Quote:It turns out James Madison has gotten a nibble or two from other conferences, as the Colonial Athletic Association loses its appeal quicker than an "American Idol" champion.

Two leagues have contacted JMU to gauge the university's interest. One was expected: The Mid-American Conference, a stable group of mostly 20,000-plus enrollment schools. One wasn't expected: The Western Athletic Conference, a league that makes the Big East look normal.

Yes, the MAC and the WAC.

Madison, for the record, has zero interest in the latter. Even if the WAC succeeded in collecting enough mid-level schools (think the JMUs and Delawares) to form an East Coast branch, the idea of sending its volleyball team to Idaho or New Mexico State - the only current members that haven't announced their intentions of moving elsewhere - is a non-starter for Madison officials.

The MAC? That's a different story. If Delaware and Appalachian State came along, some JMU officials would be highly interested in the conference. But - for the millionth time - it all depends what new president Jonathan Alger wants to do after he assumes office on July 1.