Bartram,
uh-yes, true dat on Div II-A.
No problem.
on a conference,,, maybe, maybe not. I find it interesting to hear them talk about possibly not going into the SIAC. This will be interesting to watch.
I agree this will be interesting to watch. But, I have treuly believe they are interested in the SIAC and are just covering their back, while positioning themselves for talks in regards to expansion of the SIAC.
Remember there are 9 football participating member in the SIAC that is not much of a problem as a scheduling issue, but that means they have 11 basketball and non-revenue generating sport members. Now, that is a scheduling headache for the conference office.
When I made my comments about expansion of the SIAC and not any other conference. I did my homework and reviewed the likelyhood of a different arrangement.
How would the presidents vote on expansion? I would suggest the following likely hood:
Albany State - Maybe, depending conference play-off oscenario
Benedict - Yes, would reduce conference traveling expense
Clark-Atlanta - Yes, would reduce conference traveling expense
Fort Valley State - Maybe, depending conference play-off scenario
Morehouse - Maybe, remember Stillman vs. Morehouse rain game
Miles - Yes, would reduce conference traveling expense
Kentucky State - Yes, would reduce conference traveling expense
Tuskegee - Yes, would reduce conference traveling expense
Lane - Yes, would reduce conference traveling expense
6 yes, and 3 maybe
Also the Gulf South Conference currently has 12 conference members is not likely to expand the conference for additional membership.
Gulf South Conference:
Arkansas Monticiello - No
Arkansas Tech - No
Central Arkansas - No
Delta State - No
Harding - No
Henderson State - No
North Alabama - Maybe
Oachita Baptist - No
Southern Arkansas - No
Valdosta State - Doubtful
West Alabama - Maybe
West Georgia - Doubtful
8 No, 2 Doubtful, 2 Maybe
Other HBCU participating in football, Edward College - Florida, Allen College - South Carolina, Paul Quinn College - Texas, Langston University - Oklahoma, Central State University - Ohio (Plans to restart football) all NAIA Division I member, whom are spread out regionally and would have to petition the NCAA for membership and reclassification. Lincoln University - Missouri a NCAA Division II member.
A new conference would need atleast 6 members to earn all the NCAA post-season championship eligiblity for participation. So, Stillman College - Alabama would need atleast 5 of the above institutions to move with them to create a new conference. Even if they could convince atleast 5 institutions to make the move. Those institutions could not make that move by next season.
This would also create a very unfriendly and expensive traveling budget for such a new conference alignment.
plus too, some contend that there is, in fact, a move afoot at Tuskegee to move up,,, i am not of that belief, but I have had fellow Tuskegee faithful tell me it is so.
I agree there has been talk. As well as talk by Benedict College. But, I think this would make the move to the SIAC even easier for Stillman College. Furthermore, I doubt Tuskegee University and/or Benedict College will announce their attention for a move to NCAA Division I AA/Division I, before Stillman College petition the SIAC for membership.
I'm just stunned at how Stillman manages to be moving so far so quickly. I would like to see Talladega and maybe Selma Univ and Oakwood field club teams and at least get to div III.
Stillman College has put together a very aggressive and strong plan to move from NCAA Division III to NCAA Division II, similar to Benedict College having an equal aggressive and strong plan to move from NAIA Division I to NCAA Division II and now finally gaining membership into the SIAC.
I have not heard any word of Talledega, Selma, or Oakwood having any interest in creating a football program for their respective institutions. Usually the creation of a football program is a 3 to 5 year strategic planning effort by the institution's president or board of regents.
