Some months ago there was a discussion that drew posts nasty even by Big Soccer standards. I offered my opinion that the NIT Men’s Basketball tournament seemed to have a history of treating Hippy-friendly universities poorly. I offered three examples: 1. Hippy schools that deserved to get bids but did not get them. (Cal-Berkley, Smith College, Oberlin) 2. Hippy schools being bracketed against each other in the opening round so only one could advance. (Kent State/Col of Charl.,East Washington/Wyoming) 3. Favored schools like Boston College always seem to play at home or near home. Perhaps some of the people who disparaged my opinions should reconsider their comments in light of yesterday’s draw. I watched a TV program last night where sports writers from all over the country were incredulous that Cal-Berkley, University of Washington and Smith College did not get bids. All three are hippy-friendly universities. San Diego State “drew” Santa Barbara in the opening round. Since one school has 18 losses and the other 15 losses, you would expect them not to meet in the first round. Look at other 18 and 15 loss teams and they seem to be playing teams with 15-16 losses, due to seeding. San Diego State and Santa Barbara are both traditionally more hippy-friendly universities. Boston College is playing in nearby Connecticut (surprise, surprise) against lowly Fairfield. Does anyone honestly think that Fairfield deserves a bid while Oberlin and Evergreen State do not? No one, including Iowa would like to play Evergreen State in the tournament. There would be too much danger of an upset. http://www.hightimes.com/htsite/home/index.php http://www.greenpeace.org/homepage/ Just my opinions, but Hippie-friendly universities may face unfair treatment in the NIT tournament.
I've long claimed that non-hippy Universities have been unfairly discriminated against by the Ultimate Frisbee Tournament selection commitee.
I think the aforementioned schools are fortunate that Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, doesn't have a basketball team.
Sometime in the recent past, the NCAA made UC Santa Cruz play South Carolina (a non-hippy team) in South Carolina's home arena. Not only that, they forced them to play at 9 AM, far too early for Santa Cruz's 'Wake and Bake' offense to be truly effective. And they wouldn't allow them to bring their juggling sticks or pet ferrets onto the court. I, too, think the NCAA is prejudiced against hippy schools.
Years ago my dad had some of his miltary training at The College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO. CofA defeated Peru State College on the road this yea and had an 8-6 conference record. No NIT bid. Just my opinion but there also appears to be an anti-hillbilly mentality within the NIT.
Years ago, the state of California forced hippy high schools to play their own separate basketball tournaments.
As a graduate of a semi-hippie school (Univ of North Carolina, about 40% hippie, 40% preppie, 20% hillbilly) I'm glad to report there's progress. After decades of being snubbed by the committee, UNC is making a return to NIT. But is it coincidence that we didn't get an invite back when we had our great players, but as soon as we struggle, we get an invite? Hmmmm. So many great athletes were denied the opportunity to play on the national stage - Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Rasheed Wallace, Antawn Jamison - the list goes on.
I also find it a shame that Title IX is forcing men's hackysack, bongo, juggling, and frisbee teams to disband. Title IX is killing hippy sports in the US.
But UNC is playing DePaul, whose budget for basketball has received a nice boost since they dropped their football team. The NIT still seems anti-hippy.
When Mexico defeats the US in the Ultimate Frisbee World Championship, don't be surprised if El Tri unfurls a banner that reads "Thank you Title IX".
As a DePaul alum, and member of the blue demon bong squad, I can vouch for sure that we never had a football team or enough potato chips. Go Demons!
Well maybe there is some discrimination against hippy schools but what about the discrimination against Quaker schools? I'm insensed by the discrimination against Quaker universities. It's not right.
Boston College played Fairfield in Bridgeport - that's the very southwestern corner of CT, a 3 hour trip from Beantown - in front of a very partisan Stags crowd. And Fairfield gave their Jesuit brethren pretty much all they could handle, staying right with them until the last minute or so. Troy Bell was just too much.
I'll have you know that DePaul has an excellent football program. We haven't lost a game in years. Go Demons!
Western Washington University is clearly a hippie school, and they were not invited to the NIT. This is OUTRAGEOUS!!!
then amend my post to read, "dude, where's the, like, bong thing... i mean, where's the constant cosmic love for Evergreen, dude? i mean, like, why do my birkenstocks smell like fish?"