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General => General Division III issues => Topic started by: sbparent on September 28, 2012, 11:48:53 AM

Title: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: sbparent on September 28, 2012, 11:48:53 AM
CLINTON, Miss. --- Mississippi College leaders agreed Thursday (9/27) to ask the NCAA to return the university to Division II and rejoin the Gulf South Conference after being away for 16 seasons.

The NCAA Division II Membership Committee, as part of its process, would reach a decision on MC's application in July 2013. Mississippi College is presently a member of the Texas-based American Southwest Conference in Division III.

After extensive study by university officials, MC's Board of Trustees voted unanimously in favor of the recommendation from President Lee Royce and its executive committee to move forward with an application to pursue Division II membership. The potential move comes amid strong support among key university constituents- from alumni to students, faculty and staff on the Clinton campus.

"We appreciate the strong support from the Gulf South Conference as we move forward with the NCAA Division II application process," said MC President Dr. Lee Royce.  "The proposal has received enthusiastic support from faculty, staff, students, and alumni.  We look forward to renewing rivalries with schools such as Delta State University and GSC newcomers Union University in Tennessee and Shorter University in Georgia."

Athletic Director Mike Jones commented, "We are very excited about the opportunity to continue the process of making application for Division II membership."

Returning to the Gulf South Conference would reunite the Choctaws' decades long in-state rivalry with Delta State University, as well as compete with nearby neighbors like the University of West Alabama in Livingston, Christian Brothers in Memphis, and the University of West Florida in Pensacola. GSC newcomers including two Baptist-affiliated schools, Union University in Jackson, Tennessee and Shorter University in Rome, Georgia would also be good opponents for MC, the nation's second oldest Baptist college. MC presently enrolls 5,145 students. Another Christian institution, 4,400-student Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee received NCAA permission to join the GSC in July.

A Gulf South Conference member from 1972 until departing  in 1996, Mississippi College would potentially join a vibrant 12-school conference that includes a mix of public and private universities, Royce said. Over the years, GSC schools have won 46 NCAA Division II championships in 13 sports.

If Mississippi College were to receive an invitation to begin the Division II membership process and rejoin the Gulf South Conference it would result in much more media exposure for the university in the region. GSC football games of the week are broadcast in the fall on cable TV's CSS and reach millions of homes in the South.

A possible jump to NCAA Division II also makes sense from a logistical and cost standpoint. MC Athletic Director Mike Jones and others say rejoining the Gulf South Conference would greatly reduce travel time for the university's student-athletes, coaches and support staff.

The Gulf South Conference dates back to 1970 with original members including Delta State, North Alabama, Jacksonville State, West Alabama, Tennessee-Martin and Troy State. GSC reports note that 113 of its alumni have been players in the NFL or Canadian Football League, including 25 in the Super Bowl and 14 making all-pro.

Among Mississippi College's prominent NFL player was Fred McAfee, the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame member from Philadelphia, MS who presently serves as director of player personnel for the Saints. McAfee is among the alumni hailing the Christian university's potential return to Division II.

Present GSC institutions include the University of Alabama-Huntsville, Christian Brothers University, Delta State University, the University of North Alabama, Valdosta State University, the University of West Alabama, the University of West Florida, and the University of West Georgia. The NCAA gave approval in July 2011 for Shorter University and Union University to become provisional members of the conference this year and full members in 2013-2014.

Florida Tech was admitted to the GSC as a football associate member beginning in 2013.

Mississippi College is home to teams in 15 NCAA sports with the football team winning the ASC championship in 2009.
Based in Birmingham, the Gulf South Conference is led by President Nate Salant. GSC leaders recently visited Mississippi College and met with key university constituents – including alumni, students, faculty and staff who all enthusiastically backed MC's return to NCAA's Division II ranks.
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Pat Coleman on September 28, 2012, 12:51:29 PM
We broke this Thursday morning and there is already some discussion on the ASC football board if you want to check there.

http://www.d3football.com/notables/2012/09/mississippi-college-chooses-d2

Quote from: sbparent on September 28, 2012, 11:48:53 AM
CLINTON, Miss. --- Mississippi College leaders agreed Thursday (9/27) to ask the NCAA to return the university to Division II and rejoin the Gulf South Conference after being away for 16 seasons.

The NCAA Division II Membership Committee, as part of its process, would reach a decision on MC's application in July 2013. Mississippi College is presently a member of the Texas-based American Southwest Conference in Division III.

After extensive study by university officials, MC's Board of Trustees voted unanimously in favor of the recommendation from President Lee Royce and its executive committee to move forward with an application to pursue Division II membership. The potential move comes amid strong support among key university constituents- from alumni to students, faculty and staff on the Clinton campus.

"We appreciate the strong support from the Gulf South Conference as we move forward with the NCAA Division II application process," said MC President Dr. Lee Royce.  "The proposal has received enthusiastic support from faculty, staff, students, and alumni.  We look forward to renewing rivalries with schools such as Delta State University and GSC newcomers Union University in Tennessee and Shorter University in Georgia."

Athletic Director Mike Jones commented, "We are very excited about the opportunity to continue the process of making application for Division II membership."

Returning to the Gulf South Conference would reunite the Choctaws' decades long in-state rivalry with Delta State University, as well as compete with nearby neighbors like the University of West Alabama in Livingston, Christian Brothers in Memphis, and the University of West Florida in Pensacola. GSC newcomers including two Baptist-affiliated schools, Union University in Jackson, Tennessee and Shorter University in Rome, Georgia would also be good opponents for MC, the nation's second oldest Baptist college. MC presently enrolls 5,145 students. Another Christian institution, 4,400-student Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee received NCAA permission to join the GSC in July.

A Gulf South Conference member from 1972 until departing  in 1996, Mississippi College would potentially join a vibrant 12-school conference that includes a mix of public and private universities, Royce said. Over the years, GSC schools have won 46 NCAA Division II championships in 13 sports.

If Mississippi College were to receive an invitation to begin the Division II membership process and rejoin the Gulf South Conference it would result in much more media exposure for the university in the region. GSC football games of the week are broadcast in the fall on cable TV's CSS and reach millions of homes in the South.

A possible jump to NCAA Division II also makes sense from a logistical and cost standpoint. MC Athletic Director Mike Jones and others say rejoining the Gulf South Conference would greatly reduce travel time for the university's student-athletes, coaches and support staff.

The Gulf South Conference dates back to 1970 with original members including Delta State, North Alabama, Jacksonville State, West Alabama, Tennessee-Martin and Troy State. GSC reports note that 113 of its alumni have been players in the NFL or Canadian Football League, including 25 in the Super Bowl and 14 making all-pro.

Among Mississippi College's prominent NFL player was Fred McAfee, the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame member from Philadelphia, MS who presently serves as director of player personnel for the Saints. McAfee is among the alumni hailing the Christian university's potential return to Division II.

Present GSC institutions include the University of Alabama-Huntsville, Christian Brothers University, Delta State University, the University of North Alabama, Valdosta State University, the University of West Alabama, the University of West Florida, and the University of West Georgia. The NCAA gave approval in July 2011 for Shorter University and Union University to become provisional members of the conference this year and full members in 2013-2014.

Florida Tech was admitted to the GSC as a football associate member beginning in 2013.

Mississippi College is home to teams in 15 NCAA sports with the football team winning the ASC championship in 2009.
Based in Birmingham, the Gulf South Conference is led by President Nate Salant. GSC leaders recently visited Mississippi College and met with key university constituents – including alumni, students, faculty and staff who all enthusiastically backed MC's return to NCAA's Division II ranks.
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Pat Coleman on July 12, 2013, 05:40:43 PM
Mississippi College was not accepted into Division II.

http://www.d3sports.com/notables/2013/07/mississippi-college-not-chosen-for-d2
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Gregory Sager on July 12, 2013, 05:59:32 PM
Wow. I wonder why MC was snubbed.
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Pat Coleman on July 13, 2013, 12:10:18 AM
A D2 athletic director type told me that most of the recent rejections have been for lack of a full-time compliance coordinator without coaching duties or having an AD with coaching duties.
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Warren Thompson on July 13, 2013, 04:24:27 PM
Pat: why was Mississippi College forced to "vacate" the 1989 D2 National Championship?
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on July 13, 2013, 05:02:40 PM
Quote from: Warren Thompson on July 13, 2013, 04:24:27 PM
Pat: why was Mississippi College forced to "vacate" the 1989 D2 National Championship?

Due to rule violations.
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Warren Thompson on July 13, 2013, 05:33:43 PM
Quote from: Captain_Joe08 on July 13, 2013, 05:02:40 PM
Quote from: Warren Thompson on July 13, 2013, 04:24:27 PM
Pat: why was Mississippi College forced to "vacate" the 1989 D2 National Championship?

Due to rule violations.

Thanks. Specifically, which rules?
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on July 13, 2013, 06:55:39 PM
Quote from: Warren Thompson on July 13, 2013, 05:33:43 PM
Quote from: Captain_Joe08 on July 13, 2013, 05:02:40 PM
Quote from: Warren Thompson on July 13, 2013, 04:24:27 PM
Pat: why was Mississippi College forced to "vacate" the 1989 D2 National Championship?

Due to rule violations.

Thanks. Specifically, which rules?

Gave out double the amount of scholarships than they were allowed to give out.

http://dailyemerald.com/2013/04/03/walks-if-new-allegations-are-true-stripping-auburns-national-title-should-be-a-given/

"It was the first vacated NCAA football championship since 1989, when Mississippi College was found to have given out twice the number of academic scholarships it was allowed."
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Pat Coleman on July 14, 2013, 12:14:59 AM
Here's a brief item about that I saw recently:

http://articles.latimes.com/1993-01-13/sports/sp-1133_1_mississippi-college
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Hawks88 on July 14, 2013, 01:53:32 PM
I wonder how this affects this year's incoming freshman class? If they were accepted to DII when would they have started giving scholarships? Did they recruit mostly true DIII players for this year or did they already have guys on LOI planning to be on scholarship and red/grey shirting this season?
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: crufootball on July 15, 2013, 10:17:28 AM
Quote from: Hawks88 on July 14, 2013, 01:53:32 PM
I wonder how this affects this year's incoming freshman class? If they were accepted to DII when would they have started giving scholarships? Did they recruit mostly true DIII players for this year or did they already have guys on LOI planning to be on scholarship and red/grey shirting this season?

If my memory is working well from when McMurry left I don't think they would have offered scholarships until next year when they were officially accepted. Saying that I would bet they will have a few students transfer that thought they had a chance at a scholarship next year and now they won't.  I know when McMurry left the rest of the conference was a tad upset that McMurry was allowed to compete in conference tournaments and NCAA playoffs as it appeared they were getting some athletes using the appeal of going D2 the next year. This impacted MC in that I believe MC was not going to be allowed to compete for conference championship this year and therefore not allowed to be in NCAA playoff events. 
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Pat Coleman on July 15, 2013, 12:03:02 PM
Quote from: Hawks88 on July 14, 2013, 01:53:32 PM
I wonder how this affects this year's incoming freshman class? If they were accepted to DII when would they have started giving scholarships? Did they recruit mostly true DIII players for this year or did they already have guys on LOI planning to be on scholarship and red/grey shirting this season?

I am sure that there are people who came to Mississippi College this year with the thought that someday they might get scholarship money. Whether that is wishful thinking on their part is another matter.
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: smedindy on July 16, 2013, 02:51:06 PM
So are they in limbo? Will the ASC take them back?
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: crufootball on July 16, 2013, 04:12:13 PM
Quote from: smedindy on July 16, 2013, 02:51:06 PM
So are they in limbo? Will the ASC take them back?

As an ASC fan I would welcome them back with open arms since once they left the clock would start ticking on us losing our automatic bid to the playoffs since we would fall to 6 football playing members.
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Pat Coleman on July 16, 2013, 05:02:22 PM
Technically, they never left the ASC. Although I know there are ASC coaches who didn't want to schedule them this year.
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: sbparent on August 01, 2013, 12:09:31 PM
Heard MC will appeal this; so what is the appeal process like?  If overturned, will be in time to play D2 next season or will it push them back another year?

What is likelihood that they even win an appeal?
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Ralph Turner on August 01, 2013, 05:38:52 PM
Quote from: sbparent on August 01, 2013, 12:09:31 PM
Heard MC will appeal this; so what is the appeal process like?  If overturned, will be in time to play D2 next season or will it push them back another year?

What is likelihood that they even win an appeal?
Not great on the odds of a successful appeal.
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: sbparent on August 07, 2013, 12:20:52 PM
What is the time line on an appeal? 

If appeal is not successful, do they just reapply the next year?
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Ralph Turner on August 08, 2013, 02:50:58 PM
Quote from: sbparent on August 07, 2013, 12:20:52 PM
What is the time line on an appeal? 

If appeal is not successful, do they just reapply the next year?
My opinion is that they will appeal and then re-apply.

They have decided that the D-2 model is more appropriate for their athletic program/student-athlete mission and vision.

D-2 and D-3 are paradigm shifts in philosophy of intercollegiate athletics.
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Ron Boerger on September 06, 2013, 03:42:41 PM
MC has gotten the OK to go D2 apparently and will leave the ASC at the end of this year.

http://www.ascsports.org/news/2013/9/6/GEN_0906131139.aspx

RICHARDSON, Texas --- Mississippi College will withdraw its membership in the American Southwest Conference on June 30, 2014 after learning it has been accepted to immediately begin the reclassification process to NCAA Division II, the ASC announced today

In September 2012, Mississippi College announced it would seek Division II membership and would withdraw from the ASC after the 2013-14 year if accepted. MC applied and was denied admittance to Division II Candidacy Year One in mid-July. The institution appealed that decision by the Division II Membership Committee in mid-August and was informed late Thursday that its appeal had been approved and it would enter the reclassification program immediately.

Mississippi College will remain a member of NCAA Division III and the American Southwest Conference in 2013-14 as it completes the first year of the Division II membership process.

"Mississippi College and its athletics staff and coaches have provided leadership in athletics administration and competition throughout its tenure in the American Southwest Conference," Amy Carlton, ASC commissioner, said. "I fully expect MC to continue to be a leader in the ASC as it completes its membership this year, and to take a strong leadership position in Division II and the Gulf South Conference in the future."

The immediate start of the Division II membership process will affect postseason opportunities for Mississippi College in 2013-14.

Per NCAA Division III Bylaw 20.6.9.1 as adopted in January 2013 (aka the McMurry Proviso?), a Division III member institution reclassifying to Division II is not eligible to participate in Division III championships or receive Division III grant and initiative funding once it begins the Division II reclassification process.

Under an approved Division III Championships Committee waiver requested by the American Southwest Conference in May 2013, contests against Mississippi College will count as in-region competition for all ASC and Division III institutions throughout 2013-14.

An ASC member institution that is ineligible for a Division III championship is ineligible to participate in the ASC Championship Tournament in sports where the league holds an automatic qualifier to the NCAA postseason. During 2013-14, Mississippi College teams in AQ sports will count toward regular-season standings, but will not be able to compete in the ASC Championship Tournament and play for the conference title. Student-athletes remain eligible for academic, weekly and postseason awards in all sports.
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: sbparent on September 10, 2013, 12:07:18 PM
At what point can they start giving athletic scholarships?

The provisional period stinks for the current seniors and maybe some of the underclassmen as they cannot compete in post season and cannot win a conference title.
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Warren Thompson on September 10, 2013, 12:34:36 PM
Quote from: sbparent on September 10, 2013, 12:07:18 PM

The provisional period stinks for the current seniors and maybe some of the underclassmen as they cannot compete in post season and cannot win a conference title.

Perhaps that's part of the price to be paid for moving to a lower division.   ;)
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Pat Coleman on September 10, 2013, 01:15:23 PM
I believe they could start giving money next year.
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Ralph Turner on September 10, 2013, 01:19:09 PM
Quote from: sbparent on September 10, 2013, 12:07:18 PM
At what point can they start giving athletic scholarships?

The provisional period stinks for the current seniors and maybe some of the underclassmen as they cannot compete in post season and cannot win a conference title.
NCCAA here they come.  I hope that they can get the paperwork thru the NCCAA in time to compete!
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Warren Thompson on September 11, 2013, 08:17:34 AM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on September 10, 2013, 01:19:09 PM
NCCAA here they come.  I hope that they can get the paperwork thru the NCCAA in time to compete!

NCCAA = the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants?
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Knightstalker on September 11, 2013, 09:32:19 AM
Quote from: Warren Thompson on September 11, 2013, 08:17:34 AM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on September 10, 2013, 01:19:09 PM
NCCAA here they come.  I hope that they can get the paperwork thru the NCCAA in time to compete!

NCCAA = the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants?

AKA, The Gas Passing Asses?
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Ron Boerger on September 11, 2013, 11:02:25 AM
Quote from: Warren Thompson on September 11, 2013, 08:17:34 AM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on September 10, 2013, 01:19:09 PM
NCCAA here they come.  I hope that they can get the paperwork thru the NCCAA in time to compete!

NCCAA = the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants?

On the (admittedly small) off chance you were serious:  National Christian College Athletic Association (http://thenccaa.org/).

MC is already listed on the top ten page (http://www.thenccaa.org/sports/2012/5/30/GEN_0530123145.aspx?id=98) there under football (for "not reporting") - even tho they are not listed as a member school (http://www.thenccaa.org/sports/2012/6/6/FB_0606123813.aspx?path=football)
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Gregory Sager on September 11, 2013, 11:31:40 AM
The USCAA is another possibility for Mississippi College. Iowa Wesleyan used the USCAA as a way station last season en route to switching from the NAIA to NCAA D3. The USCAA basically takes on all comers, asks no questions, and makes no demands as far as a long-term commitment on the part of its member schools is concerned.
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Bishopleftiesdad on September 11, 2013, 11:35:22 AM
They are listed as a D1 school by the NCCAA, and get this they are part of the Mid East conference:

http://thenccaa.org/sports/2012/6/21/GEN_0621121924.aspx

Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Ron Boerger on September 11, 2013, 11:36:15 AM
Update:  MC was admitted as a member of the NCCAA per the notes from the 2013 NCCAA Midwest Regional Meeting, June 1 2013 ... but as mentioned they are in the Mid-East region

http://www.thenccaa.org/sports/2012/6/21/GEN_0621121924.aspx
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: cush on September 17, 2013, 10:36:34 AM
Speaking of moves, did berea college decide no on moving to D3? never saw anything.
Title: Re: Mississippi College looking to move back to DII
Post by: Ron Boerger on September 18, 2013, 11:19:08 AM
Quote from: cush on September 17, 2013, 10:36:34 AM
Speaking of moves, did berea college decide no on moving to D3? never saw anything.

I think they abandoned the effort.  Last year was an exploratory year but they are not shown on the current NCAA list of D3 schools which includes transitional members:

http://web1.ncaa.org/onlineDir/exec2/divisionListing?sortOrder=0&division=3

I did searches on the Berea web site and the intrawebs and can't find anything on the topic, which further reinforces the thought that they've given up.