as, all sports that now have post season torunaments sponsored by the MIAA, going to the 4 team format it may help to clarify matters.

[HopeConvert]

I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but Will Bowser received some well-deserved recognition as a member of the D3Hoops team of the week for his performances against Kazoo and Calvin.

[ziggy]

I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but Will Bowser received some well-deserved recognition as a member of the D3Hoops team of the week for his performances against Kazoo and Calvin.

I believe it was mentioned. Michael McClary has also received a few team of the week honors this year.

[sac]

McClary and Bowser named this week's MIAA player of the week.
For each its the 4th time this season.  3rd time in 4 weeks for Bowser.

These two should probably get used to each others company.

[hope_hoops1]

While reducing to a 4-team tournament does hurt the in-region record it does help the strength of schedule.  I know it's grasping at straws, but at least there's one positive there when looking at the NCAA tournament.

[Flying Dutch Fan]

While reducing to a 4-team tournament does hurt the in-region record it does help the strength of schedule.  I know it's grasping at straws, but at least there's one positive there when looking at the NCAA tournament.

I have been wondering if there is also a second advantage for any team that makes it into the NCAA tournament.  Will they get there a little less tired?

With the current format, the team winning the MIAA tournament will have played 3 games in 4 days.  They may also have had to travel a fair amount back and forth.

My assumption (I know, I know) is that the new format will be that #1 and #2 will host games on Wednesday, and then the highest remaining seed would host on Saturday.  This keeps the teams in their normal MIAA routine including traveling, and we all know how much sports teams like to be in a routine. 

Maybe not a big advantage, just trying to make lemonade...

[realist]

Interesting quote I came across in my D3 travels:
From:
Rich Luenemann  Coach
Washington University Volleyball

10 Time NCAA National Champs

The mettle of a person is best tested when he/she stands facing the immovable object or the irresistible force while encountering the greatest adversity and says "I will not let you beat me.  You cannot take what is most dear to me".

[ziggy]

Interesting quote I came across in my D3 travels:
From:
Rich Luenemann  Coach
Washington University Volleyball

10 Time NCAA National Champs

The mettle of a person is best tested when he/she stands facing the immovable object or the irresistible force while encountering the greatest adversity and says "I will not let you beat me.  You cannot take what is most dear to me".

Izzo Fail

[hope_hoops1]

FDF -- I'll give you the fatigue argument (even fans are drained after that week) but I have to respectfully disagree with the routine argument.  The routine promptly gets shattered the next week in the NCAA's however so it may not be all bad for teams to get accustumed to the back-to-back games that currently exist in the MIAA tournament.

[ChicagoHopeNut]

My assumption (I know, I know) is that the new format will be that #1 and #2 will host games on Wednesday, and then the highest remaining seed would host on Saturday.  This keeps the teams in their normal MIAA routine including traveling, and we all know how much sports teams like to be in a routine. 

Maybe not a big advantage, just trying to make lemonade...

My assumption is the opposite, I think they'll play Friday-Saturday with 4 teams all at one site. (I think this is what the CCIW does but please correct me if I am wrong).  If you play on Wednesday you are more likely to have students missing games then if you play Friday.

[ziggy]

My assumption (I know, I know) is that the new format will be that #1 and #2 will host games on Wednesday, and then the highest remaining seed would host on Saturday.  This keeps the teams in their normal MIAA routine including traveling, and we all know how much sports teams like to be in a routine. 

Maybe not a big advantage, just trying to make lemonade...

My assumption is the opposite, I think they'll play Friday-Saturday with 4 teams all at one site. (I think this is what the CCIW does but please correct me if I am wrong).  If you play on Wednesday you are more likely to have students missing games then if you play Friday.

Agree

[KnightSlappy]

My assumption (I know, I know) is that the new format will be that #1 and #2 will host games on Wednesday, and then the highest remaining seed would host on Saturday.  This keeps the teams in their normal MIAA routine including traveling, and we all know how much sports teams like to be in a routine. 

Maybe not a big advantage, just trying to make lemonade...

My assumption is the opposite, I think they'll play Friday-Saturday with 4 teams all at one site. (I think this is what the CCIW does but please correct me if I am wrong).  If you play on Wednesday you are more likely to have students missing games then if you play Friday.

Agree

This is what I originally thought too, but if one of the reasons is cost reduction, you'd want to play Wednesday/Saturday to eliminate the need for hotel rooms. Unless, say, Adrian wants to drive to a place like Holland on Friday night, then drive back across the state after the game, then drive back on Saturday.