Been out camping since Wednesday but it seems like the move has been reasonable well. I assume Abilene stays in the WAC for this year and follows SFA to SLC. Tarleton I know has bigger ambitions but I bet they settle for SLC for at least stability for now probably the same for UTA. Ill have to listen to the interview. I hope this is only a stepping stone for some stability under our ground and we keep growing that SFA brand. Excited for this year regardless where we are at. (Hopefully some games in Oregon so I can go watch!)
Southland Conference here we come
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Last: 3 hrs ago by djsfw57
Call the new AD and tell him you want some buy games in Eugene or Corvallis.
Haha Bet. For sure something I would love to see.
SCH890 said:
Been out camping since Wednesday but it seems like the move has been reasonable well. I assume Abilene stays in the WAC for this year and follows SFA to SLC. Tarleton I know has bigger ambitions but I bet they settle for SLC for at least stability for now probably the same for UTA. Ill have to listen to the interview. I hope this is only a stepping stone for some stability under our ground and we keep growing that SFA brand. Excited for this year regardless where we are at. (Hopefully some games in Oregon so I can go watch!)
Glad to hear our Pacific Northwest contingent is alive and well. For the record, I lived in Seattle (1999-2001). Beautiful.
I found it interesting that McBroom said that 80% of SFA's 120,000 alumni live east of I-35. (I think those are the numbers he used.) In hindsight, that makes perfect sense, but I'd simply never heard it stated before.
SFA Jack Fanatic said:
On facility improvements... He specifically said the initial focus will be on football, baseball, softball, and soccer. Good to hear.
Something like this would be nice…Good for ACU
https://acusports.com/news/2024/5/17/acu-announces-phase-one-of-baseball-upgrade.aspx
Phase one is just getting one on campus and then building one from there. Hell if its simple bleacher seats I would go. No idea where you would place it though.cboothe09 said:SFA Jack Fanatic said:
On facility improvements... He specifically said the initial focus will be on football, baseball, softball, and soccer. Good to hear.
Something like this would be nice…Good for ACU
https://acusports.com/news/2024/5/17/acu-announces-phase-one-of-baseball-upgrade.aspx
The writer of this article wants us to lower our "special finger", then immediately proceeds to put down SFA every way he can think of. What a warm welcome back!
Think I'll keep my special finger extended in his direction at least for a little while...
Think I'll keep my special finger extended in his direction at least for a little while...
Should be a couple bye games for the Jacks on the hardwood. lol
LOLSFA Jack Fanatic said:
The writer of this article wants us to lower our "special finger", then immediately proceeds to put down SFA every way he can think of. What a warm welcome back!
Think I'll keep my special finger extended in his direction at least for a little while...
Truth hurts?
mccowboys said:LOLSFA Jack Fanatic said:
The writer of this article wants us to lower our "special finger", then immediately proceeds to put down SFA every way he can think of. What a warm welcome back!
Think I'll keep my special finger extended in his direction at least for a little while...
Truth hurts?
I need a link to the McCowboys fan site, so I can mix it up.
Can you provide such a link? Google did not lead me to it.
mccowboys said:LOLSFA Jack Fanatic said:
The writer of this article wants us to lower our "special finger", then immediately proceeds to put down SFA every way he can think of. What a warm welcome back!
Think I'll keep my special finger extended in his direction at least for a little while...
Truth hurts?
My point was that the writer of that article is apparently ignorant about the difference in the level of competition that SFA faced in the WAC vs. what McNeese faced in the SLC in all sports the last three years. He seemed to assume the levels were even. They were vastly different.
SFAJack_76 said:
The SLC commisioner exudes enthusiasm. I can see why the Southland schools seem to love him.
I live in Stephenville. I've been taking it in the shorts from some Tarleton buddies. We turned tail and left the WAC like cowards. That's what I listen to every day. Now we're getting punked by some intern journalist from BF LC. Enrollment nosediving. Athletic budget to follow(just watch). We are adrift, and the Southland floatie is the first one we grab? I can't believe there's not more outrage! I hate this!!! We took a giant step backwards. I don't even know what else to say. We can bus to our games? Fantastic!
SFA has announced that South Hall and Hall 10 are both reopening due to increased enrollment and applications.
That seems to contradict your statement about enrollment nosediving.
With GCU and Seattle U leaving the WAC next year the WAC appears to be on life support at the moment.
I liked being in the WAC but the "bill of goods" we were sold about the WAC (a 2 team conference for the Big Dance, great football conference) did not turn out to be the case.
I'm lukewarm about the SLC but there has been a change in leadership there since we left so perhaps the SLC can trend forward.
One can expect to catch some grief on returning to SLC after giving them the back of our hand. It's natural human nature,(although Lamar and UIW can't speak as they did the same.). Your Tarleton friends are likely pissed that they didn't get the invite to FBS yet that they all seem to believe they deserve. With all the uncertainty in the NCAA right now with conference alignments, NIL, Transfer portal, returning to a conference that seems to be a constant right now is not the worst thing SFA could have done. I do agree that we are not through seeing changes in and around SFA but we can only watch and wait until it plays out.
That seems to contradict your statement about enrollment nosediving.
With GCU and Seattle U leaving the WAC next year the WAC appears to be on life support at the moment.
I liked being in the WAC but the "bill of goods" we were sold about the WAC (a 2 team conference for the Big Dance, great football conference) did not turn out to be the case.
I'm lukewarm about the SLC but there has been a change in leadership there since we left so perhaps the SLC can trend forward.
One can expect to catch some grief on returning to SLC after giving them the back of our hand. It's natural human nature,(although Lamar and UIW can't speak as they did the same.). Your Tarleton friends are likely pissed that they didn't get the invite to FBS yet that they all seem to believe they deserve. With all the uncertainty in the NCAA right now with conference alignments, NIL, Transfer portal, returning to a conference that seems to be a constant right now is not the worst thing SFA could have done. I do agree that we are not through seeing changes in and around SFA but we can only watch and wait until it plays out.
SoLittleChance said:
I live in Stephenville. I've been taking it in the shorts from some Tarleton buddies. We turned tail and left the WAC like cowards. That's what I listen to every day. Now we're getting punked by some intern journalist from BF LC. Enrollment nosediving. Athletic budget to follow(just watch). We are adrift, and the Southland floatie is the first one we grab? I can't believe there's not more outrage! I hate this!!! We took a giant step backwards. I don't even know what else to say. We can bus to our games? Fantastic!
The alarm bells are a little out of hand. The 2023 freshmen class was the largest since 2018. This years class appears to be at least as big. Sure enrollment took a hit during Covid (we are a huge {% wise} on campus) university. Unlike Sam, NT etc.
The UTS money is already having an impact and we've yet to begin building. 2025 - 2027 will be good years for SFA.
The new president - athletic director, seemed to be aligned. It is likely that some of weaker facilities (football & baseball) will get renovations or significant rebuilds. The amount of money being invested in SFA is truly staggering . It won't be long before the positive ripple effects are being felt across the campus and beyond.
We should all feel optimistic about the future of our Alma Mater.
SoLittleChance said:
I live in Stephenville. I've been taking it in the shorts from some Tarleton buddies. We turned tail and left the WAC like cowards. That's what I listen to every day. Now we're getting punked by some intern journalist from BF LC. Enrollment nosediving. Athletic budget to follow(just watch). We are adrift, and the Southland floatie is the first one we grab? I can't believe there's not more outrage! I hate this!!! We took a giant step backwards. I don't even know what else to say. We can bus to our games? Fantastic!
What the heck are you talking about? Quit listening to heresay and start paying attention to what's actually happening. Enrollment nosediving? No, it's not. Two dorms are being reopened to accommodate all of the incoming freshmen. The UT system will be infusing millions into the university for years to come, including the athletic budget. Look at what being in the UT system has done for UTRGV in facilities and enrollment. Leaving the WAC was primarily driven by the logistics and expense of travel in such an expansive conference (Texas to California to Washington), including "minor" non-revenue sports. Participate in and pay more attention to the information that's shared in these forums and you'll have a better outlook on the whole situation.
Well-said, and true.
Looks very likely that Texas State University will be joining the PAC 12. An invite is imminent.
This would set off another round of grabbing schools with the Mountain West looking at Tarleton and Sam Houston (this news was shared on the podcast "The Big Mountain") a Mountain West focused podcast.
It's hard to say how/if these moves play out in a way that would affect SFA , but it seems possible. Especially if Tarleton was to get an offer from the Mountain West and Sam Houston moved to the American or SunBelt CUSA would look at SFA. If we were fbs, the Battle of the Piney Woods would probably be back on with both schools at the same level. Plenty of intriguing possibilities.
This would set off another round of grabbing schools with the Mountain West looking at Tarleton and Sam Houston (this news was shared on the podcast "The Big Mountain") a Mountain West focused podcast.
It's hard to say how/if these moves play out in a way that would affect SFA , but it seems possible. Especially if Tarleton was to get an offer from the Mountain West and Sam Houston moved to the American or SunBelt CUSA would look at SFA. If we were fbs, the Battle of the Piney Woods would probably be back on with both schools at the same level. Plenty of intriguing possibilities.
Axe 'Em Jacks - Class of 85'
I can't even wrap my mind around SFA going to FBS. I think that would be a huge mistake.BigJack85 said:
Looks very likely that Texas State University will be joining the PAC 12. An invite is imminent.
This would set off another round of grabbing schools with the Mountain West looking at Tarleton and Sam Houston (this news was shared on the podcast "The Big Mountain") a Mountain West focused podcast.
It's hard to say how/if these moves play out in a way that would affect SFA , but it seems possible. Especially if Tarleton was to get an offer from the Mountain West and Sam Houston moved to the American or SunBelt CUSA would look at SFA. If we were fbs, the Battle of the Piney Woods would probably be back on with both schools at the same level. Plenty of intriguing possibilities.
SFA, Class of 1979
djsfw57 said:I can't even wrap my mind around SFA going to FBS. I think that would be a huge mistake.BigJack85 said:
Looks very likely that Texas State University will be joining the PAC 12. An invite is imminent.
This would set off another round of grabbing schools with the Mountain West looking at Tarleton and Sam Houston (this news was shared on the podcast "The Big Mountain") a Mountain West focused podcast.
It's hard to say how/if these moves play out in a way that would affect SFA , but it seems possible. Especially if Tarleton was to get an offer from the Mountain West and Sam Houston moved to the American or SunBelt CUSA would look at SFA. If we were fbs, the Battle of the Piney Woods would probably be back on with both schools at the same level. Plenty of intriguing possibilities.
Who knows the metrics. I feel like the lower end of FBS is similar to the high end of FCS. That being said, the $'s from the CBS Sports/related media for CUSA/team is consequential. Close to $1.8 million. Vs zero for SLC teams.
If we want to be in the division one "afterthought" league forever, we'll play it safe. Let's go a little bolder and perhaps a bit more geographically sensible than the WAC. CUSA makes a ton of sense. Basketball is superb (on par with the WAC) and superior to SLC in almost every sport. I feel our membership in the SLC has the potential to erode our competitiveness across numerous sports. Can't say that for certain but I feel "King of the Southland" may become less valuable than a University of Phoenix degree .
Axe 'Em Jacks - Class of 85'
I think the biggest issue is just travel. Sunbelt is a wide range of states not all super local to our region.BigJack85 said:djsfw57 said:I can't even wrap my mind around SFA going to FBS. I think that would be a huge mistake.BigJack85 said:
Looks very likely that Texas State University will be joining the PAC 12. An invite is imminent.
This would set off another round of grabbing schools with the Mountain West looking at Tarleton and Sam Houston (this news was shared on the podcast "The Big Mountain") a Mountain West focused podcast.
It's hard to say how/if these moves play out in a way that would affect SFA , but it seems possible. Especially if Tarleton was to get an offer from the Mountain West and Sam Houston moved to the American or SunBelt CUSA would look at SFA. If we were fbs, the Battle of the Piney Woods would probably be back on with both schools at the same level. Plenty of intriguing possibilities.
Who knows the metrics. I feel like the lower end of FBS is similar to the high end of FCS. That being said, the $'s from the CBS Sports/related media for CUSA/team is consequential. Close to $1.8 million. Vs zero for SLC teams.
If we want to be in the division one "afterthought" league forever, we'll play it safe. Let's go a little bolder and perhaps a bit more geographically sensible than the WAC. CUSA makes a ton of sense. Basketball is superb (on par with the WAC) and superior to SLC in almost every sport. I feel our membership in the SLC has the potential to erode our competitiveness across numerous sports. Can't say that for certain but I feel "King of the Southland" may become less valuable than a University of Phoenix degree .
ConferenceUSA is a bit better but I think Sunbelt would be a better option since you could tie states together
I would love a move to FBS but I don't want travel to be facor that would be an issue. Thats what hurt us in the WAC move atleast both of these moves would be one time zone not two.
On a good year, we're middle of the road FCS. On a regular year, we're near the bottom. We're not a target for anyone currently.
nacluth said:
On a good year, we're middle of the road FCS. On a regular year, we're near the bottom. We're not a target for anyone currently.
Not today.
Axe 'Em Jacks - Class of 85'
BigJack85 said:nacluth said:
On a good year, we're middle of the road FCS. On a regular year, we're near the bottom. We're not a target for anyone currently.
Not today.
Not for football. LOL.
Don't want to be a target. FCS is where we belong for football. MBB is in a bad place right now. Baseball has been awful. Our Woman's sports are leading the way but would face tougher tests each season.
Our time in the WAC was not even close to being overall competitive in every sport. Don't understand anyone wanting us to move to FBS.
It took Texas St. 14 -15 years to finally have a couple of back to back good football seasons. I don't recall hearing about them having great success anywhere else athletically in that time frame. Until and IF the current leaders of our Athletic Dept develop more consistent, solid winning programs and perhaps get something good done for baseball/softball, we need to stay in our lane.
Our time in the WAC was not even close to being overall competitive in every sport. Don't understand anyone wanting us to move to FBS.
It took Texas St. 14 -15 years to finally have a couple of back to back good football seasons. I don't recall hearing about them having great success anywhere else athletically in that time frame. Until and IF the current leaders of our Athletic Dept develop more consistent, solid winning programs and perhaps get something good done for baseball/softball, we need to stay in our lane.
Competitiveness is only a part of what conferences look at when it comes to inviting schools. If it was that big, NDSU wouldn't be trying to find room for yet another FCS trophy.
The bigger factors are market, region/geographic footprint for conference, endowment, resources and facilities, and attendance to sporting events.
The bigger factors are market, region/geographic footprint for conference, endowment, resources and facilities, and attendance to sporting events.
We may get unlucky and get a CUSA invite. I just don't see FBS working out well for us.
If you asked me what I wanted for the future of SFA athletics, it would be an all Texas FCS league.
SFA, ACU, Tarleton, UT RGV, Lamar, HCU, Corpus, East Texas A&M, UIW, UT Arlington and add WTAMU.
If you asked me what I wanted for the future of SFA athletics, it would be an all Texas FCS league.
SFA, ACU, Tarleton, UT RGV, Lamar, HCU, Corpus, East Texas A&M, UIW, UT Arlington and add WTAMU.
Fwiw, if I were a betting person, I'd bet on UIW getting the invite to replace Sam or TX State.
Though the sunbelt and or CUSA could just decide to reload by looking at East Coast schools to shrink the footprint down some.
Though the sunbelt and or CUSA could just decide to reload by looking at East Coast schools to shrink the footprint down some.
TallTexan said:
Fwiw, if I were a betting person, I'd bet on UIW getting the invite to replace Sam or TX State.
Though the sunbelt and or CUSA could just decide to reload by looking at East Coast schools to shrink the footprint down some.
Basketball pedigree is still important. Besides they have high school or lower caliber facilities. At least we have high end basketball and volleyball (in its own unique way) facilities. Don't see UIW.
The pros to the move would be obviously the money, the exposure from being included in the video game and more televised games, and getting the BOTPW back, which would be huge for both SFA and Sam.
The negatives are, like you all said, we would lose a lot more. And not just in football, everywhere. The level of competition would just be so much greater than the SLC. I think it would mean we get higher quality athletes, that's usually the cause and effect, but would need to be okay with losing a lot more.
The dream is obviously to become America's sweetheart underdog. But the nightmare would be becoming Akron or Toledo.
The negatives are, like you all said, we would lose a lot more. And not just in football, everywhere. The level of competition would just be so much greater than the SLC. I think it would mean we get higher quality athletes, that's usually the cause and effect, but would need to be okay with losing a lot more.
The dream is obviously to become America's sweetheart underdog. But the nightmare would be becoming Akron or Toledo.
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