Incarnate Word announces that they join the WAC as an affiliate member for soccer... http://www.cardinalathletics.com/news/2013/12/18/MSOC_1218131254.aspx?path=msoc
Good catch. This was one that should have happened this past year. It just makes sense geographically.
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Interestingly, in reading a bit about this, UTPA will technically cease to exist in 2015. It joined the WAC (and announced its plans to soccer). I can't think of an NCAA D1 institution that has ever closed, so while I assume that they will assume UTPA's history/spot in the WAC (while the NAIA UT-B athletics will cease to exist), I wonder if there are any NCAA issues that might delay that.
The way I understand this is that the UT-RGV will continue all of the sports that UTPA including conference affiliation. Consolidation in something that has been happening with greater frequency across the nation. Here in Georgia, two years ago 8 schools were made into 4. Two more have been announced that the will merge.
Not to get totally off topic but I think that SPSU should stay seperate from KSU as well. That might be the moment that KSU gets mens soccer as SPSU already has it. Who knows. I think that these moves are simply a precurser to a few more in the next few years where an HBCU will be merged. That one will be a political brewhaha. Now back to the conference alignment discussion.
How 'bout they compromise and produce a ridiculously unique name? Runnin' Owls. Not as silly as Banana Slugs but shows a sense of humor and is different.
Or they could just not combine two schools that have nothing in common. They aren't close in geography or what they teach. It's a disgrace and I feel terrible for SPSU alumni and students. But money talks I guess.
Trying to see how you are coming up with the info on Howard soccer moving to Sunbelt. How did you come up with that?
I missed a letter "t" It should say I would bet ... Just a guess if they really have a men's soccer conference.
http://www.sportsnola.com/sports/lo...elt-mens-soccer-to-re-debut-in-fall-2014.html Sun Belt is back. Ga State Ga Southern App St Hartwick Howard NJIT
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http://www.sportsnola.com/sports/lo...elt-mens-soccer-to-re-debut-in-fall-2014.html This article makes it sure seem so.
Yup, App State confirms it. http://www.appstatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=21500&ATCLID=209403273 Good find, Rob.
Looks like Belmont is the only team without a home. They would be a good fit for the Sun Belt and give that conference a 7th member.
The Sun Belt was able to restore men's soccer with three full members and three affiliates, including NJIT. The Mountain West has five full members who sponsor the sport yet that conference won't touch it with a 10-foot pole. Guess it goes to show you who cares and who doesn't. Great news for the independents and Georgia State now that they have a home. Maybe Arkansas-Little Rock or UT-Arlington will start up their programs??
Minimum number of conference teams for auto bid is still 6, right? Akron will not have the chance to avenge last year's home loss to Hartwick.
With the automatic bid going to the Sun Belt you'll just have to wait for the tournament to see that game.