What a month January should be!

[DQDawg]

You are dead on #4, LFR, and Louisiana Politicians' fingerprints won't be on a consolidation IF Tech goes to LSU System, and UL System is "defunded". UL system schools will have to fight it out over funding internally. I'm guessing North Louisiana (with 8 schools including Health Science and BPCC) will consolidate into 4 or so down the road several years. Not saying there aren't any downside threats to being close to LSU, but we'll have to guard against those. I think it's a big challenge, not so sure we're going to see it happen, because it DOES MAKE SUCH SENSE. Something has to be done about the 14 4 year state funded schools, don't need all of them.

[HogDawg]

I put (1) at 90%, (2) at 100%, (3) at 40%, and (4) at 40%. Other thoughts?

Regarding the LSU system move, even recognizing the risk, I'm 100% in favor. Despite the subtleties that we distinguish, and despite whatever satisfaction we derive from a different conference affiliation (despite real differences, nationally, only the relatively sophisticated fan differentiates between CUSA and the Sunbelt), the fact remains that Louisiana will continue to practice tit-for-tat funding, i.e. 'we gave you one, now we'll give the other school one,' always equalizing and never rewarding excellence. The UL System will be a silly, endless game of "gotcha" trying to lay claim to a mythical crown of "flagship" of a second-tier system.

The LSU System presents the risk that we become ignored or starved out of existence. But as
it is, we're already on a starvation diet that will only get worse with time unless one believes
that state funding can somehow be miraculously restored at some future date.

My belief is that just the opposite will happen if we are a productive and constructive adjunct to LSU. I think scarce funds will only become more scarce over time and at the point that no options remain the UL System will be gradually defunded in order to preserve the LSU System. At that point Tech will finally absorb ULM (having already absorbed LSUS) and the State will finally arrive at a sane system of higher education with LSU as the State flagship with its' law and medical schools and Tech as the State's leading engineering and building technology school and a recognized research and development university (as well as pharmacy and nursing via ULM).

It makes perfect sense. Egos and pride, combined with sufficient cash to fund those beasts, have prevented this from happening sooner. But when the cash disappears, ego and pride are always the first casualties.

In the game of survival, the winners are those that stay closest to the money; and the LSU System is where the money is, and will always be.

Agree 100%. This is exactly what I posted to BB&Ber's months ago when this subject first came up. Of course, I wasn't quite as verbose as you. Then again, who is?





HD

[HogDawg]

I don't think it would be wise to rub it in anyone's face. We will not have been invited to CUSA for the same reasons that TCU was invited to the Big XII, or for the same reasons that Fresno/Hawaii/Nevada were invited to the Mountain West. Literally, we will have been the last chick standing at the Cake Walk...

Don't get me wrong...I'll be tickled pink. But I won't be gloating.

ChuckK3, that's simply NOT true. I don't even know why you would say that?

Do you really believe CUSA doesn't have other options? Hell, they could pick anyone. They could pick Temple, UNT or FIU for "market" size, or Arky St for Malzahn, ULL for good food, or UTSA for "future". The list goes on and on. I don't see the purpose or value in denigrating LA Tech. That's just dumb. If LA Tech gets in CUSA, it's going to be because we are the VERY BEST OPTION. Don't diminish that. It serves no useful purpose.





HD

[KSDAWG]

Tech has been the best option for Ten years. Numerous media pundits have often questioned why we weren't in. It's had a lot to do with the fact that our Admin didn't jump on the chance when it first came to us. We have been doing this dance for far to long not to get to were we need to be. It's time to quit being the little sister who will be a hottie one day and start being the smoking hot babe everybody wants to take to prom!

[LookingForResults]

Agree 100%. This is exactly what I posted to BB&Ber's months ago when this subject first came up. Of course, I wasn't quite as verbose as you. Then again, who is?





HD

Not surprised you agree. I just take what you say and rewrite it so people can understand it!

[OLDBLUE]

Merry Christmas HD - Gift wrapped?

[ChuckK3]

ChuckK3, that's simply NOT true. I don't even know why you would say that?


HD

My personal feelings about TECH's CUSA-worthiness is without question. I was just stating what I perceive as CUSA's attitude about Tech, solely based on past history regarding Tech. They've led us around like a Bulldog on a leash for a decade. I'm sick of it. Either invite us, or tell us no thanks, so we can start lobbying the Big East.

I'm all for it, and will be thrilled if/when it comes, but as someone said earlier, an invitation to Conference USA should be viewed as THE BEGINNING, not THE END of our long journey.

[WWDog]

Getting in CUSA is an opportunity. For it to be of any use, we need to redouble our efforts. If we don't move forward with that opportunity, we will become like UAB, Tulane, etc.

[HUGETechfan]

When is "the month" for conference affiliation announcements anyway? Is it really January or can it be anytime of the year?

[sportdawg]

It can be anytime - but Cusa presidents have a january meeting scheduled

When is "the month" for conference affiliation announcements anyway? Is it really January or can it be anytime of the year?

[SeekerHound]

I believe it is definately a starting line WHEN we get into CUSA. I believe we could win big there and move up in another few years, possibly to an AQ conference with all the disintegration going on.

[johnnylightnin]

When is "the month" for conference affiliation announcements anyway? Is it really January or can it be anytime of the year?

June 30, 2012 to start CUSA play in fall of 2013.

[GermDawg]

June 30, 2012 to start CUSA play in fall of 2013.

T-Minus 6 month's and counting......if it doesn't happen by June 30th I'm not hopefull it will happen

[LookingForResults]

T-Minus 6 month's and counting......if it doesn't happen by June 30th I'm not hopefull it will happen

IMO if doesn't happen by the end of January you can feel the same way.

[DQDawg]

Any truth to the rumor that the "Big Meeting" is 1/15/12??