What’s next for
D2, NAIA and Georgetown College
By Dave Schmidt, THE SENIOR REPORTS – www.theseniorreports.com
UPDATE –
So we can assume what
we had mentioned on our site recently –
Do we see this as a
done deal for next school year? Nope.
Why? Because
We are disappointed
that neither the school or G-MAC would reply to our
request on this issue. We did not
contact them this while writing this update.
Cal Sate San Marcos is not new to getting a “rejection slip” in this process; third time was not the charm. Some self-reported eligibility issues reported to the NAIA proved to be the “nail in the coffin”. From all sounds coming out of CSUSM they will most likely try again next year. CSUSM also changed AD’s during the school year and in an intense process like this it can be tough to get the OK, it is a tough process. The D2 folks have wanted to add members on the West Coast, so they will most likely get the ok some day.
Not since Mount Vernon Nazarene was rejected has there been just a big surprise as this. GC now finds themselves in a PR nightmare with fans and alumni over the failure to get in. MVNU decided to remain in the NAIA after being rejected; now GC needs to decide if they will re-try next June. My suggestion is that before they even consider that they need to “rebuild some bridges” inside athletics and administration. Waiting a year might be the best consideration.
During all this excitement the Dakota Athletic Conference and American Mideast Conferences both disbanded. Would you have believed that five years ago that would have happened? Not in anyone’s wildest dreams (Or nightmare). Other NAIA conferences are struggling to replace departed members with members not of the same caliber programs as the ones they are losing. The members they are taking now would most likely not have even been accepted in the past. Talking with NAIA schools around the country that is there biggest worries; losing quality members and not being able to replace them. The “get tough” policy the NAIA and conferences enforced on members who applied to the NCAA hurt conferences instead of helping them. Forcing them out early of a conference didn’t allow conference administrations to fix the problem; it just made it happen faster. Instead those schools found an easy option for post-season play as the NCCAA and USCAA had absolutely no problem admitting those schools in limbo.
This year another eight quality NAIA schools gained the first step in the D2 membership process and making the change. The question now is how many more schools in the future will make that move? I think that question will be answered in how the NAIA adjusts to the changes taking place. That is why I think a change in the operation is needed now and most likely should have happened when the “EXODUS” started. In talking with some of the remaining quality NAIA members they don’t want to leave; but may be forced to because of a lack of vision in the association. I have to agree, the time to change is now! In the future should only four or five members leave per year, there is going to be a competition void for some member schools.
The future of the NAIA maybe discovered in next year’s D2 membership process. How many schools will apply? I think the rush is over where double-digit schools apply; but be sure there will be some who will. The key will be if the NAIA adjusts and gives schools a reason to stay put. Take a look at our site – www.theseniorreports.com/12inandout.htm and read comments made by AD’s who schools have been accepted. You will see the reasons we have talked about.