Merger Talk

[jessexy]

while i'm no english professor, is "administratability" a real word?

also, i think the main decision with any re-structure for the LSA would be if they want th B division to be "developmental" or if they want to treat it as a viable league with competitive teams.

there are some leagues that consider their B division as competitive and send those teams to nationals and some of those teams could compete strongly against some A division teams. but if its going to developmental with the common goal of building all teams into strong, competitive programs to function in the A division, the re-structure and let the new a griowing programs figure it out in Div B.

[Karl Lynch]

Div. B is its own animal. It is not developmental. A team may use it to develop its program like TCU did for two seasons, but it is not meant to be one.

[theLaxMJ32]

so would it be possible to keep the division B conference the way it is and just move UT to the division A south?

[Karl Lynch]

We can do whatever we want at the league meeting with regards to alignment. I just opened the forum so people can talk about it.

I've already spoken with UT about a move to Div. A South as a possible solution.

[lax4ever]

I agree. Larger conference does not mean stronger conference. I'd say the RMLC is quite strong and they have 5 teams in the 'A' division. I'm pretty sure OSU will face some sort of sanctions next year for the way their season unfolded. I wouldn't count them in the LSA 'A' North quite yet.

[`MM9]

So TCU is looking at moving up for sure next year?

What about Southwestern? Are they wanting to go div A?


And who might possibly bump down to Div B?

[Karl Lynch]

TCU is moving to Div. A. I think that is a great move and they have done much to improve their program.

I'm not much for moving down except for special circumstances. I don't envision anyone moving down.

[seulax10]

TCU is moving to Div. A. I think that is a great move and they have done much to improve their program.

I'm not much for moving down except for special circumstances. I don't envision anyone moving down.

So Div. B will have what, two? Three teams next year?

[Karl Lynch]

Div. B can easily return a six team division depending on what the Div. B invests in making its division viable.

Div. B 2008 could be:

SU
SEU
AC
Trinity
UTA
SFASU
Neuman
UTD
Corpus Christi
Nichols
Centenary
Ole Miss

Instead of standing on the sidelines, make something happen. If you want viability as a division make it happen. It's really not about what Div. A wants unless Div. B is indecisive. There are plenty of teams waiting to come online as Div. B teams. Talk to them. I already have.

My message may be different than another Div. B programs. SFA, UTD, SHSU, Corpus Christi, Loyola NO, Nichols, Centenary should be in Div. B. Stir the pot, see who wants to play. Let them know it is tough to play LSA style.

If Div. B wants an AQ, Div. B teams need to invest in Div. B recruitment.

Ole Miss is dying to join the LSA. Who is going to talk to them besides me?

[lax4ever]

from what i understand they want to jump right to the 'A' division. who wants to go to mississippi to play them?

[Karl Lynch]

Everyone wants to go to Ole Miss. Pick up two or three SELC games on the same trip. Build the schedule.

You can't get an at-large bid by staying safe. LSA needs to travel and win.

[Sonny]

from what i understand they want to jump right to the 'A' division.

I would like to eat surf and turf at every meal.

Doesn't mean I should or would get to do that.

[Karl Lynch]

In Texas, turf is a given. Surf is crazy talk. Just yesterday, I ate a 16 oz filet while filing up my tank.

[essn1064]

If Ole Miss is accepted into the LSA...

I know Oxford, MS is far...

But Mr. Lynch is right... SELC teams can meet you half way in Oxford and GRLC teams as well

Oxford is the the center of all three leagues: To the west(LSA), North(GRLC), East(SELC)

SMU-you are right we would like to be in the A division....and I understand your comments. We have not proven ourselves and might not deserve to be in A. I do not see my team developing in Div B...the only way the Ole Miss Lacrosse program can grow stronger is in Div A.
For some teams it might be necessary to go right into A right away

[Arklax]

I remember at the GRLC conference meeting when both Arkansas and Memphis were applying for membership. Memphis was adamant about joining Div. A that year. They were accepted as a B team. From what I was told by a Memphis player this year (hearsay of course), they probably will not try to move to Div. A next year. And only now, two years later, do we at Arkansas think we are ready to move up. Usually, the problem with developing a team, A or B, is the off the field organization, something not fully mastered until at least the completion of one school year/season, if ever.

While Ole Miss shouldn't have a problem obtaining membership into any of the previously mentioned conferences (based on what has been reported this spring by other teams), getting into Div. A as a first year team will be tough, and I don't see any conference willing to do it, although it's possible.

I would imagine the best bet for a school wanting to start in Div. A would be to hope the MCLA Board decides to implement a sweeping mandate to all conferences concerning who can/can't compete in Div. A or B in conference competition (effectively ending the "Div. B as a development league for A schools" idea).