The story keeps changing, so here's several versions.
1. Back in the early 2000's, it was discussed that THEC, along with the UT/TBR would stop allowing any subsidized funding from the state to support intercollegiate athletics. Of course, this would directly affect EVERY STATE SCHOOL EXCEPT UTK. ETSU took the bait, and in a panic dropped football thinking that they couldn't have a student fee to prop it up nor would they be getting any state money to help with athletics. Of course we now know that Mullins and Stanton were moronic to do so, because the other schools raised so much hell it didn't happen. This is where Dave always saying it would be a trend and that FCS/I-AA programs are dying and we'll see more of this. He named Chattanooga and Western Carolina both. Cute.
2. We're not Title IX compliant. This one is my favorite excuse. It had so many holes it was ridiculous. They tried to tell everyone originally that the NCAA REQUIRES you to be compliant in all three prongs of Title IX. Not true, though at one time ETSU was because they dropped football. To my recollection, you only have to be compliant in one, but "working" to be compliant in all three. Mommabear could elaborate more on this, but I doubt she'll want to come back and elaborate more on it.
3. Strategic. Business. Decision. This is the one that simply will piss you off. Colleges are supposedly in the business of educating young minds, so strategically speaking they cut 53, and what should've been 63 potential scholarship opportunities to educate young minds. The claim was ETSU was LOSING 1 million dollars per year. It's a matter of terminology, the numbers simply don't add up. They weren't losing the million, it was COSTING one million per year to run football at ETSU. They were making fairly decent chunks of it back through revenue games, as you may remember Marshall doing at one time and probably to some degree still does. This is where the lies and the deceit come in that have caused such a disconnect. They, being Mullins and Stanton told donors that by DROPPING football ETSU would: Get into a premier basketball conference such as C-USA or one like it. C-USA came to campus, looked at our facilities and said to call when they're updated and ON CAMPUS. They also said ETSU would see an upgrade in all sports, upgrade is a relative term again. ETSU got into the A-Sun, and yes has won the All Sports trophy just about every year we've been there BUT, it's the Atlantic Sun. Most of the time here we've seen atleast one, if not multiple D-2 transition programs (UNF, KSU, FGCU, Upstate, NKU next year) along with programs who have largely been embarrassing in basketball (Stetson, Jacksonville, Mercer, Campbell-who left for the Big South). So while there have been some post season appearances in alot of sports, volleyball still hasn't gone to the NCAA's, women's soccer had it's first winning season in ages, you get the idea. ETSU is winning conference championships or competing for, but the thought of winning in NCAA Tournament play is a pipe dream. Less than 10 years ago it was EXPECTED that ETSU go in and be a Davidson, Murray State, VCU, Butler, etc... See the song Promises by Keith Whitley. It fits here. Oh, and they also said no additional student fees would be added to support athletics, yet they've added one and it keeps going up. ETSU's budget has gone from six million when they had football to 11 million without. Begs the question, what in the hell are they spending an additional five million dollars a year on...
4. Nobody supported it and we can't compete with UT. Funny thing to me is Appalachian competes yearly with UNC, NC State, UT, VPI, South Carolina, etc... You guys have to deal with Ohio State and WVU in Huntington, not to mention Pitt. It's a difference in attitude and mentality. It was easier to QUIT, makes excuses of why they couldn't do it instead of working to find a way TO DO IT.
5. Everybody else will dropping it. I like to bring this one up because Slappy likes to bring up the fact we shouldn't bring it back because everyone else has it or has added it. ETSU dropped it because everyone else would be according to one of the stories they've thrown out there, so since the trend is the exact OPPOSITE of what that incompetent horse's ass said, the same principle could apply.
Hope that helps.
Gold, you prove to me weekly that you're either getting crazier by the day or you're just a moron. Look at the cost of gas, one bid conferences are looking at strength in numbers, for the very reasons we've discussed on here about the instability of the A-Sun. In a world of basketball only additions, UNC-A is great. I don't know that they shouldn't look at Winthrop as well, they won't stay down forever.
(03-28-2012 12:13 AM)HerdZoned Wrote: Can I ask a few questions here as an outsider:
1) Where is Appy and GA Southern going. Neither have a conf invite somewhere else...
2) Was there another reason for dropping football besides "We can't afford it". If so what was it..
