North Dakota, South Dakota State to the Gateway?

[MSNSaluki]

While listening to the SIU football game against Western Kentucky Saturday night, Saluki announcer Mike Reis - who has been SIU's radio voice since the late 70s and is pretty close to money when he gets inside info, said his sources were telling him that if WKU votes to go I-A next year and leaves the Gateway, there are already serious talks going on around the league to add North Dakota AND South Dakota State and have a nine-team league.

The biggest attraction for having 9 teams, Reis said, is Gateway teams have a hard time scheduling anymore and this would help everybody.

Take it for what it's worth, but Reis knows his stuff.

[skinny_uncle]

The NDSU replacing WKU rumor has been around for some time. I agree Reis knows his stuff. He might have inside info on this and I consider him a very credible source. Expansion of the league could help scheduling as a 9 team league would mean you only have to find 3 noncon games instead of 4.

[Phantom]

The NDSU replacing WKU rumor has been around for some time. I agree Reis knows his stuff. He might have inside info on this and I consider him a very credible source. Expansion of the league could help scheduling as a 9 team league would mean you only have to find 3 noncon games instead of 4.


Very true. I think in a way, all of our teams could possibly benefit from finding only 3 non con games instead of 4. This might help scheduling in the sense that our teams could eliminate DII schools (sorta depends on who you playing though) or the like from the schedule. Maybe with only 3 non-con games, our teams could get 1 IA game, and 2 solid IAA games to complete their non-con. Overall, that scenario could benefit the conference.

Just a thought....what does everyone else think ?

[-Z-]

That drive from Fargo, N.D., to Youngstown, Ohio, or the other way would be a killer!! Distance might be a problem in this new league.
And where the hell is the South Dakota State located?

[MoState417]

That drive from Fargo, N.D., to Youngstown, Ohio, or the other way would be a killer!! Distance might be a problem in this new league.
And where the hell is the South Dakota State located?

South of North Dakota State:yes:



Brookings, SD

[skinny_uncle]

That drive from Fargo, N.D., to Youngstown, Ohio, or the other way would be a killer!! Distance might be a problem in this new league.
And where the hell is the South Dakota State located?
Fly!

[Panthera Pardus]

Yeah... can't Penguins fly? :ermm:

[unipnthr]

Personally I think bringing in the Dakota's and moving to a 9 team conference is an excellent idea for all of the reasons mentioned. I think the point has been mentioned, but not many noncon teams want to play anyone from the Gateway. For example, UNI is starting to have trouble scheduling Iowa or Iowa State because, as we proved this year, we can play with them and they don't want to risk the loss.

[DawgFan]

I think it's a lousy idea. But, I also think WKU wasting their time moving up to D1A is also a lousy idea.

[ISU87]

it's a good idea to have 9 teams in the conference, but the location of the dakota schools will ultimately be what keeps them out of the Gateway in my opinion. ISU can't afford more flight trips as it is and I'd bet my bottom dollar ISU (and I don't think they'd be the only school) would vote against adding both those schools to the GFC, it's just too far to have to go.

I'd guess the GFC will stick at 7 for a year or two and see what else plays out within the midwest, then see who they can add.

[unipnthr]

Right now the Dakota schools are in the Great West Conference... think big picture here. Doesn't it make sense for them to be in the Gateway which is centered close to home in the Midwest rather than travel to California twice and Utah? Other than the Dakota's playing each other they have to fly every game. ISU is positioned almost dead center of the Gateway right now, you guys probably have the smallest travel budget of any Gateway team. Especially considering how long its been since you've had to travel for the post season.

check this map: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_football

[89rabbit]

I think I can speak for both schools when I say that both NDSU and SDSU would love to be in the Gateway. :yes:

[ISU87]

ISU probably does have the smallest travel budget, you're right, but ISU's athletic budget in general is probably the lowest of all the Gateway and MVC schools, the school is not doing well financially and I am sure would vote a solid NO to adding the outlier schools from the Dakota Territories.

I looked at that map and getting to those 2 schools would be a huge burden. Like I said, I think that geography will keep them out. They have good teams, but that isn't everything in this day and age. Schools have budgets to think about and the GFC is a pretty compact conf. right now. Our only outlier is really YSU. Now if YSU wants to leave, then the GFC can shift west. Don't know if YSU really wants to leave though.

And besides, with UND and possibly USD moving up, the Great West will add 2 more schools and be set.

just my 2 cents.

Right now the Dakota schools are in the Great West Conference... think big picture here. Doesn't it make sense for them to be in the Gateway which is centered close to home in the Midwest rather than travel to California twice and Utah? Other than the Dakota's playing each other they have to fly every game. ISU is positioned almost dead center of the Gateway right now, you guys probably have the smallest travel budget of any Gateway team. Especially considering how long its been since you've had to travel for the post season.

check this map: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_football

[Bisonfan]

If the Gateway loses WKU it will be down to 7 members and that means each team gets 6 conference games so I bet ISU will end up flying somewhere in non-conference play. I think only having to find 3 non-conference games each year and the strength of the Dakota schools will cancel out the distance issues. Plus, if the Gateway loses another school or two it won't have to worry about losing it's auto-bid.

[skinny_uncle]

It must be official. Their fans are already showing up on our board.

[BearsCountry]

NDSU and SDSU would be excellent choices for the Gateway. Travel is a little concern but if you fly whats the difference really. We have two schools that are very similar to most of the Gateway schools in terms of budget, stadiums, fan bases, and team. We would be foolish not to add them.

[BearsCountry]

It must be official. Their fans are already showing up on our board.

The two on here are good posters I have seen them on other boards.

[MSNSaluki]

If the Gateway loses WKU it will be down to 7 members and that means each team gets 6 conference games so I bet ISU will end up flying somewhere in non-conference play. I think only having to find 3 non-conference games each year and the strength of the Dakota schools will cancel out the distance issues. Plus, if the Gateway loses another school or two it won't have to worry about losing it's auto-bid.

You guys are having a fantastic season!
If you join the Gateway, we will be the No. 1 conference in America.

[89rabbit]

Over on the Bison Board it was posted:

"The Gateway requested an insitutional/football profile from NDSU and SDSU (just like the Mid-Con process)"

Any of you guys hear something like that?




Here are links you might find interesting about both SDSU and NDSU.

SDSU athletics site:

http://www.gojacks.com/

SDSU fan site:

http://www.sdsufans.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl

NDSU athletics site:

http://www.gobison.com/

NDSU fan site:

http://www.bisonville.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl

Stop by and say hi. :original:

[Fraydog]

NDSU is in Fargo and SDSU is in Brookings.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=fargo+nd&ie=UTF8&om=1&z=8&ll=46.878968,-96.789551&spn=2.26409,5.443726&iwloc=addr

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Brookings,+SD&ie=UTF8&om=1&z=8&ll=44.308127,-96.795044&spn=2.456705,5.443726

They're not much farther north than CU. Would people on this board complain about their distance if the CU administration decided it wanted to play DI-AA football?

[SubGod22]

I say bring them in.....but what do I know :grin:

[skinny_uncle]

Over on the Bison Board it was posted:

"The Gateway requested an insitutional/football profile from NDSU and SDSU (just like the Mid-Con process)"

Any of you guys hear something like that?




Here are links you might find interesting about both SDSU and NDSU.

SDSU athletics site:

http://www.gojacks.com/

SDSU fan site:

http://www.sdsufans.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl

NDSU athletics site:

http://www.gobison.com/

NDSU fan site:

http://www.bisonville.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl

Stop by and say hi. :original:
Thanks for the links. They could prove useful in the near future.

[89rabbit]

From the Sioux Falls Argus Leader:

http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/SPORTS0202/610260342/1002/SPORTS

Gateway takes look at SDSU
Football conference might lure Jacks from Great West

by Terry Vandrovec
tvandrovec@argusleader.com
PUBLISHED: October 26, 2006

Less than three seasons into its foray into NCAA Division I-AA and an affiliation with the Great West Football Conference, South Dakota State has caught the eye of another league.

Gateway Football Conference commissioner Patty Viverito said Wednesday night that her league has requested institutional information from SDSU and North Dakota State as it studies potential expansion in the near future.

The Gateway is preparing for the possible departure of Western Kentucky, which is considering a move to Division I-A football beginning next fall. That school's board of regents will vote Nov. 2 on the Division I-A matter.

"We've had conversations with both North Dakota State and South Dakota State before," Viverito said. "But it didn't really make sense to have any meaningful conversations about Gateway football unless they had a foundation home for their other sports. The planets aligned."

In September, the Jackrabbits and Bison were accepted into the Mid-Continent Conference in everything except football - a sport the league doesn't have - beginning in 2007-08. . . . (read more)

[Mick Taylor]

it's a good idea to have 9 teams in the conference, but the location of the dakota schools will ultimately be what keeps them out of the Gateway in my opinion. ISU can't afford more flight trips as it is and I'd bet my bottom dollar ISU (and I don't think they'd be the only school) would vote against adding both those schools to the GFC, it's just too far to have to go.

I'd guess the GFC will stick at 7 for a year or two and see what else plays out within the midwest, then see who they can add.

Total non-issue. ISU is going to travel for those games anyway. And besides, the Gateway is NOT going to predicate decisions based on what ISU can or can't do.

And here's a point no one has mentioned, maybe NDSU and SDSU, are replacing both WKU and ISU -- should the Sycamores drop football.

[Bisonfan]

You guys are having a fantastic season!
If you join the Gateway, we will be the No. 1 conference in America.

Thanks, it's been quite a season so far. And I agree if the Gateway adds the Dakota SU's it will be quite a conference, ISU, NDSU, UNI, YSU, SIU, and SDSU are all in the GPI top 25 this week.

[MSNSaluki]

Thanks, it's been quite a season so far. And I agree if the Gateway adds the Dakota SU's it will be quite a conference, ISU, NDSU, UNI, YSU, SIU, and SDSU are all in the GPI top 25 this week.

We saw first-hand what you guys were all about last year. We were lucky to get away with a win.
I can't say I look forward to having you in the league from a competitive standpoint ... :original:

[89rabbit]

Talk about a Power Conference. :original:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/misc/tsn-div-1aa-poll.htm

1. Appalachian State Mountaineers (96) 8-1 2,568 1
2. Montana Grizzlies (1) 7-1 2,438 2
3. Massachusetts Minutemen (3) 7-1 2,321 4
4. James Madison Dukes 7-1 2,257 5
5. North Dakota State Bison (3) 7-1 2,151 6
6. Cal Poly Mustangs 6-2 1,994 9
7. Youngstown State Penguins 7-2 1,985 10
8. Illinois State Redbirds 6-2 1,783 3
9. New Hampshire Wildcats 6-2 1,721 11
10. Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks 7-1 1,618 12
11. Furman Paladins 6-3 1,319 8
12. Southern Illinois Salukis 6-2 1,265 19
13. Hampton Pirates 8-1 1,263 17
14. Northern Iowa Panthers 5-3 1,191 7
15. Richmond Spiders 5-3 911 13
16. San Diego Toreros 8-0 902 20
17. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 6-2 673 22
18. Harvard Crimson 6-1 607 23
19. Montana State Bobcats 6-3 587 24
20. Eastern Illinois Panthers 5-4 497 14
21. Towson Tigers 6-2 495 NR
22. Maine Black Bears 5-3 465 15
23. Princeton Tigers 6-1 415 18
24. South Dakota State Jackrabbits 5-3 411 NR
25. Portland State Vikings 5-4 333 21

Others receiving votes: Western Kentucky 256, Charleston Southern 240, UC Davis 240, Delaware State 121, Alabama A&M 113, Yale 109, McNeese State 41, Wofford 41, Central Arkansas 40, Tennessee State 30, Gardner-Webb 18, Monmouth 11, Delaware 10, Holy Cross 8, South Carolina State 7

[MSNSaluki]

Talk about a Power Conference. :original:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/misc/tsn-div-1aa-poll.htm

1. Appalachian State Mountaineers (96) 8-1 2,568 1
2. Montana Grizzlies (1) 7-1 2,438 2
3. Massachusetts Minutemen (3) 7-1 2,321 4
4. James Madison Dukes 7-1 2,257 5
5. North Dakota State Bison (3) 7-1 2,151 6
6. Cal Poly Mustangs 6-2 1,994 9
7. Youngstown State Penguins 7-2 1,985 10
8. Illinois State Redbirds 6-2 1,783 3
9. New Hampshire Wildcats 6-2 1,721 11
10. Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks 7-1 1,618 12
11. Furman Paladins 6-3 1,319 8
12. Southern Illinois Salukis 6-2 1,265 19
13. Hampton Pirates 8-1 1,263 17
14. Northern Iowa Panthers 5-3 1,191 7
15. Richmond Spiders 5-3 911 13
16. San Diego Toreros 8-0 902 20
17. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 6-2 673 22
18. Harvard Crimson 6-1 607 23
19. Montana State Bobcats 6-3 587 24
20. Eastern Illinois Panthers 5-4 497 14
21. Towson Tigers 6-2 495 NR
22. Maine Black Bears 5-3 465 15
23. Princeton Tigers 6-1 415 18
24. South Dakota State Jackrabbits 5-3 411 NR
25. Portland State Vikings 5-4 333 21

Others receiving votes: Western Kentucky 256, Charleston Southern 240, UC Davis 240, Delaware State 121, Alabama A&M 113, Yale 109, McNeese State 41, Wofford 41, Central Arkansas 40, Tennessee State 30, Gardner-Webb 18, Monmouth 11, Delaware 10, Holy Cross 8, South Carolina State 7

On second thought, could we interest you guys in the Ohio Valley Conference?
Just joking!:original:

[89rabbit]

From the Sioux Falls, SD Argus Leader:

http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061103/SPORTS0202/611030306/1002/SPORTS

Western Kentucky will leave Gateway
Talks with SDSU could begin at season's end

By Terry Vandrovec
tvandrovec@argusleader.com
PUBLISHED: November 3, 2006

News on Thursday that Western Kentucky will move its football program to the NCAA Division I-A level next fall and thus leave the Gateway Football Conference did little to immediately advance the possibility of South Dakota State and North Dakota State joining the I-AA league.

The yes vote by WKU's board of regents - final tally of 7-2 - was a formality. Gateway commissioner Patty Viverito said she'd long expected the Hilltoppers to jump; that was the reason her league sought institutional information from SDSU and NDSU regarding potential expansion.

"Western Kentucky gave us the heads up in August," Viverito said. "The action today is no surprise. Back when we got the news, we entered into some discussions and started conversations. The interest, I think, is mutual between those schools and the Gateway." . . . (read more)

[Phantom]

It pretty much went without saying, but glancing at the current Top-25 polls, it really gets cemented: If both Dakota teams join the GFC, then it by far becomes the best I-AA conference in the nation.

I mean think about it. The GFC has had multiple teams ranked this year and currently has 4 (all in the top 15 no less). If we were to add 2 more ranked teams...wow. Talk about bragging rights being in a league where 6-7 of your teams are consistently ranked. (Of course thats not saying wed have that many ranked teams at the time if/when the Dakotas would join, but its certainly possible...perhaps even likely).The GFC would become even more of a bloodbath than it is now :lol:

[BisonBacker]

Hopefully will see some of you on our schedule next year and if all works out be in the conference in 08.

[underdawg2]

Hopefully will see some of you on our schedule next year and if all works out be in the conference in 08.

You got it Bro! Actually it looks like we could have a schedule in which each of the Dakotas could be played alternately maybe? Really, neither are very far from UNI or MSU or even SIU and Ilst--maybe we could split into divisions?? What do I know--I'm drunk!
:lol:

[-Z-]

One goes out but two come in. That gives the GFC an odd number. Does anyone else think that another school might be leaving? Or dropping football as a scholarship sport?
:sycamores:? :sycamores:? :sycamores:? :sycamores:? :sycamores: ?

[MSNSaluki]

One goes out but two come in. That gives the GFC an odd number. Does anyone else think that another school might be leaving? Or dropping football as a scholarship sport?
:sycamores:? :sycamores:? :sycamores:? :sycamores:? :sycamores: ?

No.
Everything I've read is that the Gateway would LOVE to add two teams while losing one to help out league schools with scheduling.

[-Z-]

But don't forget that there is one GFC school (:sycamores: ) that likes to have that extra OOC game to play two IA teams because it BADLEY needs the money. That's one reason they only have four home games this season. Having another league game with a large travel bill would hurt.

[MSNSaluki]

But don't forget that there is one GFC school (:sycamores: ) that likes to have that extra OOC game to play two IA teams because it BADLEY needs the money. That's one reason they only have four home games this season. Having another league game with a large travel bill would hurt.


I know, I know ... Indiana State is kind of a wild card in this whole thing. If they need the money that bad, just schedule 3 or 4 I-A teams and hope to win games in the conference.

[skinny_uncle]

The extra team would help scheduling. Teams would only have to find three OOC games instead of 4. The Dakota schools look like the best fit in terms of competitiveness at this point.

[BearsCountry]

Each team would be guaranted to have four home games thats big plus on scheduling.

[redbirdtim]

I think we have two very good teams to add to the conference for football. I think you will see a conference that would always have at least 4 teams ranked in the top 25. I can't say that you'd always have 6 because they will beat up on each other. Adding these teams will help make sure only very special teams go through the season unbeaten; however, I think adding these two teams would make us the elite conference. Sure, we're losing WKU, but we're adding two very good teams. I think each school should help InSU. If they didn't have football, it would be so much harder to have a team. Therefore, we should all pitch in to feed their players on the road and set up tents in our backyards. In addition, we should petition the NCAA to allow them to play a 12th game every year to retain funding :innocent: . I don't think Hawaii would play them every year, but they could sacrifice themselve to a Nebraska or Michigan for a $400-600K payday.

Heck, we could even allow players to stick around there for 5 years and allow them free transfer of players from other I-AA schools without sitting out.

[unipnthr]

I've got two couches in my aparment for any Trees that need to crash after a thumping in the Dome.

[galojay]

Maybe InState needs to consider dropping to non-scholarship I-AA or drop football all together.

[bears1]

The MSU administration is not too hot on this idea of adding ND and SD state for 2 BIG reasons. #1. It probably wont equate to the gateway getting any more teams in the playoffs then it currently does and #2, The travel costs would grow quite a bit as it costs around $40,000 per trip for chartered flights
(80k more every 2 years years with no real additional revenue to make it up) and that money is in addition to the money they are already paying to travel to UNI and YSU. If it happens, then 2 divisions is the only real way to go. This may be FAR from a done deal too as other Gateway coaches and AD's have echoed those thoughts.

[Bisonfan]

The MSU administration is not too hot on this idea of adding ND and SD state for 2 BIG reasons. #1. It probably wont equate to the gateway getting any more teams in the playoffs then it currently does and #2, The travel costs would grow quite a bit as it costs around $40,000 per trip for chartered flights
(80k more every 2 years years with no real additional revenue to make it up) and that money is in addition to the money they are already paying to travel to UNI and YSU. If it happens, then 2 divisions is the only real way to go. This may be FAR from a done deal too as other Gateway coaches and AD's have echoed those thoughts.

Well, you do drop the trip to WKU but I don't if thats a flight or a bus trip so I can't really say much about cost. I don't think I would say NDSU and SDSU to the Gateway is a done deal either but I have heard a lot of positive news about it.

[89rabbit]

The MSU administration is not too hot on this idea of adding ND and SD state for 2 BIG reasons. #1. It probably wont equate to the gateway getting any more teams in the playoffs then it currently does and #2, The travel costs would grow quite a bit as it costs around $40,000 per trip for chartered flights
(80k more every 2 years years with no real additional revenue to make it up) and that money is in addition to the money they are already paying to travel to UNI and YSU. If it happens, then 2 divisions is the only real way to go. This may be FAR from a done deal too as other Gateway coaches and AD's have echoed those thoughts.


The question shouldn't be will it cost MSU to take their team to each of the Dakota schools, because we already know that the answer is yes. The question that MSU and the rest of the schools need to ask is how much more or less it would cost to have the Dakota State Universities in the Gateway.

What I mean is MSU will have an 11 game schedule whether or not SDSU and NDSU are invited to join the Gateway. If SDSU and NDSU are not asked to join, MSU will have a couple of choices to fill an 11 game schedule. They can pay schools guarantees to play a game in Springfield or they can sign home and home contracts in which school A comes to Springfield one year and the Bears go back to school A in a different season.

So either way MSU will have costs associated with having an 11 game schedule, then it becomes a question of is the cost less then or greater then having SDSU and NDSU in the Gateway. One also has to take into consideration the hassle of finding OOC (out of conference) games (one of the big reasons sited for the interest in SDSU and NDSU in the first place). Also as a rule of thumb Conference games draw greater fan interest then OOC games. Just some food for thought.

[ISU87]

as I mentioned previously, I have heard the ISU administration is not to hot on adding the dak's either for the exact same reasons.

Has anyone heard what YSU's opinion is on all this, as they would obviously have the furthest trip out to the dak's

The MSU administration is not too hot on this idea of adding ND and SD state for 2 BIG reasons. #1. It probably wont equate to the gateway getting any more teams in the playoffs then it currently does and #2, The travel costs would grow quite a bit as it costs around $40,000 per trip for chartered flights
(80k more every 2 years years with no real additional revenue to make it up) and that money is in addition to the money they are already paying to travel to UNI and YSU. If it happens, then 2 divisions is the only real way to go. This may be FAR from a done deal too as other Gateway coaches and AD's have echoed those thoughts.

[MSNSaluki]

I'm not sure why MSU has any concerns about playoff potentials.:innocent:

Sorry ... that wasn't nice.:bears:

[SubGod22]

I vote we add them :grin:

Rabbit made a very good post about all of the considerations. It will make the Gateway a better conference and I'm all for it. The money issue is obviously what needs to be looked at by all the member schools in the way that Rabbit pointed out. I think I already said that.

[underdawg2]

add both and eliminate MSU and Instate for all their B*tching about the process--JEESE!!!:lol:

[BearsCountry]

I say add the Dakotas. The only bitching MSU is doing is bc I think they want to put a K-State type schedule in to get some wins and adding Dakotas would screw that up.

[skinny_uncle]

current GPI:

1 Massachusetts A10
2 Appalachian St SOCON
3T Montana BSC
3T James Madison A10 (S)
5 N Dakota St GWFC
6 Youngstown St GFC
7 Illinois St GFC
8 Cal Poly GWFC
9 New Hampshire A10
10 Northern Iowa GFC
11 Portland St BSC
12 TN Martin OVC
13 San Diego PFL
14 Maine A10
15 Harvard IVY
16T S Illinois GFC
16T Furman SOCON
18T S Dakota St GWFC
18T Montana St BSC
20 Princeton IVY

6 of the top 20 would look pretty good. It would make a very tough league. Trading the Hilltoppers for a pair of top 20 teams would only strengthen the league.

[valleyclimber]

I agree with underdawg2. Jesus, if MSU and the Sycamores are going to be
unreasonable about this, then maybe they can pack their football bags and head off to the OVC where they would have more than a snowball's chance in hell of winning.

Hard to imagine anyone thinking that if the Dakotas were added that the Gateway would receive anything less than 4 bids to the playoffs. Think about it because you have 7 teams (including WIU) which could be ranked in the top 25 at any time. With the Dakotas, there is no doubt about it: the Gateway would be the #1 I-AA conference in the nation.

89rabbit, made some valid points. IMO it would be a bad mistake to pass on the Dakotas as Gateway members. :doh:

[BisonBacker]

Thanks for your support. I just hope the presidents see it the way you do and we get the invite. I think this December/January are going to be interesting. It's going to be a race between What the Gateway are going to do and what the Mid-Con/GWFC folks are trying to get accomplished. Hopefully the Gateway will provide a home for our football teams.:yes:

[MSNSaluki]

Of course, you guys realize if we add the Dakotas and create this super-competitive conference, we'll be turning into one of the BCS conferences we love to hate.

[skinny_uncle]

Of course, you guys realize if we add the Dakotas and create this super-competitive conference, we'll be turning into one of the BCS conferences we love to hate.
Next year, the will be the BS(Bowl Series) and CS(Championship Series) divisions, not IA and IAA. Remember, there is no BS in the CS.

[bears1]

I never said I didnt want to add the Dakota's, just passing on the words of others. The Bears wont run from anyone. With TA at the helm it will just be another year or two before we make the playoffs ourselves. However, mark my words on this: There will be some very disapointed Gateway teams and fans when someone gets left out of the playoffs with an 8-3 record because the committee refuses to take that many teams from one conference. The Gateway is already the toughest 1AA conf in the country and making it ever tougher might not neccesarily be to as much of everyones advantage as they hope it will be.

[skinny_uncle]

I never said I didnt want to add the Dakota's, just passing on the words of others. The Bears wont run from anyone. With TA at the helm it will just be another year or two before we make the playoffs ourselves. However, mark my words on this: There will be some very disapointed Gateway teams and fans when someone gets left out of the playoffs with an 8-3 record because the committee refuses to take that many teams from one conference. The Gateway is already the toughest 1AA conf in the country and making it ever tougher might not neccesarily be to as much of everyones advantage as they hope it will be.
We are already there. YSU got left out last year at 8-3. The better competition prepares you better for the playoffs. Bring 'em on!

[89rabbit]

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2006/12/10/sports/doc457cbca2b79c3726421891.txt

2008 Gateway population in question

By Randy Reinhardt
rreinhardt@pantagraph.com

NORMAL -- The Gateway Conference will feature seven football teams in 2007 courtesy of Western Kentucky’s November move from the NCAA’s Championship Subdivision to the Bowl Subdivision.

Gateway membership is discussing whether the league population will be seven, eight or nine teams in 2008.

The conference has requested information from North Dakota State and South Dakota State.

“We’ll be at seven next year,” Gateway associate commissioner Mike Kern said. “I don’t see a scenario where we would have another member for next season. We’re sad to see Western Kentucky go. We wish them well.”

Remaining at seven teams is possible. But scheduling nonconference games, which several Gateway members already find difficult, would become more so.

“If we were at seven we would have to find a way to have a scheduling partnership with another league,” said Kern. “The key for us is to have strong I-AA (Championship Subdivision) schedules. Everybody would have to find one more quality I-AA game.”

ISU director of athletics Sheahon Zenger said the Gateway has options.

“I think we can make seven work, I think we can make eight work and I think we can make nine work,” Zenger said. “Nine makes it easier on scheduling with four home and away in conference and three nonconference games.” . . . (read more)

[salukipoke]

If the Dakota schools don't work out, what about going after Eastern Illinois and Butler. Then maybe MSU would have a team or two they could compete with. :grin:

LW

[-Z-]

Eastern Illinois is <b>WAY</b> better than Missouri State.

[BISON Thunder]

The best reason to allow North Dakota State into the Gateway Conference is because you guys will LOVE the football and basketball atmosphere here in Fargo! Come on...live a little!

[bears1]

basketball?

[unipnthr]

Eastern Illinois is <b>WAY</b> better than Missouri State.

There's only room for one Panther in the Gateway...:panthers: :panthers: :panthers:

[shroomcap]

basketball?

That's what I'm afraid of....... in a few years you're gonna hear these guys whining to be in the MVC too. No disrespect to these schools, but there are reasons why the Dakotas have been D2 for so long.

[BISON Thunder]

I do not believe I ever mentioned anything about the Dakota schools joining the MVC. However, I think it would only be natural that a football conference affiliation would lead to some competition in other sports...some of which is already occurring. Back to my original point, I believe you southern folks would enjoy following your favorite team to Fargo if/when this thing comes to fruition. I will provide the beer.

[BISON Thunder]

FWIW...NDSU and SDSU have already been accepted to the Mid Con for non-football sports:

North Dakota State University accepts invitation to join Mid-Continent Conference


ELMHURST, ILL. — North Dakota State University (NDSU) has accepted an invitation to become a member of the Mid-Continent Conference, Commissioner Tom Douple announced today at a press conference on the NDSU campus in Fargo, N.D. North Dakota State will begin league competition in the 2007-08 academic year, and will be immediately eligible to compete for conference championships.

“The Mid-Continent Conference is pleased to invite North Dakota State University as a member of the conference,” Douple said. “NDSU will make the Mid-Con a better conference, and we are extremely excited to include this great institution in our conference.”

The Mid-Con Presidents Council voted unanimously on August 30 to extend an invitation for membership to North Dakota State, which formally accepted the invitation at the press conference this afternoon. The level of excitement on campus tied in with this announcement has not been seen for some time.

“NDSU’s sports programs readily complement those in the Mid-Continent Conference,” Douple said. “They are a good fit and we look forward to an enduring relationship with these athletic competitors.”

NDSU offers programs in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, football, men’s and women’s golf, women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field, women’s volleyball, and wrestling. Of those sports, football and wrestling are currently not sponsored by the Mid-Con.

“NDSU is committed to having a strong NCAA Division I athletics program,” Douple said. “The alumni, community and fans will enjoy the Mid-Continent Conference competition, in which I believe NDSU will be a very competitive member.”

Dr. Al Goldfarb, President of Western Illinois University and Chair of the Mid-Con Presidents Council, backed Douple’s thoughts.

“NDSU is an outstanding addition to the Mid-Continent Conference,” Goldfarb said. “It has a rich tradition of athletic and academic success and has demonstrated a financial commitment with strong support campus-wide, a community with high interest and loyal alumni and boosters.”

NDSU, with the support of its 10,496 undergraduate students, as well as the rest of the campus community, has transformed itself into a model contemporary land-grant research institution. That support extends to the athletics programs, which recently earned reclassification from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I, and it was that support that solidified the opinions of the league’s presidents and made the vote to extend membership to NDSU a unanimous decision.

“NDSU is a quality institution,” said Dr. Richard Roberts, President of Oral Roberts University and a member of the site visit team. “They have made the right decisions, they are doing things the right way, and will make an outstanding member of the Mid-Continent Conference.”

“The addition of NDSU will certainly enhance both the long-term stability and the overall strength of the Mid-Continent Conference,” said Dr. Tim Van Alstine, Athletics Director at Western Illinois University and Chair of the Mid-Con Joint Council. “The institution’s support for continuing upgrades in its athletic programs will position NDSU to be competitive in the Mid-Continent Conference and at the Division I level.”

“The review of NDSU during the expansion process by the conference was the most intensive and far-reaching study for prospective membership in conference history,” Douple said. “We visited with more than 150 constituents ranging from administrators and faculty members to students and community leaders. I was impressed by the high level of commitment to the conference that was expressed by all involved.”

[Bisonfan]

That's what I'm afraid of....... in a few years you're gonna hear these guys whining to be in the MVC too. No disrespect to these schools, but there are reasons why the Dakotas have been D2 for so long.

The main reason NDSU was in DII for so long was small minded leaders afraid to take risks, the school always had a ton of potential but everybody seemed content with being a big fish in a small pond.

The only thing that holds back NDSU is market size, Fargo is a decent sized city at 200k but conferences these days are in love with schools in big markets. NDSU is solid in both academics and Facilities. If the school builds the 40-45 million dollar basketball arena that is being talked about NDSU's facilities would be right up there with any Valley school. I am also not saying NDSU should be in the Valley just that the school had no buisness being in DII for so long.

If NDSU does get into the Gateway I'm sure we will be happy in the Mid-Con. Sure NDSU would love to be in the MVC but its not like NDSU has any power over the MVC and I doubt the Gateway does either since I don't see WKU or YSU or WIU in the MVC after being in the Gateway for sometime. NDSU could whine about it all they want but when it comes down to it the MVC is only going to take schools that fit their wants and needs. I doubt NDSU is to that point now, maybe in 10 years but not now

[Panthera Pardus]

I do not believe I ever mentioned anything about the Dakota schools joining the MVC. However, I think it would only be natural that a football conference affiliation would lead to some competition in other sports...some of which is already occurring. Back to my original point, I believe you southern folks would enjoy following your favorite team to Fargo if/when this thing comes to fruition. I will provide the beer.

NDSU and SDSU joining the MVC in ten, fifteen years is okay with me. NDSU is a sleeping giant, TRUST ME. Plus that makes might ultimate wet dream a near-reality if we have two more football-basketball schools in teh MVC...

Missouri Valley Conference Football.

:original:

[NoPlaceLikeDome]

I want MVC football SO BAD!

I think it would help our image so much if we played in the same conference for every sport.

And I am all for the Dakotas in the Gateway. A stronger conference is a good thing!

[bears1]

you cant have it both ways. If we ever restart MVC football then The Dakotas wont be in it.

[shroomcap]

I want MVC football SO BAD!

I think it would help our image so much if we played in the same conference for every sport.


As long as it's only I-AA football, there will be no help to the MVC image.

[BisonBacker]

Over on the Bison Board it was posted:

"The Gateway requested an insitutional/football profile from NDSU and SDSU (just like the Mid-Con process)"

Any of you guys hear something like that?




Here are links you might find interesting about both SDSU and NDSU.

SDSU athletics site:

http://www.gojacks.com/

SDSU fan site:

http://www.sdsufans.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl

NDSU athletics site:

http://www.gobison.com/

NDSU fan site:

http://www.bisonville.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl

Stop by and say hi. :original:

A new board that should be added to the list.
http://www.bisonsports.net

[BISON Thunder]

FWIW, I thought it would be interesting to see how the SDak State and NDak State mens basketball teams compare to the Missouri Valley Conference teams, and the Mid Continental Conference teams. May not be a fair comparison method, but I used the USA Today Jeff Sagarin NCAA ratings released today:

SCHOOL RANK RATING

Miss St: 13 - 88.20
S Ill: 35 - 84.50
Wichita St: 37 - 84.38
Bradley: 56 - 81.28
N Iowa: 64 - 80.83
Ill St: 71 - 80.24
Creighton: 78 - 79.89
Drake: 96 - 77.58
Evanston: 103 - 77.20
NDak St: 107 - 76.90
Ind St: 121 - 75.72
Oral Rob: 137 - 74.56
Oakland: 138 - 74.49
S Utah: 160 - 73.10
Valpo: 168 - 72.80
IUPUI: 189 - 71.23
Cent: 219 - 68.96
W Ill: 288 - 63. 95
UMKC: 301 - 62.79
SDak St: 323 - 59.54

What this shows me is the MVC is one damn tough conference, and also NDak St could certainly hold its own in the Mid-Con...at least to this point. It will be interesting to see how the season progresses. Good luck to your favorite teams as the conferences get into full swing.

[BearsCountry]

FWIW, I thought it would be interesting to see how the SDak State and NDak State mens basketball teams compare to the Missouri Valley Conference teams, and the Mid Continental Conference teams. May not be a fair comparison method, but I used the USA Today Jeff Sagarin NCAA ratings released today:

SCHOOL RANK RATING

Miss St: 13 - 88.20
S Ill: 35 - 84.50
Wichita St: 37 - 84.38
Bradley: 56 - 81.28
N Iowa: 64 - 80.83
Ill St: 71 - 80.24
Creighton: 78 - 79.89
Drake: 96 - 77.58
Evanston: 103 - 77.20
NDak St: 107 - 76.90
Ind St: 121 - 75.72
Oral Rob: 137 - 74.56
Oakland: 138 - 74.49
S Utah: 160 - 73.10
Valpo: 168 - 72.80
IUPUI: 189 - 71.23
Cent: 219 - 68.96
W Ill: 288 - 63. 95
UMKC: 301 - 62.79
SDak St: 323 - 59.54

What this shows me is the MVC is one damn tough conference, and also NDak St could certainly hold its own in the Mid-Con...at least to this point. It will be interesting to see how the season progresses. Good luck to your favorite teams as the conferences get into full swing.

Whats wrong with SDSU? I thought they were the "basketball" school out of you two.

[89rabbit]

Whats wrong with SDSU? I thought they were the "basketball" school out of you two.

We are, it is called rebuilding. We currently start 3 Frosh, 1 Soph, and a Sr (on a team that has 8 Freshmen on the roster). We will be just fine in '08-'09 when we are playoff eligible.

http://www3.sdstate.edu/ClassLibrary/Page/Images/Data/10071.jpg
Frost Arena (Cap. 8,500)
SDSU vs. NDSU 2/18/06 -- Final Score SDSU 67 - NDSU 65

Our D-II history includes a National Championship and Runner-Up, along with 24 NCAA Tourney appearances (3rd most all time), 20 NCC Championships (most all time), we spent part of our last season in D-II ranked #1 in the nation, we lead D-II in attendance 6 times out of the last 10 years we played in the Division. We will be ok. :thumbup1:

Here is another view of Frost Arena from up high before the new scoreboards, hydra-rib goals, Chair back seating on the ends, and paint job (the other shot is nice but in an effort to show off the new electronic boards, the photographer made everything else a little dark and hard to see).

http://www3.sdstate.edu/ClassLibrary/Page/Images/Data/7168.jpg

Frost Arena - 2004


.

[89rabbit]

Here are a couple more shots of Frost Arena.

http://www3.sdstate.edu/ClassLibrary/Page/Images/Data/10086.jpg
SDSU Women's game Feb. 4, 2006

http://www3.sdstate.edu/ClassLibrary/Page/SDSU/PhotoAlbum/Images/Photos/ph_426.jpg
Close up of the scoreboard

[BISON Thunder]

"Whats wrong with SDSU? I thought they were the "basketball" school out of you two."

SDSU historically has been the stronger basketball program...however, I believe NDSU has jumped ahead (at least temporarily) since the transition to DI (NDSU pumped SDSU by thirty points last January here in Fargo). NDSU currently starts its team's only senior along four sophomores. While certainly far from "an upper tier" program, NDSU can feel good about recent wins against Wisconsin (last season), Princeton and Marquette (this season). Area interest in college basketball has really increased since the decision to move to DI. Enough so, that we are in the final stages of designing a new 8000-9000 seat facility to house the future basketball program.

Now, if we can only beat Iowa State Sunday afternoon...

[89rabbit]

SDSU historically has been the stronger basketball program...however, I believe NDSU has jumped ahead (at least temporarily) since the transition to DI

That is of course if you don't look at the head to head match ups. :wink3: :lol:

Since the move to D-I, SDSU leads the series 3 games to 2. Don't let the fact that SDSU is rebuilding and that you have a couple of upset wins over the past two seasons, althoug I must admit they are BIG upsets, cloud your judgement as to who is the better basketball school.

[BISON Thunder]

Originally Posted by BISON Thunder

SDSU historically has been the stronger basketball program...however, I believe NDSU has jumped ahead (at least temporarily) since the transition to DI



That is of course if you don't look at the head to head match ups.

Since the move to D-I, SDSU leads the series 3 games to 2. Don't let the fact that SDSU is rebuilding and that you have a couple of upset wins over the past two seasons, althoug I must admit they are BIG upsets, cloud your judgement as to who is the better basketball school.
__________________
South Dakota State University
Jackrabbits

*********************************
So with your logic, NDSU is a "better basketball school" than Marquette, Princeton, and Wisconsin...I would love to agree, but of course this would be ludicrous. With all due respect, remember NDSU too is rebuilding. One starting senior, one junior who sees little playing time (fewer upperclassmen than SDSU)...and the remainder of the team sophomores and freshmen.

Again, history gives SDSU the edge as far as "the better basketball school". But the progress NDSU has made in the recent years should not be short changed...and I believe the recent USA Today ratings demonstrate this.

Of course, all of this is mute when comparing to the MVC...NDSU and SDSU both have a ways to go to consistently play with the big boys (IMO).

[89rabbit]

OK, I didn't want to bore the Valley Talk fans on a football thread with basketball talk but here goes.

SDSU lost 4 starters from last years team unexpectedly, that should be on this years team.

1 because his father died due to an auto accident and "his heart wasn't in Basketball anymore" so he left the team

1 transferred to Illinois to play for the Illini (he is from Champaign and hung 28 on Illinois when we played them last year)

2 were involved in an alleged off the court incident that later proved (by trail and by charges being dropped) to be untrue. However the damage was done and they have left the program and the school.

This season we should be starting 2 seniors, 2 juniors, and a sophomore.

Enjoy your upset wins. Enjoy your current RPI ranking. You guys are doing a fine job with the transition. Feel free to revel in our rebuilding situation and your recent feeling of superiority, but you need to be careful that you don't start believing your own hype.

I would also like to remind you of a couple of games to see if I can help ground you a little so the fall won't hurt as much when we get back on our feet.

If you recall correctly we beat your "Mighty Bison" in Brookings with 4 football players, to help round out our depleted roster, we borrowed a couple of weeks before the game to finish out last season.

I also saw that you just beat D-II Southwest Minnesota State by 4 points on Dec.21 at home (why do you guys still play so many D-II teams, 4 this year plus two games with Winston-Salem State who just moved up).

If you want to claim you are better then us in basketball right now that is ok, on paper you are. However you have to face us twice this year and our young team is starting to gel after a rough start so let’s wait and see how the games turn out before you claim dominance. You know Coach Miles has NEVER won a game in Frost Arena (including last years with 4 SDSU starters out). :banghead:

Again you guys are doing a really nice job and are doing better then I think most NDSU fans expected, but let’s not get too big for our britches now ok?

[89rabbit]

One more thought, the last time that Bison won a season series with SDSU was the '90-'91 season when Coach Thorson was at the helm of SDSU.

This may be your only chance for years to come so best of luck to you. With that said, I think we will win in Frost Arena yet again.

The rumors of the King's death are premature , long live the King! :wink3: :clap:

[Indy stater]

At the beginning of this post I thought it was about UND not NDSU. UND would be a fine addition too.. Rich in history in football and they have a new "indoor field" Just a little further north in Grand Forks to travel. :sycamores: :sycamores: :sycamores:

[89rabbit]

http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070104/SPORTS0202/701040349/1002/SPORTS

SDSU to attend Gateway meeting
Steffen verbally commits

By Terry Vandrovec
tvandrovec@argusleader.com
PUBLISHED: January 4, 2007

South Dakota State and North Dakota State have not been invited to join the Gateway Football Conference, but they have been asked to attend league meetings on Feb. 19 in St. Louis, commissioner Patty Viverito said Wednesday.

SDSU athletic director Fred Oien confirmed the invitation and said that he and university president David Chicoine plan to accept.

Typically, the Gateway meetings are attended by athletic directors, football coaches and faculty representatives, according to Viverito, and in this case, six of the league's seven school presidents will attend, as well.

They won't be required to vote on expansion, but they won't be precluded from doing so, either. . . . (read more)

[Strike00]

my guess is its only a matter of time before NDSU and SDSU are invited. They would be great additions for the Gateway (a few travel difficulties asside)

Bison and Jacks fans: any chance that either team wouldn't accept if invited?

[bcrawf]

NDSU should have been a charter member of the league. What took them so long to move up to DI??

[BISON Thunder]

If NDSU is invited to join the conference it is a done deal. A couple questions back to you:

1. Do you know if any Gateway schools are looking for games next season since Western Kentucky is leaving? It would be great to see a couple NDSU/Gateway teams go at.

2. Are any you folks old enough to remember when Northern Iowa and NDSU used to have some great football games (before NI went DIAA)?

I hope this thing gets worked out...the competition would be great fun!

[89rabbit]

If SDSU is invited, SDSU will join.

Here is the latest news this time from the Fargo paper (reg. site, but it is free):

http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=151810

Chapman, Taylor to attend Gateway Football Conference meeting

Jeff Kolpack, The Forum
Published Thursday, January 04, 2007

North Dakota State president Joe Chapman will get another opportunity to promote the athletic department next month. He’s been invited to attend the Gateway Football Conference winter meeting in St. Louis.

The league is expected to address expansion on Feb. 19 with NDSU and South Dakota State possibly joining the league. Six of the league presidents will be present while another is sending a vice president, according to Gateway commissioner Patty Viverito.

“It’s mainly a chance to explore the Gateway and their future and whether we play a part in that,” Chapman said. . . . (read more)

[Strike00]

Im pretty sure there are several schools looking for games yet since WKU dropped out kinf of late.

[BISON Thunder]

Following is from the Fargo newspaper, The Forum...

W. Illinois president champions NDSU
Jeff Kolpack, The Forum
Published Thursday, January 25, 2007

Western Illinois president Al Goldfarb said he hopes North Dakota State and South Dakota State get careful and strong consideration for membership in the Gateway Football Conference.

The two schools will be the focus of a Feb. 19 league meeting in St. Louis. The Gateway is losing Western Kentucky after this season and will be down to seven members, including Western Illinois.

“Once you lose a successful member, then in my mind you have to be open to looking at expansion,” Goldfarb said Wednesday. “I think that would be to the benefit of the conference and all of the schools.”

Goldfarb was part of the Mid-Continent Conference’s site visit team that traveled to Fargo and Brookings, S.D. The Mid-Con admitted NDSU and SDSU effective next year.

The Gateway is a football-only league.


Al Goldfarb Western Illinois president Says he hopes NDSU gets strong consideration for membership
RELATED CONTENT
Patty Viverito
“The approach by the Mid-Con was a good approach,” Goldfarb said. “It helped strengthen the conference and I think we have outstanding institutions that are joining us. I hope the Gateway will do the same type of review and analysis.”

Asked if seven teams are enough to keep a viable league, Goldfarb said the number isn’t a key issue, but rather quality.

Western Kentucky was a regular league title contender. It will move its football program to the Sun Belt Conference, where it is a member in other sports. The Sun Belt, however, is a Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) school while the Gateway is a Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) league.

There appears to be some apprehension in adding NDSU and SDSU. Last month, Missouri State athletic director Bill Rowe and Illinois State head football coach Denver Johnson both expressed concern over NDSU’s sound program, especially its facilities.

“The league is tough enough now,” Johnson told the Pantagraph newspaper in Bloomington, Ill. “You start rolling those people in there and at some point it starts to become a detriment to everybody.”

Goldfarb, however, said strong seasons by NDSU and SDSU last fall should help their cause.

NDSU finished 10-1 and was ranked fifth in the final Sports Network football poll. SDSU was 7-4 and ranked 22nd.

“I think the great strength in the Gateway is its strong programs,” Goldfarb said. “If you’re going to add programs, I think you want to see that you’re adding a program that is strong.”

Gateway commissioner Patty Viverito said it is up to the presidents if they want to vote Feb. 19. Goldfarb said it depends on how comfortable the presidents are with the issue and if they’ll need additional information.

Besides Western Illinois, Missouri State and Illinois State, other Gateway members are Northern Iowa, Youngstown State (Ohio), Southern Illinois and Indiana State.

NDSU is currently a member of the five-team Great West Football Conference. The advantage of joining the Gateway is it would be a member of a league that has an automatic bid to the FCS playoffs.

Last year, four teams from the Gateway made the 16-team playoff field.

“We’ve had a great experience in the Gateway and we look forward to its continued success,” Goldfarb said.

[BISON Thunder]

FWIW, I thought it would be interesting to see how the SDak State and NDak State mens basketball teams compare to the Missouri Valley Conference teams, and the Mid Continental Conference teams. May not be a fair comparison method, but I used the USA Today Jeff Sagarin NCAA ratings released today:

SCHOOL RANK RATING

Miss St: 13 - 88.20
S Ill: 35 - 84.50
Wichita St: 37 - 84.38
Bradley: 56 - 81.28
N Iowa: 64 - 80.83
Ill St: 71 - 80.24
Creighton: 78 - 79.89
Drake: 96 - 77.58
Evanston: 103 - 77.20
NDak St: 107 - 76.90
Ind St: 121 - 75.72
Oral Rob: 137 - 74.56
Oakland: 138 - 74.49
S Utah: 160 - 73.10
Valpo: 168 - 72.80
IUPUI: 189 - 71.23
Cent: 219 - 68.96
W Ill: 288 - 63. 95
UMKC: 301 - 62.79
SDak St: 323 - 59.54

What this shows me is the MVC is one damn tough conference, and also NDak St could certainly hold its own in the Mid-Con...at least to this point. It will be interesting to see how the season progresses. Good luck to your favorite teams as the conferences get into full swing.

*****************************

An update (2-6-07)

Miss St: 23 - 85.90
S Ill: 25 - 85.65
Creighton: 32 - 84.81
Wichita St: 49 - 82.75
Bradley: 55 - 82.00
N Iowa: 57 - 81.86
Evanston: 97 - 77.31
NDak St: 98 - 77.18
Oral Rob: 101 - 77.09
Ind St: 106 - 76.85
Ill St: 107 - 76.85
Drake: 115 - 76.16
Oakland: 116 - 76.16
S Utah: 144 - 73.93
Valpo: 148 - 73.66
IUPUI: 222 - 68.05
UMKC: 260 - 65.38
Cent: 274 - 64.02
SDak St: 307 - 61.19
W Ill: 318 - 59.68

[BISON Thunder]

my guess is its only a matter of time before NDSU and SDSU are invited. They would be great additions for the Gateway (a few travel difficulties asside)

Bison and Jacks fans: any chance that either team wouldn't accept if invited?


Okay people, time to contact your univeristy's coaches, AD's, president's, local newspeople, team supporters, etc. to urge the President's to vote "yes" during the February 19th Gateway meeting, to allow NDSU and SDSU to enter the conference! From my understanding, it appears at least three schools (Missouri State, Illinois State, and Indiana State) are leaning towards "no" votes...so any communication to these "higher ups" would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!

[Lurking Dog]

Another article:

http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2007/02/06/sports/local/doc45c896a1451f6421017164.txt

What did Hartzell mean by his comment, "...we're not sure about Indiana State's long-term football future"? Is this about the potential long bus trip to Fargo, viability of the program, or something else?

[BearsCountry]

Its looking like Indiana State wants to turn into a OVC program.

[Lurking Dog]

Its looking like Indiana State wants to turn into a OVC program.

Is there a possibility that Indiana State could change conferences (all sports)?

[Bisonfan]

Here is an update on expansion from WDAY News in Fargo. The reporter asked the ADs of both MSU and Indiana State their thoughts and this what they said....

Missouri State AD "Traveling that far for game is a concern, but we need to listen to what they have to say. It's only fair to give them a chance. It's becoming very difficult for us to schedule non-conference games. Expenses are an issue, we have a budget of 12 million dollars, even though we dropped 5 sports a year ago."

Indiana St AD- "We're anxious to hear their presentation. They appear to be good fits football-wise but travel is a concern, I don't want to be perceived as being against them. We are willing to listen."

His got feeling..."I think it will pass they will be invited in."

[bcrawf]

Another article:

http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2007/02/06/sports/local/doc45c896a1451f6421017164.txt

What did Hartzell mean by his comment, "...we're not sure about Indiana State's long-term football future"? Is this about the potential long bus trip to Fargo, viability of the program, or something else?

Hartzell has said numerous times over the past few years that he doesn't see Indiana State as a sure thing into the future because of he doesn't understand how the University can financially support it. His gut has told him for years that they are going to go non-scholarship.

If they do, and YSU goes FBS and we don't add the Dakota schools. We are a 5 team league and don't have an autobid. That also makes scheduling impossible.

My head tells me that they will be accepted (which I really hope they are), but my gut tells me that Indiana State, Illinois State, and Missouri State are all going to vote no and block expansion...

[89rabbit]

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2007/02/14/sports/doc45d3c9bcc668d938911855.txt

The Dakotas make pitch to join Gateway

By Randy Reinhardt
rreinhardt@pantagraph.com

Representatives from North Dakota State and South Dakota State universities will make presentations at the Gateway Conference’s annual meeting in St. Louis on Monday with the hope of being extended an invitation to join the football-only conference.

“They are interested. They have expressed that publicly,” Gateway associate commissioner Mike Kern said Wednesday. “I don’t know whether it will come to a vote on Monday or not.”

NDSU and SDSU are former Division II programs in the transition phase to the Football Championship Subdivision (the former I-AA). The schools are current members of the Great West Conference and could join the Gateway for the 2008 season.

The Gateway has been considering expansion since Western Kentucky announced last fall it would be leaving FCS for the Football Bowl Subdivision (the former I-A).

“If the presidents vote in favor, it’s a done deal. I think it would be a turnkey situation if the vote is positive,” Kern said. “If it is voted down, I don’t want to say it will go away forever. It will likely be revisited.” . . . (read more)

[doinit salukistyle]

Since I'll be moving back to Minnesota very soon, I hope that this comes through, it would be great to make a yearly trip to either brookings or Fargo to see my dawgs play. I think sooner or later YSU will be making the plunge into 1-a ball, and it would make even more sense to have you guys in the league. Chalk me up to being a fan that hopes this happens, part out of selfishness, and part out of gateway having better competition.

[SalukiSpike]

I wonder if their addition to Gateway(if it happens) will be a precursor to them joining the Valley in all sports.

[89rabbit]

http://www.tribstar.com/sports_columns/local_story_046233733.html

Hughes news & views: Gateway expansion on tap at AD’s meeting

By David Hughes
The Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE — An important meeting that affects the Indiana State football program will take place Monday in St. Louis.

That’s when athletic directors representing the seven remaining Gateway Football Conference universities — which no longer includes recently departed Western Kentucky — will talk to officials from South Dakota State and North Dakota State about them possibly joining the league in 2008. . . .

Earlier this month, The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier newspaper in Iowa quoted Gateway Conference commissioner Patty Viverito as saying, “I would characterize our interest as serious and mutual,” regarding the Dakota schools.

“The motivating factors for them, I think, are pretty clear,” Viverito continued. “The Gateway represents a strong, stable home for them immediately.

“North Dakota State and South Dakota State both approached the Gateway when they first announced they were going Division I. They had to find a league for their other sports and it wasn’t until they were able to do that that we could even have this discussion.”

South Dakota State is located in Brookings, S.D., and North Dakota State is in Fargo, N.D., not exactly a stone’s throw from Terre Haute.

The Courier’s story offered Indiana State as an example of a university that may not be in favor of adding the Dakota schools, saying ISU could be looking at a 13-hour, 835-mile bus trip to Fargo and a 12-hour, 765-mile journey to Brookings.

ISU director of athletics Ron Prettyman told the Tribune-Star on Thursday that the Sycamores would travel by airplane instead of bus, if they’re ever put in that scheduling situation.

He estimated the cost of transporting about 60 players, 10 coaches and a few trainers and administrators to either location at about $80,000 to $100,000 per trip.

“That’s one of the concerns we have in inviting the Dakota schools to join the conference,” Prettyman said. “It’s going to add considerable budget demands to what we have right now.”

Another interesting item in the Courier’s story was this quote from Northern Iowa athletic director Rick Hartzell:

“Even with the Western Kentucky defection, our league is stable. But the ground is shaking a little bit. The reason for that is we’re not sure about Indiana State’s long-term football future, and with Western Illinois being a member of a league [the Mid-Continent for non-football sports] that has a couple of other football-playing I-AA members [Southern Utah and Valparaiso], they could even leave the Gateway at some point in the future, although I know they are committed to the Gateway right now.

“If those two things were to happen, we’d be at five schools and we would not be an NCAA automatic qualifier.”

In response, Prettyman said there’s no reason to question Indiana State’s long-term commitment to football and he’ll inform his fellow ADs about that Monday. . . . (read more)

[doinit salukistyle]

I wonder if their addition to Gateway(if it happens) will be a precursor to them joining the Valley in all sports.

at this point, no

[SalukiSpike]

at this point, no

I was meaning way down the line.

[doinit salukistyle]

if there basketball programs are like western illinois...never

[Bisonfan]

if there basketball programs are like western illinois...never

NDSUs rpi is 146 which isn't bad for a team with 1 senior and the rest sophmores and freshmen and is a far cry from WIU's rating of 331. If NDSU gets into the Gateway I think the MVC will be a long term goal, we are still building up our program but the school has been making it clear that success in basketball is a priority. We just gave our coach and the the rest of his staff a raise. NDSU is also looking into building a new a basketball arena as well.

[doinit salukistyle]

NDSUs rpi is 146 which isn't bad for a team with 1 senior and the rest sophmores and freshmen and is a far cry from WIU's rating of 331. If NDSU gets into the Gateway I think the MVC will be a long term goal, we are still building up our program but the school has been making it clear that success in basketball is a priority. We just gave our coach and the the rest of his staff a raise. NDSU is also looking into building a new a basketball arena as well.

Well best of luck to you, as I stated about gateway, as a Minneapolis resident, it would be good for me to see more salukis games, and fargo is a decent sized market as well...if it could work, great.

[BearsCountry]

if there basketball programs are like western illinois...never

Them and SDSU to me look like carbon copys of MSU and UNI.

[89rabbit]

Story from the Fargo Forum (sub. site but it is free):

http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=157050&section=Columnists&columnist=Jeff%20Kolpack

N. Iowa may hold key to door in

Jeff Kolpack, The Forum
Published Sunday, February 18, 2007

University of Northern Iowa athletic director Rick Hartzell said he knows who’s opposed to Gateway Football Conference expansion and who is for it. Monday’s vote, he said, may come down to his school.

If that’s the case, North Dakota State and South Dakota State appear to have a good chance of approval at the league’s meeting in St. Louis.

“The pressure is on us to make the right decision,” Hartzell said. “We think it’s close enough to where our vote will be the linchpin here.”

The Gateway, a football-only league, will be down to seven members after this school year when Western Kentucky officially leaves for the Sun Belt Conference. NDSU and SDSU need five votes of acceptance out of seven from UNI, Western Illinois, Indiana State, Southern Illinois, Missouri State, Illinois State and Youngstown State (Ohio). . . . (read more)

[NoPlaceLikeDome]

Them and SDSU to me look like carbon copys of MSU and UNI.

What do you mean? I am kinda confused...

[BearsCountry]

What do you mean? I am kinda confused...

Their athletic programs look like ours and have the same potential that we have shown in move up from D2.

I think UNI and NDSU are similar as they are football schools, MSU and SDSU as basketball schools.

[Nyghtewynd]

I'm all for adding NDSU and SDSU to the Gateway, and in a few years I'd think about supporting them to the MVC as well. They seem to be doing just about everything the right way.

[BearsCountry]

I'm all for adding NDSU and SDSU to the Gateway, and in a few years I'd think about supporting them to the MVC as well. They seem to be doing just about everything the right way.

I agree 100%. Now hopefully Dr. N and Coach Rowe dont chicken out tommorrow at the Gateway meetings.

[Nyghtewynd]

I agree 100%. Now hopefully Dr. N doesn't chicken out and Coach Rowe doesn't fall asleep in his tapioca tomorrow at the Gateway meetings.

Fixed.

[Bisonfan]

Here is a link to a good article from the Fargo Forum that talks about expansion.....

Budget, facilities likely key issues
Jeff Kolpack, The Forum

At noon today, presidents, athletic directors and Gateway Football Conference administrators will gather in St. Louis to expose the expansion issue.

It has all the makings of a photo finish. Officials from Northern Iowa, Western Illinois, Illinois State, Missouri State, Southern Illinois, Indiana State and Youngstown State (Ohio) will consider North Dakota State and South Dakota State for admittance to the football-only league. For the Bison to receive good news, they’ll most likely have to get over two hurdles: their bigger budget and their modern facilities.

It’s an amazing turnaround, really. Just four years removed from a 2-8 season in NCAA Division II, NDSU – with a total budget of just over $9 million this year — is considered by some in the Gateway to be too wealthy for the league.

The school recently completed a $3.4 million renovation of its football locker room and office complex and the program has the financial wherewithal to recruit the likes of Illinois, Texas and Florida.

“I think there are concerns with us that we have too many resources,” said NDSU athletic director Gene Taylor. “I don’t know how to downplay that. We’re not going to brag about it. If I’m asked about it, I’m going to talk about our tradition of winning championships and we have to do something to bring kids to Fargo.”..............http://www.bisonzone.com/index.cfm?page=article_full&id=157117

[Bisonfan]

Here is a link to a TV report from WDAY(ABC) in Fargo....http://www.in-forum.com/av/index.cfm?id=12747&type=tvscript

Also for the latest info on the meeting the Bison Media Blog would be a good site to check out. Here is the link.....http://www.areavoices.com/bisonmedia/

[Bisonfan]

Here is an update on the expansion talks.....


Bison still await Gateway decision
Jeff Kolpack, The Forum
Published Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Feb. 19 is starting to look like a long time ago for North Dakota State. That’s when the Gateway Football Conference considered the Bison for expansion at a meeting in St. Louis.

But NDSU athletic director Gene Taylor said discussions with the league are still on-going. A decision should be made by the end of the week, he said.

He spoke with Gateway commissioner Patty Viverito on Monday.

“I’m positive,” Taylor said. “There’s still communication going on.”

Taylor said he wasn’t at liberty to discuss details of his conversation with Viverito, saying that should come from the Gateway office.

The league’s presidents took no action at last month’s meeting, which has been testing the patience of Bison fans – and coaches.

“Anxiously awaiting for the phone call,” NDSU head football coach Craig Bohl said. “We’ll see how it goes. Hopefully we’ll get some good news.”

Gateway associate commissioner Mike Kern said Monday the league is looking at making “some sort of announcement” next week. Kern said Viverito has talked with league presidents individually over the past several days but it is not known if the group has come to a consensus.....


http://www.in-forum.com/Sports/articles/158664

[saluki_in_ohio]

Here's hoping you get in:thumbup1:

[JBB]

The Great West Football Conference announced NDSU and SDSU had accepted invitations from the Gateway and would be leaving in 2008.

[Strike00]

:banana:

Assuming this is true, Congrats to both the Bison and the Jacks! The gateway made a great decision and I am looking forward to both teams joining the Gateway dogfight.

[Nyghtewynd]

I can't believe that someone convinced Bill Rowe to make the right decision. I'll believe it when I see it. I hope it's true, though.

[89rabbit]

http://www.thespectrum.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070306/NEWS01/70306014

NDSU, SDSU leave Great West Football Conference

By BEAU EASTES
beastes@thespectrum.com

CEDAR CITY — The Great West Football Conference is down to three teams — 2006 Great West champion North Dakota State and runner-up South Dakota State officially accepted an invitation to join the Gateway Football Conference today.

The move, which will take place starting with the 2008 season, leaves the Great West with just three teams: Southern Utah, Cal Poly and UC Davis.


“It’s not good for the Great West initially,” said SUU athletic director Ken Beazer. “But we do have some other institutions out there on the radar.” . . . (read more)




http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070306/SPORTS/70306038

SDSU expected to join Gateway today

By By Terry Vandrovec
tvandrovec@argusleader.com
Published: March 6, 2007

According to assistant commissioner Mike Kern, the Gateway Football Conference will hold a media teleconference at 3 p.m.. today (Wed.) to announce plans for the league. That will be followed immediately by simultaneous news conferences at South Dakota State and North Dakota State.

Neither Kern nor the schools’ athletic directors – in Tulsa, Okla., Tuesday night for the Mid-Continent Conference basketball tournament – would comment on the specifics of the announcement. But does the Gateway have a history of holding announcements when it is not going to expand?

“I don’t believe so,” Kern said. . . . (read more)


This is great news for SDSU and NDSU! :bounceblue: http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/9153/sdsujd4.gif

[-Z-]

Here's a link to the story in the Terre Haute paper


Terre Haute Gateway story (http://www.tribstar.com/sports/local_story_065232630.html?keyword=secondarystory)