WAC Expansion Committee Established

[Javelina]

http://www.wacsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=45959&SPID=4122&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=10100&ATCLID=204986455

[coachacola]

Lynn Hickey, UTSA's AD, is already talking to the WAC.  Hopefully Lamar is at least talking to the WAC too.

[westendfirst]

[quote name="coachacola" post="843002" timestamp="1284134953"]
Lynn Hickey, UTSA's AD, is already talking to the WAC.  Hopefully Lamar is at least talking to the WAC too.
[/quote]

Why in the world would we want to go to the WAC?!  Granted, the money would be great but other than that it is just crazy.

[NorthoftheBorder]

[quote name="westendfirst" post="843118" timestamp="1284143590"]
[quote author=coachacola link=topic=72726.msg843002#msg843002 date=1284134953]
Lynn Hickey, UTSA's AD, is already talking to the WAC.  Hopefully Lamar is at least talking to the WAC too.
[/quote]

Why in the world would we want to go to the WAC?!  Granted, the money would be great but other than that it is just crazy.
[/quote]

As others have posted in previous threads, it would only make sense if they could establish an Eastern division around La Tech of Tx, NM, OK, Ark, or La schools so that it would reduce travel requirements.  However UTSA may not care about that and be willing to travel out west for the majority of their games.

[coachacola]

[quote name="NorthoftheBorder" post="843131" timestamp="1284144120"]
[quote author=westendfirst link=topic=72726.msg843118#msg843118 date=1284143590]
[quote author=coachacola link=topic=72726.msg843002#msg843002 date=1284134953]
Lynn Hickey, UTSA's AD, is already talking to the WAC.  Hopefully Lamar is at least talking to the WAC too.
[/quote]

Why in the world would we want to go to the WAC?!  Granted, the money would be great but other than that it is just crazy.
[/quote]

As others have posted in previous threads, it would only make sense if they could establish an Eastern division around La Tech of Tx, NM, OK, Ark, or La schools so that it would reduce travel requirements.  However UTSA may not care about that and be willing to travel out west for the majority of their games.
[/quote]

That's exactly right.  It only makes sense if there's an Eastern division, which I think there's a good chance of that happening.  By going FBS then you can get the Sun Belt and CUSA type schools into Beaumont, otherwise we'll see these non-D1 schools every year.  Basketball would be a lot more fun with teams like La Tech, Utah State and New Mexico State coming to town.  But Dr. Simmons may not want Lamar to go FBS at this time.

[NorthoftheBorder]

[quote name="coachacola" post="843154" timestamp="1284145312"]
[quote author=NorthoftheBorder link=topic=72726.msg843131#msg843131 date=1284144120]
[quote author=westendfirst link=topic=72726.msg843118#msg843118 date=1284143590]
[quote author=coachacola link=topic=72726.msg843002#msg843002 date=1284134953]
Lynn Hickey, UTSA's AD, is already talking to the WAC.  Hopefully Lamar is at least talking to the WAC too.
[/quote]

Why in the world would we want to go to the WAC?!  Granted, the money would be great but other than that it is just crazy.
[/quote]

As others have posted in previous threads, it would only make sense if they could establish an Eastern division around La Tech of Tx, NM, OK, Ark, or La schools so that it would reduce travel requirements.  However UTSA may not care about that and be willing to travel out west for the majority of their games.
[/quote]

That's exactly right.  It only makes sense if there's an Eastern division, which I think there's a good chance of that happening.  By going FBS then you can get the Sun Belt and CUSA type schools into Beaumont, otherwise we'll see these non-D1 schools every year.  Basketball would be a lot more fun with teams like La Tech, Utah State and New Mexico State coming to town.  But Dr. Simmons may not want Lamar to go FBS at this time.
[/quote]

I for one, along with UNLV would like to take advantage of any good opportunity that makes sense that comes along.  I think it would be wrong to summarily write off any possiblity that would come along without exploring its potential.  It needs to make sense economicly, accademicly, and athleticly.  I would think that if the right opportunity presented itself it would go over really well with the major donors who would be inclined to donate for such a move.  I trust Dr. Simmons and believe that he would be astute in his approach.

[bigred360]

Nice post North and agree with your comments, coachacola's, and to an extent UNLV's comments.

[coachacola]

It's probably mostly a matter of money.  Can Lamar increase their athletic budget from $8 million in 2008-2009 to roughly $15+ million in the next 3 or 4 years?  Lamar still has to start softball plus raise $5 million for Vincent-Beck.  They have their work cut out for them.

[NorthoftheBorder]

[quote name="coachacola" post="843179" timestamp="1284147882"]
It's probably mostly a matter of money.  Can Lamar increase their athletic budget from $8 million in 2008-2009 to roughly $15+ million in the next 3 or 4 years?  Lamar still has to start softball plus raise $5 million for Vincent-Beck.  They have their work cut out for them.
[/quote]

Based on your numbers you did in an earlier post, they may bring in as much as $3mil in football revenues this year!

[coachacola]

We should know in a few months what the 2009-2010 athletic budget was, but since that's when the new athletic fee kicked in, I'll say it was about $11 million.  With actual football games this year and increased enrollment, I'll say the 2010-2012 budget will be at least $14 million.  If Lamar joins the WAC then they'll start the transition period so they'll have to fund more scholarships and the coaching staff will definitely need a big raise.  If enrollment keeps increasing and they can keep attendance up then Lamar could have a $16+ million athletic budget in 3 or 4 years, enough to get by in the WAC (assuming an Eastern division).

What I find interesting is that Lamar will play current WAC member Hawaii in a few years.  We'll see how competitive Lamar will be, even if they stay FCS.

[YouCanUseaMint]

Why would Lamar even talk to the WAC? This isn't an overnight deal.

At Texas State, we have been pumping money into this ordeal since 2008. The only reason why we MIGHT go FBS sooner than later is because a conference is desperate for survival.

Has Lamar even conducted a feasibility study?

[Guest mffl]

I have been told that Lamar does not have the money to go FBS right now period, now that could change after football ticket sales and such, but as of a couple months ago, it is just too expensive of an option right now.

[UNLV]

Everyone is fired up because of the return of football. How long will
the community stay fired up playing the webber internationals and UTSA/Texas st DII replacements year after year.

The big name schools like Tech,ULL, UNT, UL-Monroe are playing home games against Arkansas, BYU, Okie st, K-st.

[TexasTerror]

[quote name="UNLV" post="843384" timestamp="1284163180"]The big name schools like Tech,ULL, UNT, UL-Monroe are playing home games against Arkansas, BYU, Okie st, K-st.[/quote]

When did ULM ever host a home game against any of those schools? Their best (and most successful) home game was against Grambling.

Funny thing - same can be said for ULL. Most successful home games against Southern and McNeese!

[westendfirst]

[quote name="coachacola" post="843154" timestamp="1284145312"]
[quote author=NorthoftheBorder link=topic=72726.msg843131#msg843131 date=1284144120]
[quote author=westendfirst link=topic=72726.msg843118#msg843118 date=1284143590]
[quote author=coachacola link=topic=72726.msg843002#msg843002 date=1284134953]
Lynn Hickey, UTSA's AD, is already talking to the WAC.  Hopefully Lamar is at least talking to the WAC too.
[/quote]

Why in the world would we want to go to the WAC?!  Granted, the money would be great but other than that it is just crazy.
[/quote]

As others have posted in previous threads, it would only make sense if they could establish an Eastern division around La Tech of Tx, NM, OK, Ark, or La schools so that it would reduce travel requirements.  However UTSA may not care about that and be willing to travel out west for the majority of their games.
[/quote]

That's exactly right.  It only makes sense if there's an Eastern division, which I think there's a good chance of that happening.  By going FBS then you can get the Sun Belt and CUSA type schools into Beaumont, otherwise we'll see these non-D1 schools every year.  Basketball would be a lot more fun with teams like La Tech, Utah State and New Mexico State coming to town.  But Dr. Simmons may not want Lamar to go FBS at this time.
[/quote]



We can't even win iin the SLC.  And what kind of rivalry would it be playing Utah State or New Mexico State?  Big whoop.  Who is going to make that road trip?

[coachacola]

Going FBS is more of a long term goal than a short term goal.  A year or two ago Dr. Simmons said it probably wouldn't happen while he was president of LU.  Then just this past year either him or the AD said they were looking to go FBS in 4 or 5 years.  It's all about money so Lamar still needs to be talking to FBS conferences behind the scenes, even if they don't plan on moving up for a while.

[NorthoftheBorder]

[quote name="coachacola" post="843968" timestamp="1284175037"]
Going FBS is more of a long term goal than a short term goal.  A year or two ago Dr. Simmons said it probably wouldn't happen while he was president of LU.  Then just this past year either him or the AD said they were looking to go FBS in 4 or 5 years.  It's all about money so Lamar still needs to be talking to FBS conferences behind the scenes, even if they don't plan on moving up for a while.
[/quote]

Absolutely, positively right Coachacola.  And if the right deal comes up, then the powers that be need to be in a position to move.  That means that they should be having meaningful discussions with the money power broker supporters now so that they could be lining up the proper support in case the right opportunity opens up.  That said, one of the best things that can also happen is that this first team surpasses any expectations for a start up program and really generates and maintains major support from the Golden Triangle.  Lets don't let a SWT alum try to throw water on our parade.

[YouCanUseaMint]

[quote name="NorthoftheBorder" post="844069" timestamp="1284176709"]
[quote author=coachacola link=topic=72726.msg843968#msg843968 date=1284175037]
Going FBS is more of a long term goal than a short term goal.  A year or two ago Dr. Simmons said it probably wouldn't happen while he was president of LU.  Then just this past year either him or the AD said they were looking to go FBS in 4 or 5 years.  It's all about money so Lamar still needs to be talking to FBS conferences behind the scenes, even if they don't plan on moving up for a while.
[/quote]

Absolutely, positively right Coachacola.  And if the right deal comes up, then the powers that be need to be in a position to move.  That means that they should be having meaningful discussions with the money power broker supporters now so that they could be lining up the proper support in case the right opportunity opens up.  That said, one of the best things that can also happen is that this first team surpasses any expectations for a start up program and really generates and maintains major support from the Golden Triangle.  [b]Lets don't let a SWT alum try to throw water on our parade.[/b]
[/quote]
::)

What is Lamar doing to prepare for FBS? Just me, but it sounds like yall want the invite before the hard work...

[UNLV]

[quote name="TexasTerror" post="843529" timestamp="1284166984"]
[quote author=UNLV link=topic=72726.msg843384#msg843384 date=1284163180]The big name schools like Tech,ULL, UNT, UL-Monroe are playing home games against Arkansas, BYU, Okie st, K-st.[/quote]

When did ULM ever host a home game against any of those schools? Their best (and most successful) home game was against Grambling.

Funny thing - same can be said for ULL. Most successful home games against Southern and McNeese!
[/quote]UL-Monroe played Alabama at home and beat them. Could UL-Monroe have done this in the Southland? Noooooooooooooooooooo.

[UNLV]

[quote name="westendfirst" post="843610" timestamp="1284168318"]
[quote author=coachacola link=topic=72726.msg843154#msg843154 date=1284145312]
[quote author=NorthoftheBorder link=topic=72726.msg843131#msg843131 date=1284144120]
[quote author=westendfirst link=topic=72726.msg843118#msg843118 date=1284143590]
[quote author=coachacola link=topic=72726.msg843002#msg843002 date=1284134953]
Lynn Hickey, UTSA's AD, is already talking to the WAC.  Hopefully Lamar is at least talking to the WAC too.
[/quote]

Why in the world would we want to go to the WAC?!  Granted, the money would be great but other than that it is just crazy.
[/quote]

As others have posted in previous threads, it would only make sense if they could establish an Eastern division around La Tech of Tx, NM, OK, Ark, or La schools so that it would reduce travel requirements.  However UTSA may not care about that and be willing to travel out west for the majority of their games.
[/quote]

That's exactly right.  It only makes sense if there's an Eastern division, which I think there's a good chance of that happening.  By going FBS then you can get the Sun Belt and CUSA type schools into Beaumont, otherwise we'll see these non-D1 schools every year.  Basketball would be a lot more fun with teams like La Tech, Utah State and New Mexico State coming to town.  But Dr. Simmons may not want Lamar to go FBS at this time.
[/quote]



We can't even win iin the SLC.  And what kind of rivalry would it be playing Utah State or New Mexico State?  Big whoop.  Who is going to make that road trip?




[/quote]Joining the WAC around Tech would make La-tech a rival again...maybe ULL and Ark st too...long shot UNT. 

[UNLV]

[quote name="YouCanUseaMint" post="844343" timestamp="1284187387"]
[quote author=NorthoftheBorder link=topic=72726.msg844069#msg844069 date=1284176709]
[quote author=coachacola link=topic=72726.msg843968#msg843968 date=1284175037]
Going FBS is more of a long term goal than a short term goal.  A year or two ago Dr. Simmons said it probably wouldn't happen while he was president of LU.  Then just this past year either him or the AD said they were looking to go FBS in 4 or 5 years.  It's all about money so Lamar still needs to be talking to FBS conferences behind the scenes, even if they don't plan on moving up for a while.
[/quote]

Absolutely, positively right Coachacola.  And if the right deal comes up, then the powers that be need to be in a position to move.  That means that they should be having meaningful discussions with the money power broker supporters now so that they could be lining up the proper support in case the right opportunity opens up.  That said, one of the best things that can also happen is that this first team surpasses any expectations for a start up program and really generates and maintains major support from the Golden Triangle.  [b]Lets don't let a SWT alum try to throw water on our parade.[/b]
[/quote]
::)

What is Lamar doing to prepare for FBS? Just me, but it sounds like yall want the invite before the hard work...
[/quote]What hard work? Texas st can't average above 13k for it's home games.

[UNLV]

[quote name="NorthoftheBorder" post="844069" timestamp="1284176709"]
[quote author=coachacola link=topic=72726.msg843968#msg843968 date=1284175037]
Going FBS is more of a long term goal than a short term goal.  A year or two ago Dr. Simmons said it probably wouldn't happen while he was president of LU.  Then just this past year either him or the AD said they were looking to go FBS in 4 or 5 years.  It's all about money so Lamar still needs to be talking to FBS conferences behind the scenes, even if they don't plan on moving up for a while.
[/quote]

Absolutely, positively right Coachacola.  And if the right deal comes up, then the powers that be need to be in a position to move.  That means that they should be having meaningful discussions with the money power broker supporters now so that they could be lining up the proper support in case the right opportunity opens up.  That said, one of the best things that can also happen is that this first team surpasses any expectations for a start up program and really generates and maintains major support from the Golden Triangle.  Lets don't let a SWT alum try to throw water on our parade.
[/quote]This is what get at me. UTSA and Texas st joining the WAC helps stabilize the WAC. However getting more schools in the region like LU, ULL,
UNT, Ark st, etc etc would be better than UTSA and Texas st alone. Therefore Texas st should be cheering on a LU invite but yet our Texas st friend
here is not smart enough to understand this logic. Must be a bobcat IQ thing.

[YouCanUseaMint]

[quote name="UNLV" post="844453" timestamp="1284215462"]This is what get at me. UTSA and Texas st joining the WAC helps stabilize the WAC. However getting more schools in the region like LU, ULL,
UNT, Ark st, etc etc would be better than UTSA and Texas st alone. Therefore Texas st should be cheering on a LU invite but yet our Texas st friend here is not smart enough to understand this logic. Must be a bobcat IQ thing.
[/quote]
No doubt more regional teams would help us out. But, if the whole freaking Southland moves to the WAC with us, then it would not be worth it - might as well stay FCS. If Lamar moves up, Sam won't want to be left behind.. and then we are back where we started.

[UNLV]

[quote name="YouCanUseaMint" post="845449" timestamp="1284306441"]
[quote author=UNLV link=topic=72726.msg844453#msg844453 date=1284215462]This is what get at me. UTSA and Texas st joining the WAC helps stabilize the WAC. However getting more schools in the region like LU, ULL,
UNT, Ark st, etc etc would be better than UTSA and Texas st alone. Therefore Texas st should be cheering on a LU invite but yet our Texas st friend here is not smart enough to understand this logic. Must be a bobcat IQ thing.
[/quote]
No doubt more regional teams would help us out. But, if the whole freaking Southland moves to the WAC with us, then it would not be worth it - might as well stay FCS. If Lamar moves up, Sam won't want to be left behind.. and then we are back where we started.
[/quote]I see Terror has your mind in thinking Sam has tied itself to LU.

Knock on wood, wake up. If the WAC invites LU, there is no law that says the WAC must invite Sam. Stop being so naive to everything Terror tells you.

[scott402v]

Who cares about them bringing fans.  As long as we keep bringing in our fans to fill in the stadium i don't care which conference we play in.  just as long as we can get into a competitive conference in the next 5 years.