Everyone may have seen this old article but I thought I'd post it anyways since I'm new to the site as may others.
Article published Sunday, May 16, 2004 in Toledo Blade:
As a former commissioner of the Mid-American Conference, I disagree with The Blade's John Harris that the University of Toledo's athletic program would be better served by leaving the MAC and joining Conference USA. Such a move would be a serious mistake.
Conference USA has a short history and a revolving door. Almost on a yearly basis, institutions join and others leave. The MAC has had a stable membership for many years. Many of the members of the MAC have been in the conference for over 50 years, while others have been involved for over 30 years. This type of stability has benefited the MAC in many ways.
Consider rivalries: UT vs. Bowling Green, Ohio vs. Miami, Central Michigan vs. Western Michigan, etc. These games, which excite fans and create great competition, are impossible in a conference whose membership is always changing.
Mr. Harris speaks of the advantages in football and basketball. Conference USA is spread out over three time zones. Even if certain sports were played in divisions, imagine the loss of class time and the cost of sending teams like baseball, softball, volleyball, etc., to Texas and Mississippi. Not to mention Rocket fans traveling long distances to see their teams play.
The debate about the MAC qualifying for membership in Division I-A has been around since the mid 1970s. There is no doubt in my mind that the conference will meet any new standards, as they have done in the past, and remain in Division I-A.
When I was the commissioner of the MAC, a commissioner from one of the major conferences told me, "when it comes to athletic competition, emphasis on academics, and playing by the rules, the Mid-American Conference may be the model for all conferences." That was true then and is still true today.
by JIM LESSIG
John Harris has his own opinion on the matter, which he is entitled too. But man does Harris seem to have something up is butt when it comes to BG and the MAC. Maybe, he'll start to give the MAC a little respect after they beat so-called big conference teams again this year. Kind of doubt it though.
For myself, the loss of Marshall kind of hurts, but was expected ever since they joined the conference. On the otherhand, thank God UCF decided to leave, I've always disliked that program, minus maybe when they weren't in the conferenece yet and Culpepper came to BG to play. Good riddins to UCF. It sure would be icing on the cake if the MAC could steal a bowl or two from C-USA. I mean really, they can't even field decent teams for all of their bowls the way it is now.
The idea of Toledo leaving or any other long-time member would be a big mistake. This conference is finally on the map and will continue to make a great name for itself.
::puke::
