What’s next for D2, NAIA and Georgetown College

[radiodavel]

What’s next for D2, NAIA and Georgetown College - www.theseniorreports.com/ncaad2.htm

recapping a busy week in D2 and NAIA

[foresterpride]

I have to agree with your article about the NAIA. (shocker) I recently had an email exchange with 2 conference commissioners about the D2 WVIAC split that left 6 members without a home. These 6 members seemingly would be (should be) good NAIA members and don't have the resources for D2. But when I contacted these 2 commissioners a month after the fact, neither knew it even happened (one was a former NAIA President).

And in the past I had an exchange with the NAIA membership director about Canadian recruitment of members, and she gave the impression that they didn't actively recruit any members, and didn't have any focus on Canada at all.

So I certainly agree with you that the NAIA needs a house cleaning at the top, and conferences need to clear out those guys that are just looking for a retirement gig.

[radiodavel]

In talking with many NAIA schools, they always tell me they never wanted to leave but saw no other options. One told me..."Don't want to be the last one out the door to turn off the light". When some long standing quality schools are walking away into a process like D2 has now (it's a lot of work) you have to believe there is an issue.

DAC and AMC both folded in a very, very short time. Not picking on the schools they are bringing in, but many would be suited for USCAA at this point in time. Very sad to see this happen...can you imagine the impact had D2 said, any school wanting to join come onm over...WOW...it would be a mess today.

Also, had NAIA and member conferences thought more about it, they wouldnt have been so fast to push out schools who filed for D2 membership, in my mind it backfired and didn't allow those conferences time to set a plan for the future. On big thing that happened when the 6 AMC schools decided to apply, several other AMC members jumped conferences...NAIA should have been involved in that. Talked to several schools who were real upset with NAIA participation.

I know some think I am anti-NAIA, I'm not, but they they need to re-group quic...even if schools don't jump to D2 as fast as they have.

[foresterpride]

I'm actually feel pretty good about the schools they are bringing in, keeping in mind that it takes a few years for anyone to ramp up to a competitive level. Just in the past year I really like LUB, GA-Gwinnett, St. Andrews, Coastal GA, Lawr. Tech, Rochester, Laurdes, and ESF (academically). I think all of those named could be successful, eventually. I also like what other schools are doing, like Indiana Tech, Aquinas, SCAD, and ERAU. They are certainly filling some of the void at the top.

If just half of those that left in the last 10 years would have stuck it out, the NAIA would be as competitive as D2 on the national level.

I don't think the "pushing out of schools" has much to do with the issue, those schools had already made up there minds to leave. But we can disagree.

I think the bigger issue was a lack of passion & leadership. It seems every time a member changes presidents, they begin looking at going DII. I recently talked to a new AD, and he's talking about going D2 because all he knows is the NCAA (DI), and doesn't understand anything about the advantages of NAIA nor the issues involved. Heck he talked about visiting D2's this summer, and didn't even think about visiting schools that left D2 for the NAIA until I asked him about it.

The NAIA needs some "onboarding" program for all new Presidents, AD, and Coaches. But the problem is, I don't think national office staff are onboard. The NAIA president is a D3 guy.

And don't even get me taking about the lack of leadership at the conference level.

[radiodavel]

Time To Re-tool The NAIA

www.theseniorreports.com/retool.htm

from Nov 2010

The NAIA is not the same association as it was 10 years ago. The current leadership needs to evaluate the present condition of the organization. No matter what anyone says it still amazes me that numerous schools are looking to move to D2 now in these hard economic times. Then add the new tougher membership requirements for D2 and still schools will be lining up this coming June (2011) to try and make the move. The majority of these schools are leaving because of the condition of the NAIA.

[radiodavel]

These schools leaving hurts the NAIA...

Daemen College
Oklahoma Christian University
Holy Names University
UVa-Wise
Rogers State University
Lubbock Christian University
Lee Univesity
Northwestern Oklahoma State

Union University
Azusa Pacific University
Southern Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University
Shorter University
Roberts Wesleyan University
Trevecca Nazarene University
Fresno Pacific University


Black Hills State University
Lindenwood University
Malone University
Walsh University
Ursuline College
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
California Baptist University


Minot State University
William Jewell College
University of Sioux Falls
Academy of Art University
Notre Dame College
Cedarville University

[radiodavel]

Georgetown College to re-apply for NCAA DII status - www.theseniorreports.com/ncaad2.htm