https://txstatebobcats.com/podcasts/kell...sident/133

Starting at 43:45

Great, in depth answer. Thanks for posting.

Leaders that know what they're doing. So glad we made the cut and got an invite.

(07-22-2022 10:18 AM)slycat Wrote:  https://txstatebobcats.com/podcasts/kell...sident/133

Starting at 43:45

Thanks for sharing...nice to hear everyone worked hard to keep us together and improve. I think everyone involved did a fantastic job building the Sun Belt.

Good insight. Sounds like the admins have a common vision and are optimistic for the SBC's future. Both important. Seems like a novelty for conferences not named the SEC and Big 10.

He was still at stAte during the expansion process but I love hearing from Western schools. We hear a lot about how happy the East is with the regionalization but I like hearing that the West was supportive and USM and Troy to the West was loved. I also liked hearing that if future expansion happens it could help the West regionalize more and that they aren't just adding random teams. There is thought behind each add.

Based off of his comments, it doesn't sound like the Sun Belt is sitting on its hands with future expansion.

(07-22-2022 11:04 AM)slycat Wrote:  He was still at stAte during the expansion process but I love hearing from Western schools. We hear a lot about how happy the East is with the regionalization but I like hearing that the West was supportive and USM and Troy to the West was loved. I also liked hearing that if future expansion happens it could help the West regionalize more and that they aren't just adding random teams. There is thought behind each add.

I love how the SBC seemed to draw up a plan for a strong divisional conference, figured out who/where they wanted to target, and successfully executed it to give us a really strong conference overall, but also strong divisions that help each other. So happy to be in our new home and with leadership that knows what they are doing.

The school in an SBC state but deemed too far out of the footprint had to be UTEP, no?

(07-22-2022 04:01 PM)HarborPointe Wrote:  The school in an SBC state but deemed too far out of the footprint had to be UTEP, no?

Yes, but the UTEP pitch involved bringing NMSU back as well. (The school too far out in a contiguous state)

It was never seriously considered.

We have to remember that we received calls from a ton of teams, once we had locked our own 10 schools into staying, who was coming was not that complicated. We pretty much knew who we wanted, and knew they were all ready to join, despite some small delays.

Great interview, very impressive!

I’m really proud of the SBC right now. That was so refreshing to hear. I just can’t imagine what the future holds.

(07-22-2022 07:32 PM)Big Buds Wrote:  I’m really proud of the SBC right now. That was so refreshing to hear. I just can’t imagine what the future holds.

Exactly. We will try to beat each others’ brains out and pull together strongly at the same time. That is a sign of a robust, strong conference. It is very refreshing for the CUSA veterans. Don’t ever take it for granted.

I am so glad to be in this conference. This feels like a game-changer for Southern Miss. Hope we can quickly earn our spot.

Kelly is a great guy…Texas State is fortunate to have him.

(07-22-2022 07:44 PM)FairwayEagle Wrote:  

(07-22-2022 07:32 PM)Big Buds Wrote:  I’m really proud of the SBC right now. That was so refreshing to hear. I just can’t imagine what the future holds.

Exactly. We will try to beat each others’ brains out and pull together strongly at the same time. That is a sign of a robust, strong conference. It is very refreshing for the CUSA veterans. Don’t ever take it for granted.

I love how he mentioned getting to 14 by ‘22 was a factor. Not having to wait too long to get things started. The SBC is in a fantastic position.

The vibe here is so much better than the AAC too. Those guys are fighting each other, all pissed off and the old guard is all trying to get out. They’ve got two different payouts etc. it’s a angry desperate place on their board whereas there is unity, momentum and optimism here. What a contrast.

(07-22-2022 08:44 PM)monarx Wrote:  The vibe here is so much better than the AAC too. Those guys are fighting each other, all pissed off and the old guard is all trying to get out. They’ve got two different payouts etc. it’s a angry desperate place on their board whereas there is unity, momentum and optimism here. What a contrast.

Right. The fact that you have schools in the AAC that are publicly advocating for other leagues tells you all you need to know about their internal relationships. Not good or non existent. That's not the best way to go about things.

(07-22-2022 08:06 PM)JSinLR Wrote:  Kelly is a great guy…Texas State is fortunate to have him.

Right? You can hear the sincerity...landed his dream job and into the sports scene. Don't mess w Texas(st) in a few years

This conference is so refreshing. I’ll root for any SBC school’s success, and hate them when we play them.

It feels like these schools really understand what drive college athletics outside of TV money. Fans, rivalries, and regional interest.

Thanks for posting that. Very positive. I like that the conference has put itself in a place where it can operate from a position of strength. All the schools are building something great here. From a TXST standpoint, the new prez seems like a breath of fresh air. I hope he can take TXST to the next level.