LaxTV Forums | A Forum About The MCLA

Northern Michigan U came down to Grand Rapids this weekend and played a game with Grand Valley State as part of a big lacrosse day in Lowell, MI.
Never having seen them before, I was quite impressed as they handled the Lakers about 11-6 or thereabouts. I heard that they had petitioned to join the CCLA but were turned down. Anyone have any background on the program and their interest in the CCLA? They certainly seem capable of contending strongly in the B division, if that's where they would fit in.

Well from what I understand they did petition and were turned down because (from what I understand/believe/heard) they are better off in the Upper Midwest (or GRLC?) since they are in the upper penninsula of Michigan, I don't think anyone in the South Division would want to travel to the UP, or "the glove" for that matter. I know we wouldn't. I think it would suck especially during the snowy months.
That's only my opinion and what our head coach told me about the meeting in the fall. So don't quote me on it.

Zo

zolander wrote:Well from what I understand they did petition and were turned down because (from what I understand/believe/heard) they are better off in the Upper Midwest (or GRLC?) since they are in the upper penninsula of Michigan, I don't think anyone in the South Division would want to travel to the UP, or "the glove" for that matter. I know we wouldn't. I think it would suck especially during the snowy months.

Forget that they have a fabulous indoor facility that could easily host early season games or events with multiple out of conference teams - it's too far to travel.

It was a very close vote and I'd bet that if teams had known of the regional divisions passed the following day that the 1 swing vote would have been swayed by those B teams that played them and recommended their entry.

Who knows what will happen if they re-apply.

In regards to the voting process, I'd hope that we take another look at who votes for team admission. I found it interesting on two fronts last year. Since the majority of teams are division A, they had a major influence on division B make-up. First, the majority votes to deny Dayton admission to A, only to say yes to B. Second, as mentioned above, the fear of travel for south region teams hurt Northern's entry. I do not have a solution, I just would prefer that those who would have to play a team should be the primary influence on whether they are admitted, a breakdown of either division and/or region.

zolander wrote:Well from what I understand they did petition and were turned down because (from what I understand/believe/heard) they are better off in the Upper Midwest (or GRLC?) since they are in the upper penninsula of Michigan, I don't think anyone in the South Division would want to travel to the UP, or "the glove" for that matter. I know we wouldn't. I think it would suck especially during the snowy months.

It did suck. We had to drive nearly 7 hours through the snow to NMU's wooden dome, and we (UW-Eau Claire) would be by far the closest UMLL B team to Northern Michigan. Travel couldn't be any worse if NMU found its way into the CCLA.

They are better off in the GLLL since travel distances would be prohibitive for them to join the CCLA, UMLL or GRLC.

Northern Michigan University is a relatively new team (Only 5 years old). It has been our goal the last three years to prepare ourselves for admittance into either the CCLA or the UMLL. Obviously the GRLC is a little out of our way. We are a very dedicated team who takes the lacrosse program VERY seriously. This year we tried to schedule games against USLIA teams to get our name out there. We compiled a 5-1 record against these teams (only one of the games were full 15 min stop time games).
As far as traveling goes, in the GLLL we travel each year about 5-6 weekends in a row on average of about 6 hours. Traveling has not been an issue to this team in the past, and wouldn't be a problem in the future. The use of neutral sites for some of our games can be explored also, Stevens point is only 5.5 hours away. And for the CCLA, Big Rapids and Mount Pleasant are about 5.5 hours away.
I believe NMU would be a great asset to either league. We are a competitive, and dedicated team. The use of our Superior Dome in february is a great way to bring the three leagues together in a competitive battle, also allowing teams to fulfill their MDA regulated games.

I have no idea about actual distances, but would NMU be any more out of the way then say Buffalo or West Virginia?

Speaking as CCLA secretary I certainly hope Northern Michigan does apply again for membership. Hope college applied many times before gaining admittance. If Northern does wish to apply again I hope they contact me via the ccla website and we can forward an application on again.

Andy Sharp is the CCLA B division vice-commissioner, he and I would be happy to work with NMU, or any other team interested in joining at the b-level. We will never guarantee membership to anyone. But I know both of us will work to make sure you have a strong presentation to the conference.

Owen Blank
CCLA Secretary

not a snappy dresser.

SEAHOLM

Northern Michigan will be applying to the CCLA again this year. We are doing everything we can to prepare a strong case for the meeting this year. Any advise from anyone would be greatly appreciated?

Any word on if NMU is joining CCLA. When does that process happen?

Gvlax wrote:

Any word on if NMU is joining CCLA. When does that process happen?

Well, they would have to submit an application by the designated time period listed on the CCLA site, conduct a presentation for acceptance at the CCLA meeting, and then it comes to a vote during the meeting. Both the A and B division representatives vote for a teams acceptance into the league.