Lamar to the WAC- April 2011

[TexasTerror]

I'm hearing all sorts of things right now about the SLC and its current membership from very legitimate sources...

Don't want to speculate on anything at this point. I'm just busy scratching my head! Good thing I've got hair, something UNLV can't speak to! ;)

[LumberCard]

A few months ago I would would have said it was a good move for Lamar because it is in line with what they want and getting there is the first step. The WAC isn't the greatest conference in the world especially with the new allignment, but it's FBS football and that is the desired destination for LU. If it happens, good move. For Sam, I would have said it was not even a possibility because it wasn't what their focus was at the time. As time has worn on, it might be in their best interest to move. You would have four Texas schools in your football conference (as opposed to the potential of two with just SFA and SHSU) and maintain some pretty strong rivalries with LU and TSU-SM. Personally, I don't think either Lamar or Sam are "ready" to make a move, but if the opportunity presents itself, the time to act is probably now.

[jdcurran]

I actually believe Lamar is ready to make the move.  Especially with the money backers and community support that LU is getting.  I am not as sure about SHSU.  Even if they are able to get the money together for the facility upgrades and extra sports they will have to support (which I think is very possible they can get the money), I am not sure they can meet the 15K attendance requirement. But, then again maybe they can with the texas rivals coming to town. Thoughts anyone?

[UNLV]

[quote name="jdcurran" post="961331" timestamp="1296920292"]
I actually believe Lamar is ready to make the move.  Especially with the money backers and community support that LU is getting.  I am not as sure about SHSU.  Even if they are able to get the money together for the facility upgrades and extra sports they will have to support (which I think is very possible they can get the money), I am not sure they can meet the 15K attendance requirement. But, then again maybe they can with the texas rivals coming to town. Thoughts anyone?
[/quote]Sammie is not going FBS. The second team is Seattle or ULL or UNT. I say the WAC needs to invite LU only, then take a
wait and see what happens to the BIG 12. LU makes 8 FBS teams, unless another football team wants to join. Just hold off on the basketball schools.

[jdcurran]

If you read the chatter on SHSU's board it is very possible they could move up.  I would rather just see LU move up solo, but at the same time I am not against any school trying to better themselves.  In fact that is what they are supposed to do.

[YouCanUseaMint]

[quote name="jdcurran" post="961340" timestamp="1296922796"]
If you read the chatter on SHSU's board it is very possible they could move up.  I would rather just see LU move up solo, but at the same time I am not against any school trying to better themselves.  In fact that is what they are supposed to do.
[/quote]
"Moving up" isn't a decision that's made overnight. Sammie State isn't ready, nor do I think they will ever be.

[coachacola]

I'm beginning to get worn down by all these rumors and "inside" sources.  One day it's a "definite yes" that Lamar will join the WAC, the next it's "no way!".  Then it's rumored the invite will be in April, no, next week, no wait, in 30 to 60 days.  I'm ready for Dr. Simmons to say yes or no already.

[77]

Read in the paper today that Lamar would have to expand their stadium and have facility upgrades for other sports. Per coach Woodard in the Bmt. enterprise.

[UNLV]

[quote name="coachacola" post="961478" timestamp="1296937803"]
I'm beginning to get worn down by all these rumors and "inside" sources.  One day it's a "definite yes" that Lamar will join the WAC, the next it's "no way!".  Then it's rumored the invite will be in April, no, next week, no wait, in 30 to 60 days.  I'm ready for Dr. Simmons to say yes or no already.
[/quote]Relax, you will soon see Larry B. Scott photo on every sports web page soon.

[coachacola]

[quote name="UNLV" post="961599" timestamp="1296948720"]
[quote author=coachacola link=topic=79479.msg961478#msg961478 date=1296937803]
I'm beginning to get worn down by all these rumors and "inside" sources.  One day it's a "definite yes" that Lamar will join the WAC, the next it's "no way!".  Then it's rumored the invite will be in April, no, next week, no wait, in 30 to 60 days.  I'm ready for Dr. Simmons to say yes or no already.
[/quote]Relax, you will soon see Larry B. Scott photo on every sports web page soon.
[/quote]

I had to google Larry B. Scott to get it....his face has been popping up lately on a lot of message boards.  :D

[jdcurran]

You where not the only one who had to google Larry!!

[LU4LIFE]

Fox 4 said  that "Lamar has talked to the WAC officials and it does not look like they are going to join this year."

[Guest Cards R Us]

The best part of these rumor mills is that once one shuts down definitively, another one pops up claiming something even more dramatic.

Don't worry everyone, in a couple of days Lamar will be back in the hunt for joining the WAC...I have a 'source' who 'knows somebody' who 'talks to Ray'...It's a solid bet...

[LumberCard]

I ind it interesting that there are a couple of people who think that LU is ready and SAm is not based on not having facilities ready. Did you miss the fact that LU is still missing a softball program? Not to mention a lack of a facility for it. I know it is coming, but if the move needed to be made today, LU is still short a sport.

No need to worry, Our conversations on a message board won't make anything happen or not...

[bigred360]

We need to upgrade our facilities and like 41 stated Lamar needs to start a softball program but that can happen within a 2 year period and that includes building facilites, hiring a coach and recruiting a couple of classes of players.

We could add swimming as a sport with a pool already on campus.

However, I want Lamar to be competitive in all their sports and that is going to take dedication from the administration, to the alumni, students and supporter of Lamar.

There has to be money to be raised from adding sports, coaching salaries, scholarships and travel expenses. Then you have to have things in order on the academic side as well.

IMO this will happen but not by April 1st 2011. Plus, why join the WAC now? You don't know what is going to happen to the Big East, C-USA, Sun Belt and a couple other conferences in the near future. Speaking 1-2 years from now. Something better may role around as you never know.

As for as SHSU, they are no farther alone in moving to a FBS conference than Lamar is.

[jdcurran]

I do think we have a leg up on SHSU because we already do have a lot of facilities in place that SHSU does not have.  That is not to say that we don't still need to upgrade.  It is looking more and more like we either have not gotten an invite, joined but with strings attached, or not joined and inquired about joining later.  I am not sure how this scenario is playing out currently, as it does look like we have actually talked to the WAC.  From what it looks like we are not committing this year for sure. Thoughts?

[jdcurran]

Also, according to the WAC board and a mySanAntonio article the announcement on monday is not going to happen. Basically, I think anything goes at this point.  I am not quite sure where everything is taking us right now.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/utsa/2011/02/nothing-imminent-for-wac/

[UNLV]

[quote name="jdcurran" post="961947" timestamp="1297006440"]
I do think we have a leg up on SHSU because we already do have a lot of facilities in place that SHSU does not have.  That is not to say that we don't still need to upgrade.  It is looking more and more like we either have not gotten an invite, joined but with strings attached, or not joined and inquired about joining later.  I am not sure how this scenario is playing out currently, as it does look like we have actually talked to the WAC.  From what it looks like we are not committing this year for sure. Thoughts?
[/quote]First, LU can not just join the WAC like joining a pick up game of basketball. LU would need a few approvals like the TSU.
Second, why is LU allowing these rumors to spread. Kill it if LU is not joining the WAC. LU is not killing it. I wanted the announcement yesterday, however a delay is not a reason to think LU is not joining. We got Feb. and all of March.

[bigred360]

UNLV, let's just talk about coaches. Dr Simmons has stated Coach Tidwell will probably have to decide on either the AD job or the WBB job. Then we are probably going to fire our MBB head coach. They have to hire a softball coach pretty soon and give them 2 years of recruiting to have a decent team.

Then look at how many coaches are on a FBS staff like UT and add that to Lamar's current staff of 9 with one being a grad assistant. Then even at a low level FBS conference the salaries of all the coaches are higher.

I honestly think Lamar can do it but it's going to take a lot of money.

[jdcurran]

[quote name="UNLV" post="961959" timestamp="1297008249"]
[quote author=jdcurran link=topic=79479.msg961947#msg961947 date=1297006440]
I do think we have a leg up on SHSU because we already do have a lot of facilities in place that SHSU does not have.  That is not to say that we don't still need to upgrade.  It is looking more and more like we either have not gotten an invite, joined but with strings attached, or not joined and inquired about joining later.  I am not sure how this scenario is playing out currently, as it does look like we have actually talked to the WAC.  From what it looks like we are not committing this year for sure. Thoughts?
[/quote]First, LU can not just join the WAC like joining a pick up game of basketball. LU would need a few approvals like the TSU.
Second, why is LU allowing these rumors to spread. Kill it if LU is not joining the WAC. LU is not killing it. I wanted the announcement yesterday, however a delay is not a reason to think LU is not joining. We got Feb. and all of March.
[/quote]

I think it is pretty obvious that it is not as simple as calling Benson and saying I am ready.  There is TV markets, revenue sharing and many other things.  But what I think most people are trying to figure out is what is happening in the closed door conversations with the WAC.  And I completely agree about killing the rumors it if LU is not joining the WAC.  I think that it would be great if LU would be a little more transparent, but LU does not really work that way.

[UNLV]

[quote name="LU4LIFE" post="961762" timestamp="1296962908"]
Fox 4 said  that "Lamar has talked to the WAC officials and it does not look like they are going to join this year."
[/quote]Fox maybe playing with words. Ofcourse LU won't join the WAC this year, LU would join in 2012.

[coachacola]

Why would an anonymous coach at Lamar call the WAC offices about this when Dr. Simmons would the person to talk to?  This sounds like a BS answer to help quell at the rumors.  I think Benson is waiting on Lamar to decide if and when they can join the WAC and then determine if Lamar is invited to join.  Like others have mentioned, it'll take a serious commitment if they join the WAC so LU better have their ducks in a row.

[jdcurran]

I think we might have to make it through February and March before we hear anything conclusive.  And that whoever the WAC invites next will either make or break the conference.

[UNLV]

The WAC "NEEDS" an 8th football school. Lamar is the only football school in the "join the WAC" line.

[Guest Cards R Us]

UNLV...if the WAC "NEEDED" an 8th football school, and Lamar was the ONLY option they had, then this would all be a moot point.  It's not that simple, and you're ignoring obvious hurdles that have prevented this move from happening so far.