College is much more expensive than it was years ago. For example, when I first started in the 80's the CC was $25/credit (or about $500/semester or so) when I finished 5 years later (University was about $1500/semester). University this year is $4500/semester. More of the cost is borne by the student (or parents) while the federal government and state governments are covering less.
When I graduated high school I got a full-ride academic scholarship - tuition, room and board, the usual fees, even $100 a year for books and travel. It was $2700/year. My parents were ecstatic. They drove me to that school and bought all my books and let me keep that money for pocket change. That same school now says that its cost of attendance is somewhere north of $65k/year.
We were slightly more advanced than that. This is the car my father drove to college when he attended on the GI Bill (also fully funded)
And in the background of this picture of my uncle you can see my grandfather's farm wagon and on the left edge the barn where the horses and other farm animals were kept.
Heck, that is not to far off from what I was thinking. Being the number cruncher that I am, I went to the CPI Inflation calculator and came up with September 1916. I thought better, until you posted
https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/col...cle_2d77497a-b5a2-500b-9b63-7d7a88d83039.html This article notes that the MVC was supportive of this cut. But with this move, this leaves the MVC with only 5 men's soccer teams, do they not lose the automatic bid?
My list is at 108 men's soccer programs that have been eliminated. Three played their last season in 2019. I'm sure there will be more.
Actually, it's athletic director Mark LaBarbera who said that the MVC was supportive. "Division I members are required to field at least 14 teams, but the rest of the MVC ranges from 15 to 19. LaBarbera said the league was supportive of the cuts."
With the MVC being supportive of the cut, regardless of who said it, where does that leave the MVC in support of men's soccer?
Honestly, the Valley has been kind of a shitshow since Creighton left. Wichita State's departure just ramped it up further. Since basketball is the MVC's marquee sport, losing both crown jewels has caused panic and chaos. That said, it's possible the we could pick up an affiliate. I highly doubt that any of the four state school members will even consider adding soccer. Of course, UNI would have the advantage of being the only public university in Iowa to offer men's soccer, but between Drake and the numerous NAIA programs in the area, it doesn't seem like a worthwhile endeavor.
I’ve always said, these athletic associations (NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA/etc) need to have a better handle on it all. Somewhat force the decisions and conferences. There are a lot that have NEVER made sense and only wrecks schools/programs.