A good thing that came out of this is that a majority of the schools in each conference are excited to be there. I think it will strengthen both leagues when all of the members are working together to build the conference. Shouldn't be any more mass exodus from conferences anytime soon like we just saw.

(12-20-2012 12:08 PM)gdunn Wrote:  

(12-20-2012 12:06 PM)Thegoldstandard Wrote:  

(12-20-2012 12:02 PM)gdunn Wrote:  I do wonder if ECU will start lobbying to bring in USM like USM did for ECU years ago.

ahhhhhh no

Are you saying that we pissed off Louisville for ECU, but ECU won't do the same fer us?

Yes we did. We wanted ECU in and Louisville didn't, but it was also about revenue sharing and Louisville thought they should get a bigger share than the rest of us. Adding ECU would lower their take and so Louisville threatened (and actually did) to leave the conference. When the others said ok leave, Louisville said they didn't quit and took it to court to force their return to the conference. A settlement was reached and Louisville was allowed to return but ECU was allow to enter. USM was the head of the drive for ECU although other schools were very strong on it as well.

I grew up about 30 miles from the Southern Miss campus and have watched USM play as far back as around 1958 or so (I can't remember the exact year since I was so young at the time) and being a football fan so long I can remember sitting by the radio and listening to the broadcast of the Ole Miss/LSU Halloween game that Billy Cannon made his famous or infamous run (depending on your point of view). I went to USM in 82/83 as an older student since I had also done my military service in both the Air Force and Navy. I well remember the formation of the conference and the troubles we had getting it going. I feel the new additions are going to do well and we can see a marked improvement with most of these programs at least. I don't see Memphis, Tulane, and SMU being programs that we won't find ourselves better because of new additions. La. Tech will certainly upgrade the status of play that Tulane offered, Memphis (except basketball) will be surpassed with MTSU and SMU hasn't been a tough to beat team most of the time they have been the conference and I can see UTSA, maybe even North Texas adding what SMU would if not more.

I hope USM will stay in C-USA and think we will have a conference that will hold it's own against the other mid-majors and as for teams like USM, Tulsa, Marshall, and others, that have been in the conference will get better and move on. ECU will be missed but their absence won't be more than seeing some wonderful games no longer played, like with USM and Marshall who have a great association with ECU.

(12-20-2012 09:18 AM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  Of course, that was obvious the second the C7 announced they were leaving. ECU might be the only school better off with them gone. We were never getting all sports with them around, but now we won't have to deal with the split sports mess and the money all sports without the C7 will likely be the same as FB only would have been with the C7.

You guys really should start commiting some type of resources into the basketball program. It really puzzles me how a school like WVA can build and sustain a decent program with great attendance, but a school like ECU hasn't been able to come close. Relative proximity to Ohio/PA? Administrative stance?...

TH knew that football was our money maker and decided to funnel the money into that sport until it was time to move on to basketball (which we have with the practice facility, Lebo, hanging scoreboard, etc)

If USM came up in a meeting of BE members about possible inclusion I could see no reason that

Old friends in CUSA of USF and UC as well as recent transfers of Houston, SMU, ECU, Memphis, and UCF would not be willing to listen/support them.

Actually, depends on what the BE really wants... I could totally see the top CUSA possibilities being

Tulsa, USM, and Marshall. Although, USM and Tulsa would be more for Western Division.

(12-20-2012 06:44 PM)PirateTreasureNC Wrote:  If USM came up in a meeting of BE members about possible inclusion I could see no reason that

Old friends in CUSA of USF and UC as well as recent transfers of Houston, SMU, ECU, Memphis, and UCF would not be willing to listen/support them.

Actually, depends on what the BE really wants... I could totally see the top CUSA possibilities being

Tulsa, USM, and Marshall. Although, USM and Tulsa would be more for Western Division.

Seriously doubt we would entertain an offer. Doesn't make financial sense.

(12-20-2012 05:52 PM)Texas2Step Wrote:  

(12-20-2012 09:18 AM)b0ndsj0ns Wrote:  Of course, that was obvious the second the C7 announced they were leaving. ECU might be the only school better off with them gone. We were never getting all sports with them around, but now we won't have to deal with the split sports mess and the money all sports without the C7 will likely be the same as FB only would have been with the C7.

You guys really should start commiting some type of resources into the basketball program. It really puzzles me how a school like WVA can build and sustain a decent program with great attendance, but a school like ECU hasn't been able to come close. Relative proximity to Ohio/PA? Administrative stance?...

We have a 15 million dollar practice facility under construction and a rumored 3 million dollar renovation of Minges. I believe both should be completed before we join the Big East.

(12-20-2012 05:52 PM)Texas2Step Wrote:  You guys really should start commiting some type of resources into the basketball program. It really puzzles me how a school like WVA can build and sustain a decent program with great attendance, but a school like ECU hasn't been able to come close. Relative proximity to Ohio/PA? Administrative stance?...

We're putting about $20 million in construction and renovations for our program. It's a work in progress. A program that has been neglected for many many years will not turn around over night, but Pirate fans have been able to see progress the last few years.

(12-20-2012 09:23 AM)baruna falls Wrote:  It was a very good interview. Looks like things are full stem ahead. Aresco seems to be a straight shooter. It also looks like at least for the time being, no team from Conf USA has to worry about being asked to leave the league. This gives Conf USA time to strengthen the league and make plans for the future. Who knows, this might turn out to be a win/win for everyone.

Sorry but conference commissioners and athletic directors are not straight shooters. They are political animals doing their best to enhance the situation of whatever entity they work for at the time. They would throw you or anyone else under a bus if that's what would further their cause.

(12-20-2012 09:23 PM)MinerInWisconsin Wrote:  

(12-20-2012 09:23 AM)baruna falls Wrote:  It was a very good interview. Looks like things are full stem ahead. Aresco seems to be a straight shooter. It also looks like at least for the time being, no team from Conf USA has to worry about being asked to leave the league. This gives Conf USA time to strengthen the league and make plans for the future. Who knows, this might turn out to be a win/win for everyone.

Sorry but conference commissioners and athletic directors are not straight shooters. They are political animals doing their best to enhance the situation of whatever entity they work for at the time. They would throw you or anyone else under a bus if that's what would further their cause.

all you need to prove your point is to go back and see what cowen at tulane said about the be less than a year ago.

(12-20-2012 06:44 PM)PirateTreasureNC Wrote:  If USM came up in a meeting of BE members about possible inclusion I could see no reason that

Old friends in CUSA of USF and UC as well as recent transfers of Houston, SMU, ECU, Memphis, and UCF would not be willing to listen/support them.

Actually, depends on what the BE really wants... I could totally see the top CUSA possibilities being

Tulsa, USM, and Marshall. Although, USM and Tulsa would be more for Western Division.

Sure they would.

Isn't your whole dang conference old cusa now? Why don't you bring us up?

BS! We will just do what we always have and dominate you defectors.

(12-20-2012 09:55 PM)SoMs Eagle Wrote:  

(12-20-2012 06:44 PM)PirateTreasureNC Wrote:  If USM came up in a meeting of BE members about possible inclusion I could see no reason that

Old friends in CUSA of USF and UC as well as recent transfers of Houston, SMU, ECU, Memphis, and UCF would not be willing to listen/support them.

Actually, depends on what the BE really wants... I could totally see the top CUSA possibilities being

Tulsa, USM, and Marshall. Although, USM and Tulsa would be more for Western Division.

Sure they would.

Isn't your whole dang conference old cusa now? Why don't you bring us up?

BS! We will just do what we always have and dominate you defectors.

Sans 2012

Congrats Pirates, this was a no brainer once C7 decided to bolt. Hoping that one day the Niners can be in the same conference as you guys.

(12-20-2012 05:52 PM)Texas2Step Wrote:  You guys really should start commiting some type of resources into the basketball program. It really puzzles me how a school like WVA can build and sustain a decent program with great attendance, but a school like ECU hasn't been able to come close. Relative proximity to Ohio/PA? Administrative stance?...

WVU? A flagship school has more money at their disposal? Imagine that. But we are putting millions of dollars in to basketball, even though at best it's a distant second amongst our fanbase (I'd put baseball ahead of it.)

congrats

(12-20-2012 09:55 PM)SoMs Eagle Wrote:  

(12-20-2012 06:44 PM)PirateTreasureNC Wrote:  If USM came up in a meeting of BE members about possible inclusion I could see no reason that

Old friends in CUSA of USF and UC as well as recent transfers of Houston, SMU, ECU, Memphis, and UCF would not be willing to listen/support them.

Actually, depends on what the BE really wants... I could totally see the top CUSA possibilities being

Tulsa, USM, and Marshall. Although, USM and Tulsa would be more for Western Division.

Sure they would.

Isn't your whole dang conference old cusa now? Why don't you bring us up?

BS! We will just do what we always have and dominate you defectors.

No. Sans Ellllllllllllos Johnson. We got rid of our John Thompson with great haste. You guys should respect and learn from your elders.

(12-20-2012 12:02 PM)gdunn Wrote:  I do wonder if ECU will start lobbying to bring in USM like USM did for ECU years ago.

I think we will be an advocate for you, however, what I have seen in the 16 team model didn't include USM. However, UNLV was in that model and they seem to have no interest in joining the new conference.

If Boise and SDSU bolt.. USM, Marshall, UAB, La Tech, Charlotte and Old Dominion will likely be candidates to replace them from C-USA.

I'd imagine ECU would lobby for Southern Miss more than anyone else.

If the Marshall administration has the view as the Marshall fans on here, they would rather stay with the F_U's and Middle Tennessee.

(12-21-2012 08:08 PM)PirateNation Wrote:  If Boise and SDSU bolt.. USM, Marshall, UAB, La Tech, Charlotte and Old Dominion will likely be candidates to replace them from C-USA.

I'd imagine ECU would lobby for Southern Miss more than anyone else.

If the Marshall administration has the view as the Marshall fans on here, they would rather stay with the F_U's and Middle Tennessee.

Yeah they don't. If the western thing completely falls apart they would much rather be in a league with UCF, USF, and ECU than the F_U's and MTSU. As for who our administration would lobby for probably long time C-USA members and maybe ODU/Charlotte.