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Mountain West invites Fresno and Nevada, WAC implications?

Latest MWC and WAC news, if you care.

Jared Eborn, a reporter for the Deseret News, covers the Utah State Aggies and has tweeted (http://twitter.com/DesNewsEborn) that a USU source has informed him that the MWC will be expanding to 12 teams with USU and Hawaii or Houston. There seems to be some uncertainty as to whether its Hawaii or Houston due to UH being thrown around. I would bet its Houston. Besides Eborn, others in the "know" have set the USU Aggie message board into hyperdrive; http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=208&f=2746&t=6242340. BYU would play all sports in MWC, but play football as an Independent. Supposedly, there is a presser on Monday.

If true, the WAC, already on life support, may be snuffed out. With Utah State and either Houston or Hawaii, the WAC would lose two more schools. If Houston, than La Tech would bolt to Conference USA.

And yes, conference realignment is the best entertainment you can find on a late Friday night.
 
Wow. If this is true, it completely changes everything. If the WAC intends on surviving after this we have to get an invite. WAC is in survival mode now. Any school who was able to fulfill requirements could expect to see an invite. Do we take it… that’s hard to say. The new WAC would have to be a collection of FCS schools with FBS ambitions (this is sort of a last chance to go up to 1-A for the foreseeable future). This scenario may actually make staying in the Sky a better option. This move could also make the Bee’s suggestion of a new Big West conference with football a real option. Or maybe a 12 member Big Sky. I know Spartan fans are desperate to keep football at any cost, even moving to 1-AA.

Still, it could be a good thing. A conference full of FCS schools and FBS scrubs would help us avoid being another Idaho or Western Kentucky (within the conference). We’ still be able to get a little bit of that potential ESPN and other sports network money as well. It gives the WAC a new start as well as us and all of its other members/potential members.

At this point we will see how and if the WAC will survive this current onslaught. I think whatever their solution is will be coming in the next week or so. The remaining members will certainly be aggressive in trying to save their own programs. Now, will we be part of their plan or even be interested?

Yeah, conference realignment is the best entertainment found on a Friday night.
 
I searched Sac Bee stories about the Broad, Well and Arena project and there were some shady dealings by Gonzo.

You're right in that Broad was privately funded. But Gonzo pulled a bait and switch and tied that $25M, into getting the full amount of student fees.

Instead of the entire $25million going toward the Well and arena, $11m went to Broad and $14m went to Well.

The Well opens soon and cost about $77m to build.

But the arena is still a dream.
 
JackHornet said:
I searched Sac Bee stories about the Broad, Well and Arena project and there were some shady dealings by Gonzo.

You're right in that Broad was privately funded. But Gonzo pulled a bait and switch and tied that $25M, into getting the full amount of student fees.

Instead of the entire $25million going toward the Well and arena, $11m went to Broad and $14m went to Well.

The Well opens soon and cost about $77m to build.

But the arena is still a dream.
Click to expand...

Yes, another thing to consider is that the $77M price is based on 2004 figures, when steel, concrete and labor were top dollar. Fast forward six years and a great recession where everything is cut by at least a third, how much did the Well really cost?

I don't recall seeing in anything made public where a $$ figure was given as to ultimate price and how much the students would owe as part of the 30 yr. note. Not knowing what the students were responsible for makes determining how much was allocated difficult.

I still say that, yes JH, you are correct in that Gonzo didn't charge the $110/semester until he raised $25M himself and that students were only charged $25/semester until he hit the $25M goal. But look at it like this....

Given facts:
30 yr. note to be paid by students
$110/semester x 2 semesters/yr.
28,000 students=

$184,800,000 revenue over the life of the 30 yr. note

The Well cost $77M and with debt service might be annualized at $100M, which leaves $84M on the table. Even with a 10% variance in actual price with debt service, there is still alot of $$ the students are paying for what?

I think a new arena at $50M and football stadium refurb at $25M is already being paid for by students.

USU will take the MWC invite, which essentially drives out NMSU and La Tech. This time next week, the WAC may have SJSU & Idaho as its only members. I say it needs to relaunch itself and consist of the following schools.....

SJSU
Idaho
Sac State
UCFE
Cal Poly
Portland State
Montana
Montana State

Options:
Weber
TXST
UTSA
Denver-BBall only
Seattle-BBall only

The only issue I see is besides Montana, how will this new FBS conference maintain a 15,000 attendance average as a conference whole? I don't see the Big Worst adding football. Why would those BW schools who travel in a taxi want to join schools flung across the western half of the country?
 
That would work. None of the currently FCS teams mentioned are fully ready to make the jump and the two FBS teams are struggling in football. What if the "New WAC" reorganized itself as a FCS conference for a specific period of say 5 years to allow everyone to get up to speed before reemerging as a FBS conference?
 
I always thought one of the main goals of the MWC was to get to 12 members. I think Houston is atop their list for a few reasons:

  • • The TV market the city of Houston brings to the table
    • Houston is good and helps their goal of becoming a BCS conference
    • It adds another Texas team that strengthens their foot hold in that state (think recruiting)
    • It lessens the likelihood of TCU leaving due to them being a geographical outlier
    • Finally, 12 teams gives the MWC a conference championship ($$$$$) and it might provide a reason for BYU to stay in the MWC (BYU must stay for the MWC to have 12 teams)
I only see the Utah State name being dropped as a desperate attempt by the MWC to have someone relatively close to the SLC TV market if BYU does bolt. Houston leaving will open up a slot in the Conf USA for LA Tech. I have no idea if LA Tech would be given an invite to fill that void but if they are, the WAC will lose yet another member thereby further increasing the intensity of the WAC desperation.

I will only say this once: The Big West schools WILL NOT start up or restart football. Not now, and not ever. Nothing more needs to be said on this issue.

I like the lineup GCM listed, the problem is it would be easier, cheaper and more likely that SJSU and Idaho drop down and join the Big Sky rather than the FCS schools move up. If they do move down, I wouldn’t mind seeing a new or reshaped FCS all sports conference formed that contains the 4 CA schools with a few other schools pilfered from the Big Sky (PSU, NAU and I’ll even throw in SUU just to annoy SH).

Either way I agree that however this unravels; this will be the best and last opportunity for Sac State to go FBS in a very long time. I also agree with the folks who say a jump with “the farm extension” and Cal Poly would benefit all of the schools (as well as SJSU). It would be nice if it happens but I just don’t see those three schools being competent enough to coordinate such an effort.
 
Green Laser said:
That would work. None of the currently FCS teams mentioned are fully ready to make the jump and the two FBS teams are struggling in football. What if the "New WAC" reorganized itself as a FCS conference for a specific period of say 5 years to allow everyone to get up to speed before reemerging as a FBS conference?
Click to expand...
I was thinking along these lines as well. :lol:
 
How much did the Well really cost? When did they break ground on the Well? 2008?

There is no money to build the arena. If there was, they would have started right now, since like you said the cost of materials is relatively cheap.
 
I could see SMU coming into the pic if Houston, which is in the eastern part of Texas, isn't interested in the MWC.

If SMU isn't interested, UTEP, is the next choice.

SMU is the a perfect rival for TCU and an easy trip for MWC schools, in other sports, fly to Dallass/Ft. Worth and played both schools in a weekend.
 
Idaho and SJSU cant drop to FCS as their athletic budgets are fueled by FBS money. If either dropped a level they couldnt afford to maintain what they currently have and they don't sponsor enough teams to make cuts.

Plus, if SJSU can only draw 15K for being FBS, what do you think will happen if they drop to FCS? Idaho wouldnt do it to save face with their pissing war with Boise.

If we are going to stay FCS, lets stay in the Big Sky.
 
If you want this move to happen, write, call or email Karl Benson (WAC Commisioner) and let him know despite all the negative perceptions of our fan support and absent-alumni, we do have a couple lunatics that want to get this done. Hopefully Wanless has already taken the initiative to send a letter on our behalf. My letter is already on the way.

Karl Benson
[email protected]
(303) 792-3199
Mailing Address
Western Athletic Conference
9250 E. Costilla Ave., Suite 300
Englewood, CO 80112
Phone: 303-799-9221
Fax: 303-799-3888
 
runningbomb said:
If you want this move to happen, write, call or email Karl Benson (WAC Commisioner) and let him know despite all the negative perceptions of our fan support and absent-alumni, we do have a couple lunatics that want to get this done. Hopefully Wanless has already taken the initiative to send a letter on our behalf. My letter is already on the way.

Karl Benson
[email protected]
(303) 792-3199
Mailing Address
Western Athletic Conference
9250 E. Costilla Ave., Suite 300
Englewood, CO 80112
Phone: 303-799-9221
Fax: 303-799-3888
Click to expand...

Did you include a check or money order?
It all boils down to Gonzo and Wanless, can they take this on and be successful? Do they want to take this on and be successful?
 
Utah State Athletic Director Scott Barnes addressed the media following USU’s scrimmage Saturday.

ON POTENTIAL WAC CONFERENCE ALIGNMENT...

“We felt very confident in the alignment we had, the security we had in WAC members and BYU we thought that was the very best next step for Utah State Athletics. That has gone away obviously that has gone away for reasons you’ve all heard. That said every oar is in the water we are exploring all possibilities. Our focus is on making the WAC better that said we are at a time and place where we need to look at every opportunity there is out there. Any opportunity that we pursue would be the very best for our student athletes and coaches.”

That has gone away obviously In other words, Nevada and Fresno State screwed us!
we need to look at every opportunity there is out there We will take anyone. Anyone? Anyone?

ON IF BYU IS OUT OF THE WAC PICTURE...

“We do not know. That has not been determined yet, but we do believe that answer is coming soon.”
I don't want to leak it that BYU is making an announcement this week.

ON CONTACT LEVEL WITH BYU...

“My phone has been burning up. It has been burning up with both calls in and out. That’s based on making sure we have all of our lines open and all of our options open. As it relates to BYU on thing I want to make very clear is that the position that we are in now doesn’t have anything to do with BYU. BYU has been a great partner in this and everyone needs to know that. Enough said on how we got where we are, but BYU has been a great partner.” We were working with BYU to screw the MWC. Now, BYU is screwed and can't leave the MWC. We will continue to kiss their ar$e with the hopes that they convince the rest of the MWC to issue us an invite.

ON USU POTENTIAL OF JOINING THE MOUNTAIN WEST...

“Every option is in play.” We are hoping that MWC invites us with every breath in our being.

ON WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE...

“You have to be determined. In the WAC we have formed a task force membership committee. We had our first conference call yesterday and we’ll move quickly to look at whatever options we have to improve the WAC and that is the focus.” Hope is our strategy. On the conference call, we discussed what BYU was going to do, and then we all agreed to everyone for themselves.

http://www.nfldraftbible.com/cfi/utah-state-ad-scott-barnes-speaks.html
 
For those who think the erector set isn't good enough for 1-A, Nevada has an erector set stadium as well and they are Mountain West now. Maybe if they replaced the green screen material and replaced it with something like huge posters of past Hornets it would look better. Put advertisements on the outside of the scaffolding and the Hornets could be making some bucks. Anyway, long term use of the erector set would probably not be a problem should we decide to go 1-A.

http://ncaafootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=34&url_article_id=12879&change_well_id=2
 
Idaho plays in a 10K stadium. So our stadium situation will not prevent us from getting a WAC invitation.

What will prevent us, is lack of money. Will the school make the commitment to fund a FBS team? Will the school be able to afford the extra travel costs in the WAC?
 
If we were to add portable endoze seating over the track (as UNR does), the only difference between their set up and ours would be their nicer press boxes.
 
JackHornet said:
Idaho plays in a 10K stadium. So our stadium situation will not prevent us from getting a WAC invitation.

What will prevent us, is lack of money. Will the school make the commitment to fund a FBS team? Will the school be able to afford the extra travel costs in the WAC?
Click to expand...
I don’t think the travel costs would increase significantly then what we are paying for travel in the Big Sky. If Hawaii or LA Tech leaves the WAC, that would make travel even more comparable to what is currently being budgeted. The big cost will be added scholarships (22 for football which will have to be matched with women’s scholarships if current men’s sports aren’t cut) and facility improvements. Also once the transition is completed and Sac State is FBS, the increased salaries the coaches will demand will increase significantly.

Does anyone know what the most recent athletic fee increase covers? Was that done with this all in mind? I know they said it was to make up for lack of athletic increases over the past years, but is that truly the case? Any chance those athletic increases were to prepare the budget for this move?
 
Hawaii football going independent and olympic sports to Big West?

WAC teams cautious with next move.
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/5492091/wac-teams-cautious-move
 
In 2008 the Sac State athletic budget was $15M, in 2009 it had dropped to $14M.

I think this increase, (how much was it), is being used to offset the reduced budget amount and to mitigate the increase in tuition.

SDHornet said:
JackHornet said:
Idaho plays in a 10K stadium. So our stadium situation will not prevent us from getting a WAC invitation.

What will prevent us, is lack of money. Will the school make the commitment to fund a FBS team? Will the school be able to afford the extra travel costs in the WAC?
Click to expand...
I don’t think the travel costs would increase significantly then what we are paying for travel in the Big Sky. If Hawaii or LA Tech leaves the WAC, that would make travel even more comparable to what is currently being budgeted. The big cost will be added scholarships (22 for football which will have to be matched with women’s scholarships if current men’s sports aren’t cut) and facility improvements. Also once the transition is completed and Sac State is FBS, the increased salaries the coaches will demand will increase significantly.

Does anyone know what the most recent athletic fee increase covers? Was that done with this all in mind? I know they said it was to make up for lack of athletic increases over the past years, but is that truly the case? Any chance those athletic increases were to prepare the budget for this move?
Click to expand...
 
SDHornet said:
JackHornet said:
Idaho plays in a 10K stadium. So our stadium situation will not prevent us from getting a WAC invitation.

What will prevent us, is lack of money. Will the school make the commitment to fund a FBS team? Will the school be able to afford the extra travel costs in the WAC?
Click to expand...
I don’t think the travel costs would increase significantly then what we are paying for travel in the Big Sky. If Hawaii or LA Tech leaves the WAC, that would make travel even more comparable to what is currently being budgeted. The big cost will be added scholarships (22 for football which will have to be matched with women’s scholarships if current men’s sports aren’t cut) and facility improvements. Also once the transition is completed and Sac State is FBS, the increased salaries the coaches will demand will increase significantly.

Does anyone know what the most recent athletic fee increase covers? Was that done with this all in mind? I know they said it was to make up for lack of athletic increases over the past years, but is that truly the case? Any chance those athletic increases were to prepare the budget for this move?
Click to expand...

If Hawaii and La Tech leave the WAC, why would we go to the WAC?
 
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