WKU status?

UK Peregrine · Post by **UK Peregrine** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 10:13 am

So the end of June is here and I have yet to hear anything on WKU and the possible move to the MAC. I'm assuming that means the MAC will likely not be adding any school as a 14th member quite yet. From this article out of the Louisville Courier, I get the distinct impression the WKU would like to hook up with the MAC, but they have some big decisions to make in terms of the logistical move from I-AA to I-A. It sounds as though the contact between the MAC and WKU has been minimal up until this point. Does anyone have any news on this situation? I'm anticipating waiting until at least October's MAC meetings to have any real progress on adding a 14th member, but maybe I'm wrong on this.

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbc ... /506260452

Schadenfreude · Post by **Schadenfreude** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 10:39 am

Some originally thought a decision would be made by July 1.

But with Temple not a full football member until 2007, I think Western Kentucky would have until July 1, 2006 to announce plans to leave the Sun Belt without paying a financial penalty.

No sense rushing into things.

Dr. Bucko · Post by **Dr. Bucko** » Tue Jul 05, 2005 11:20 pm

I would rather see Army, Navy, Illinois St or Indiana St join the MAC then WKU. I doubt the academies would consider it, but it would be in their best interest to join the MAC.

redskins4ever · Post by **redskins4ever** » Tue Jul 05, 2005 11:26 pm

WKU for basketball mens and womens would be a huge addition... I cant say the same for any of the other schools you mentioned.

Dr. Bucko · Post by **Dr. Bucko** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 12:14 am

Both Illinios St and Indiana St have had some good teams the last few years. Also, they have 10,000 plus seat arenas.

Bleeding Orange · Post by **Bleeding Orange** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 1:02 am

I'm going to put it this way (simplistic, but works for me):

At Golf Galaxy, the only mascot clubhead cover that you can buy (outside of your Big 11, Big 12, Pac 10 schools, etc.) is WKU. Not a single MAC team is even available to order (I've checked). It'd be nice to have a school that is deemed big enough to have a clubhead cover manufactured by a major company in the MAC.

FalconKing · Post by **FalconKing** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 1:43 am

Bleeding Orange wrote:I'm going to put it this way (simplistic, but works for me):

At Golf Galaxy, the only mascot clubhead cover that you can buy (outside of your Big 11, Big 12, Pac 10 schools, etc.) is WKU. Not a single MAC team is even available to order (I've checked). It'd be nice to have a school that is deemed big enough to have a clubhead cover manufactured by a major company in the MAC.

That has a lot more to do with Big Red being one of the goofiest mascots in D1 than it does their program being big time. However, I do think they would be a good addition to the MAC. The geography, school size, and competitiveness of their athletic programs make them a good fit.

Schadenfreude · Post by **Schadenfreude** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 7:35 am

Dr. Bucko wrote:I would rather see Army, Navy, Illinois St or Indiana St join the MAC then WKU. I doubt the academies would consider it, but it would be in their best interest to join the MAC.

I remain infatuated with pairing up Massachusetts with Temple as an all sports member.

If the season doesn't start soon, I'm going to call up the UMass athletic department and just ask 'em point blank if they'll consider it.

Damn, I wish the season would start soon.

Salsa · Post by **Salsa** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 7:55 am

Since this year's June 30 deadline for WKU to leave the Sun Belt without paying a penalty has passed, this give the MAC and other expansion candidates some time to think things over.

Here's how I see the situation for Massachusetts.

If they want to move to Div 1A in football and that's a big if:

1-They could seek membership in the MAC but would probably have to make that decision within a year. Otherwise, the 14th slot would go to WKU.

2-They may have hopes of an all sports invite from the Big East. But I doubt they would receive a conditional invite (improving stadium, etc.) within a year. The way Big East Commissioner Tranghese works, I wouldn't be surprised if he has not at least contacted Massachusetts. Most people expect a football-basketball split in the Big East in 2010, combined with expansion to their all sports teams. This time frame would give Massachusetts time to improve their facilities, etc.

It seems to me though, that this puts Massachusetts in a bit of a bind. Within a year, do they want to risk losing possible MAC membership while hoping for Big East membership? Looks like the safe choice would be to say, "For now, we're not moving up to Div 1A".

Schad--I'm like you. My first choice for a MAC 14th member is Massachusetts. I don't see MAC Commissioner Chryst, however, (unlike Big East Commissioner Tranghese) as one who plays games. I would be a bit surprised after having asked WKU to submit data, if Chryst turned them down and then invited Massachusetts. Most everyone seems to think the question mark for WKU is MAC Presidents' concern about academics.

BGSU-Ph.D. · Post by **BGSU-Ph.D.** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 9:44 am

Most everyone seems to think the question mark for WKU is MAC Presidents' concern about academics.[/quote]

OK, I'll make a deal with you. After I get my Ph.D., I'll take a job there. Problem solved.

Schadenfreude · Post by **Schadenfreude** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 12:20 pm

BGSU-Ph.D. wrote:
Most everyone seems to think the question mark for WKU is MAC Presidents' concern about academics.
OK, I'll make a deal with you. After I get my Ph.D., I'll take a job there. Problem solved.

While you can take a PhD to Western Kentucky, you can't get a PhD at Western Kentucky.

If academics are an issue, this is certainly one reason why.

UK Peregrine · Post by **UK Peregrine** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 12:32 pm

Schadenfreude wrote: While you can take a PhD to Western Kentucky, you can't get a PhD at Western Kentucky.

Technically this is true. However WKU does have a cooperative doctoral program with University of Louisville in education, not that really adds a whole lot in terms of a PhD program. WKU does have quite a few Masters programs though.

1987alum · Post by **1987alum** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 2:51 pm

Schade is on target here. Take a look at the graduate program offerings of MAC schools (including Temple) to those of Western Kentucky and you'll see a stark difference.

I have no basis for this, but here's my theory - the MAC presidents like the idea of being shoulder-to-shoulder with Temple's academics. This might make them more likely to grit their teeth and take on WKU, understanding the athletic (and marketing) advantages while forgiving the academic shortcomings. Again, just an unsubstantiated theory.

1987alum · Post by **1987alum** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 4:34 pm

Oh, and for more on the WKU situation, click here

PGY Tiercel · Post by **PGY Tiercel** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 9:47 pm

And for more from WKU, written locally in KY
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/sp ... 030333.htm

An intersting qoute

Athletics Director Wood Selig, who is vacationing on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, did not seem concerned that a move wasn't arranged in time to meet the deadline.

Also of note is their intent to become D1A worthy, including 35 million to renovate stadium and athletic facilities.