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RE: SIU-E Joins the Ohio Valley

western-101 — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:52:40 GMT

Western Kentucky located in Bowling Green Kentucky used to be in the Gateway. Murray State Univ is located Murray Kentucky (about an hour S. of Paducah) might be worth taking a look at. Decent athletics decent facilities good academics and about Six hours away.

Eastern Illinois would make the most sense for a Rival but me thinks they fear the 'Necks. By the way they are a perineal power in what passes for FCS football in the OVC, were they to get into the MVFC I would think it unlikely they would finish in the top half very often or ever. Case in point, for whatever reason we have got Illinois States number in FB, Illinois State regularly beats down Eastern. ISU is a bottom Dweller Eastern would be below them. Also, Eastern's Basketball program makes Western's program look robust and successful

OK so Central Arkansas is a member of the Southland, dosen't mean they have to stay there. Located in Conway Arkansas UCA is the most Northerly member of the Southland.

ISU, SIU, UNI, MSU and Bradley aint never leavin the Valley Period.

Northern would be a good fit with BB, but, then what to do with their FBS football?

I can't think of any regional D-1 private school that would be interested in courting the Summit League. Not a dig on the SL, but the SL is very much a middle of the pack dare I say Mid-Major Conference.

Sigh..... I just want Western to have one In-State Rival. For God's sake Illinois has 13 schools that sponsor D-1 basketball.

Maybe we will just have to wait and see if University of Illinois Springfield wants to move to D-1.

RE: SIU-E Joins the Ohio Valley

thebluehatman — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:45:05 GMT

Central Arkansas is already in the Southland Conference, which SDSU has owned in football(6-0) the last few years. I doubt they are looking for a new conference as they moved up from Division 2 a couple years ago.

RE: SIU-E Joins the Ohio Valley

Leatherface — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:54:34 GMT

101- An in-conference rivalry is needed for WESTERN.That's always been an issue in a conference spread out across the Midwest, South and West. If someone within the general region could join, just think of the rivalry that could be enjoyed. Yes, we have Illinois State, SIUC for football, but think how much more excitement there would be if all sports were competing.

Central Missouri has talked about going up, but they usually end up feeling they are just fine where they are at- financially etc. They do have good facilities, a major market, support of fans, and good rivalries within the MIAA. Besides, they don't have to travel all over^%$#$ to play conference games.

It's hard for fans to get very excited when few opponents get them jacked up. No friends go there, no family members etc. Probably one of the reasons the Dakota schools have such a fierce rivalry, is their proximity, shared hs students, family members as alums etc. They compete for students,jobs and media coverage.

My wife and I have thought about driving to some BB games. Then you look to see who they are playing, and say- why drive that far to see them play someone you know nothing about. Now, if ISU(red), SIUC, or even Bradley or Loyola- that would be different. Yes, we want to see WESTERN play, but, also get jacked up about playing someone who you might work with as alums, or family members went to school there.

There will be conference shifts in the next few years, maybe The Summit will pick up some regional schools WESTERN can rival with.

RE: SIU-E Joins the Ohio Valley

western-101 — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:48:15 GMT

If you would have asked me a year ago I would've thought that SIUe would join the Summit. However the past few months it looked more an more likely their interrested lied with the Ohio Valley. Too bad, They would've been a natural rival for Western. I wish them the best though. It would be nice if Western could get an in-conference Rivalry going again. I'm not really sure what school with a geographical location of less than three or four hours drive would fit the bill?

Maybe Central Arkansas or Central Missouri could join the Summit and then also be a 10th member to the new MVFC (I guess both those schools are actually about five hours from Macomb).

RE: SIU-E Joins the Ohio Valley

Leatherface — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:42:33 GMT

Good for them!!!!!. I was hoping they would join the Summit, they will be a good member of the OVC. Ultra modern campus, I believe the fastest growing of the state schools, and in a major media outlet.

I have often thought the OVC would be a good fit for WESTERN. Football is weaker- but, a few WESTERN championships, and the other schools would catch up for more competition. It might be where I'm located, but the OVC is very well thought of, and enjoys success in several sports.

The addition of the Dakota schools have helped the Summit-IMHO. Before that,it didn't seem WESTERN had much in common with any of the other schools. (IUIIUPPIU,IUFWPU-whatever) never got my attention. At least the Dakota schools have football, and I expect a good rivalry will follow across the programs.

RE: SIU-E Joins the Ohio Valley

Neckfansince71 — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:33:54 GMT

I also saw it in the PJS this morning. Was down at the mother in laws doing a couple of days of work! It was in micro-print! Also saw the Leatherneck Express truck on I74 between Peoria and Morton! Looked great!

Anyone surprised that they joined the OVC?

SIU-E Joins the Ohio Valley

WIU712 — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:13:20 GMT

I saw in today's paper that SIU-Edwardsville has joined the Ohio Valley Conference. They will be the 11th team in the OVC.

I think that they will be at full membership for the 2010-2011 season.