Arkansas leaving conference?

Beary Manilow · **Posted:** Tue Jun 15, 2010 9:47 am

As in, the entire state pulling out of the GSC?

Looks like it could be happening.

They'd need a few other schools to form a viable conference, but there are plenty in neighboring states to make something happen. Might be an attractive deal for some Oklahoma schools.

Would also leave just West Georgia and West Alabama to be the whipping boys for Valdosta, North Alabama and Delta.

treyuca · **Posted:** Tue Jun 15, 2010 9:50 am

I'm sure ESPN will be reporting wildly about this conference realignment as well.
Can't wait to hear the speculation, de-speculation, re-speculation, etc.

Beary Manilow · **Posted:** Tue Jun 15, 2010 12:09 pm

If the GSC will allow SAU to have its own AM radio network, then the league might be able to stay together.

BearsFan52 · **Joined:** Tue Aug 19, 2008 10:45 pm **Posts:** 2575

What will the media revenue split be vs GSC? Looks like our leaving upset the apple cart.

chrisattsu · **Posted:** Tue Jun 15, 2010 10:59 pm

Rumors from LSCScoop indicate

"We have confirmed that the Arkansas schools in the GSC (Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist, Arkansas Tech, Harding and Southern Arkansas) are leaving the GSC. They all sent certified letters to every GSC President announcing that they were leaving. The reasons listed for leaving in these letters were Geography, Academics and Travel.

These Arkansas teams are confirmed to be leaving and forming a NEW conference with teams FROM THE LSC. We've heard they will be joining Southeastern Oklahoma, Southwestern Oklahoma, and East Central. We are not sure about Northeastern State and UCO but are checking on that as well...but it appears that they are headed to the MIAA. These changes appear to be occurring in 2011-2012."

The D2 board is buzzing about this. The Lone Star conference would move to 9 schools all in Texas (except Eastern NM) and some of the remaining GSC schools are questioning if it is time to move to FCS. It could be interesting especially for the SLC since we could look to the LSC to get future members

http://www.d2messageboard.com/showthread.php?t=32738

treyuca · **Posted:** Wed Jun 16, 2010 9:31 am

There's an article in today's DemGaz about this as well.

Quote:

[Arkansas-Monticello Chancellor Jack] Lassiter and Arkansas Tech President Robert C. Brown said finding a more economically feasible model of operating has driven the discussions. . .

“The economy is a major factor,” Salant said. “It has really hurt our schools across the board. We are looking at all ways to reduce travel. Our relationships are so good. I think there will be ways to solve this". . .

Brown said there remains much to be examined before any further steps are taken.

Full Grown Bear · **Posted:** Wed Jun 16, 2010 2:29 pm

To anybody that knows, will the competition be easier, the same, or harder for the Arkansas schools?

treyuca · **Posted:** Wed Jun 16, 2010 2:47 pm

In football? Much, much easier.
Of course, the powers of the GSC were already discussing moving to FCS. So, that really puts ole Nate in a tizzy.

BearsFan52 · **Joined:** Tue Aug 19, 2008 10:45 pm **Posts:** 2575

Quote:

The reasons listed for leaving in these letters were Geography, Academics and Travel.

Ok, I get "Travel" but what is "Geography" (can't stand Sweet Home Alabama?)...are they looking for lower academic standards?

Full Grown Bear · **Posted:** Wed Jun 16, 2010 9:33 pm

Thanks Trey

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