eu96
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Post by eu96 on Jul 20, 2023 12:54:35 GMT -5
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Post by epx on Jul 20, 2023 21:15:09 GMT -5
...WTF does this even mean???
“The Conference’s new name represents a culmination of its efforts over the past three years to expand its membership, solidify its geographic footprint and affirm its long-standing mission through a new vision statement which emphasizes that CAA institutions work together to advance nationally competitive college athletic programs – coupled with outstanding academic programs – that empower student athletes as whole persons who strive at the highest level in every aspect of their lives,” said CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio. “Our new name is reflective of the Conference’s continuity and unity, as well as each institutions’ commitment to be United in Excellence.”
Word Salad from someone desperately trying to sound intelligent and relevant.
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eu96
New Member
Posts: 198
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Post by eu96 on Jul 20, 2023 21:24:44 GMT -5
I can’t help but think that the word “Colonial” might have been the problem. That’s all l’ll say…I don’t want to trend this convo towards anything political.
But if that is indeed the case, what a sad commentary.
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Post by phancyphoenix on Jul 21, 2023 13:20:10 GMT -5
Couldn't be more excited for this new era in the Coastal AA! The coast of Lake Mary Nell is wonderful this time of year!
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EC90
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Post by EC90 on Jul 23, 2023 19:07:01 GMT -5
I was one that supported the move to the CAA. Now I wish we had remained in the SoCon. This conference has been a disaster since Tom Yeager retired.
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eu96
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Post by eu96 on Jul 23, 2023 19:20:12 GMT -5
The CAA was clearly a step up when we made the move. But times change. This conference is crap. W&M and Charleston have made no secret that they are looking. I also heard from a guy that knows says that UNCW has spoken to the Sun Belt as a non-football member. I hope our new AD begins to look at all options, before the CAA formally adds Longwood and Mars Hill.
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EC90
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Post by EC90 on Jul 24, 2023 7:33:29 GMT -5
When we joined the CAA I thought we'd be playing W&M, UR, JMU, UD, and Vilanova every year. Now we have NC A&T, Hampton, Monmouth, and Stonybrook. I'd almost would rather drop down to the SAC again! Maybe we along with W&M and UR football can beg the SoCon to take us back!
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eu96
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Post by eu96 on Jul 24, 2023 11:04:36 GMT -5
Our new AD (who I’m actually excited about), needs to bring some big ideas to the table. Indoor practice facility for one, which can be utilized by all of our teams, not just football. Upgrade Rudd Field (as soccer is growing in importance within college athletics). Continue the momentum with baseball. And most importantly, find a new conference! All options should be on the table…including FBS. If FCS continues to circle the drain, we need to be proactive and prepare to make the switch prior to the funeral.
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Post by euphoenix99 on Jul 24, 2023 12:06:19 GMT -5
Kind of a long rambling response, but I have a lot of thoughts here.
I agree that CAA leadership has been terrible. The conference feels like it's run out of someone's basement. If you've ever seen the conference HQ in Richmond it actually looks like someone's house. I'm not a fan of D'Antonio. He's difficult to even listen to and doesn't instill confidence. Every decision made, whether it's championship locations, streaming partnerships, etc., feels like the least proven and most economical choice.
With that said, I don't think the current CAA lineup is as dire as others are implying here. The CAA was a higher rated conference (RPI) across the board than the SoCon this past year. That obviously can change year to year, but it's not like the two are that far apart in terms of success. I do think the SoCon is much more stable and a more cohesive group, so that certainly counts for something. We've also been in the CAA long enough now though to where I feel as much connection/rivalry with W&M, Richmond (FB), UNCW, etc. as I did with Furman and Wofford. If Elon were to ever rejoin the SoCon I wouldn't be opposed, but I also don't feel like we're missing anything not being there. As much as we say the CAA has changed since we've joined, the SoCon is not what we left either. I'm not excited about playing Mercer, Samford, UTC, etc. And VMI and Citadel will always have a ceiling on how successful they can be. NC A&T and Campbell might as well be UNCG and WCU in the SoCon. Schools close by that have the potential to be rivals, so pretty much a wash.
Regarding the UNCW to Sun Belt comments and returning to the SAC. The Sun Belt just forced two non football schools out of the conference 2 years back. UTA went to the WAC and Little Rock to the OVC because they weren't part of the Sun Belt's new look. Maybe you meant the A-Sun? That would be a terrible move for UNCW if so. I hope the moving back to the SAC comment was hyperbole. Have you looked at the make up of the SAC lately? It's a massive collection of teams that looks just like what we're criticizing the CAA of being. UVA Wise, Emory & Henry, Limestone, Coker, etc. It looks nothing like the SAC 8 most of us knew. In fact, Queens just left the SAC for the A-Sun last year.
I do agree the appeal of the CAA to Elon is being able to play W&M and Richmond every year in football and having a more regional H/H schedule in hoops, while still incorporating some games with the northern teams. The whole point of expanding was to get to this point, so this current football model of only guaranteeing games against the 2 teams in your pod doesn't really solve the problem. I'd like to see them get to the 16th football school and divide into divisions. 7 games against the division teams and rotate the remaining conference game with the northern schools.
For example...
CAA North: Maine, UNH, URI, Albany, Stony Brook, Monmouth, Bryant (add for FB only), Villanova
CAA South: Elon, Campbell, NC A&T, W&M, Richmond, Hampton, Towson, Delaware
I suspect the Villanova, UDel, Towson trio make things difficult because they are right in the middle of the conference footprint and don't want to be separated.
Lastly, I agree on the new AD assessment. On paper she looks like a good hire and good fit. I'm excited to see what she can do. Maintaining what we have shouldn't be the measure of success though. I expect her to take Elon to that next level. I want whatever's best for Elon Athletics and putting a good product on the field. Hopefully Strawley is able to do that.
Go Phoenix!
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eu96
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Post by eu96 on Jul 24, 2023 13:49:51 GMT -5
I generally agree with your comprehensive assessment, Elon Only. I do agree the SoCon is not the answer….for a variety of reasons. I hold firm in my belief however that this new “Coastal” conference is 100% Rinky-dink. Small time. Cracker box. Use any adjective you like, it’s a lousy conference (at least the full-time members).
I ask people to go Charleston and W&M fan boards, and read the displeasure of their fan base in regards to the CAA. They want out, and as the pressure builds, I believe they soon will be indeed gone. I can imagine NE, UD and Hofstra might be under similar fan pressure. Hard to imagine NE looking at Campbell or Hampton as a peer. And I do think UNCW would be attractive to the Sun Belt. Outstanding market in a red-hot state, and a potential rival in CCU in everything but football. UNCW athletics is up and coming
Last point on the AD. It will be nice to have someone who knows more than 3 people when it comes to football scheduling. Wake, Vandy and Gardner-Webb getting a little stale.
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EC90
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Post by EC90 on Jul 24, 2023 17:14:25 GMT -5
A conference with W&M, UR (football), VMI, Campbell, Elon, Furman, Wofford, Citadel, Charleston and UNCW. Every trip is a bus ride and easy for fans to attend away games. However, I know it won't happen.
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Post by fearthephoenix on Jul 26, 2023 19:20:52 GMT -5
I just wanted to say whoever said look at FBS, why? We are an FCS school from top to bottom. There is zero reason to explore that move and considering the new (potential) fees associated with the move, we definitely do not have it. We are fine in the FCS and I believe we are fine in the CAA.
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Post by epx on Jul 27, 2023 8:42:18 GMT -5
I just wanted to say whoever said look at FBS, why? We are an FCS school from top to bottom. There is zero reason to explore that move and considering the new (potential) fees associated with the move, we definitely do not have it. We are fine in the FCS and I believe we are fine in the CAA. I agree. I simply do not see Elon going FBS unless there is a group, like the one above that plans to go as a group... which will also never happen. I think the CAA has a lot going for it with the recent expansion. I really don't agree with the Hampton addition. They are light years behind most other schools in facilities, academics etc. However, A&T, Campbell and Monmouth are solid additions. Campbell will be a formidable opponent in the coming years because of their resources. On the other side of the coin, I am hopeful that Elon will get an invite to the A10 at some point in basketball. If our new AD is as good as her resume looks. basketball at Elon is about to get a big advancement. |
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eu96
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Post by eu96 on Jul 27, 2023 8:44:51 GMT -5
The point is there WON’T be an FCS in a few years. It’s dying. If you think Elon is fine with where we are at, you will be watching us play Newberry and Carson-Newman in a couple of seasons. Athletics are the front porch of any university, we would be wise to remember that. HPU certainly knows that. Campbell certainly knows that. They have aspirations I’m sure beyond the CAA. Why don’t we??
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Post by epx on Jul 27, 2023 9:08:01 GMT -5
euphoenix99 said:
Lastly, I agree on the new AD assessment. On paper she looks like a good hire and good fit. I'm excited to see what she can do. Maintaining what we have shouldn't be the measure of success though. I expect her to take Elon to that next level. I want whatever's best for Elon Athletics and putting a good product on the field. Hopefully Strawley is able to do that.
I agree with this statement 100%. Stagnation will be a major disappointment.
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