And Then There Were Nine

Maybe King LeCrone and all of his horses and all of his men CAN actually put the Mid-Con back together again. With Tuesday’s less-than-stunning announcement that Oakland University has joined the Horizon League, the conference took one step closer to the golden era of 1993. The addition of the Grizzlies brings the Horizon League membership ledger to nine. Just nine? Don’t forget that before Loyola left the league high and dry, the Butler did it. (Thank you very much everyone, I’ll be here all week.)

So, what’s the next move for the Horizon League? Can they somehow, someway finally replace Butler and pick up that elusive tenth member? If so, who? When? Why? (Ok, well the why is obvious.) Do not fear Saders’ fans. I have relatively good hearing, and that noise I’m picking up whistling through the ARC is no janitor—it’s the winds of change blowing. My guy close to the program tells me that there are several options on the short list and that one will be added in the relatively near future. Here’s the skinny.

Chicago State- Word is, many of the former Mid-Conners had a great working relationship with Chicago State and miss them as part of the league. They always had the best jokes in the league-wide meetings. CSU offers a great neutral site location for Chicago-area HL alums to see their favorite teams play. (40:6 odds)

Missouri-Kansas City- With Michael Jackson no longer on the roster, the animostiy between the Horizon League schools and UMKC is all but over. From what I understand, there is mutual interest from both parties. As one AD remarked, “They are a great program in a jewel of a city…and we like the marketing opportunities with, say, a Kangaroos-Penguins matchup, for instance.” (31:7 odds)

Gary Steelheads- Now, before any of you shoot this idea down, I KNOW they are now-defunct semi-pro team. Yet, this hasn’t stopped LeCrone and his “cronies” from exploring the option. From what I can piece together, the Steelheads would have to go through the accreditation process to become licensed as a college (or university, as it were) and all players would have to be NCAA eligible. The HL is looking for a travel partner for VU and they love how the Steelheads fit into the geographic footprint. This rumor has legs. (30:10 odds)

Butler- Surprised? You shouldn’t be. The professors at Butler have roundly criticized the athletic department and administration for leaving the academic bastion that is the HL. They now join schools like Georgetown who, quite frankly, couldn’t carry Valpo’s books to class. This is a move that is very likely to happen. (84:4 odds)

Purdue North Central- Again, this move should be no surprise. The geography alone is too good for the Horizoniers to pass on. The travel just makes too much sense. One factor to consider, however, is that PNC’s arena is not up to par. Speculation is that they would share the ARC for day-night doubleheaders (rotation with VU for the night spot). The concessions windfall would be massive for Valpo, so it is a strong possibility that PNC makes the move. (2:1 odds)

Notre Dame- This is the name no one saw coming (unless you have friends close to the program, and I know many of you do not). Notre Dame is considering that the ACC travel may be too damaging to the pocket book. They are also concerned about their ability to win championships in mens’ basketball in the ACC. Enter the Horizon League. Notre Dame gets some much-needed financial relief and Mike Brey finally gets his chance to dominant a league. Before you laugh this off, ya think Notre Dame would have traded spots with Butler a few years back? Thought so. NOTE: Notre Dame would NOT join the Pioneer League in football, although they would possibly agree to play one Pioneer League team a year at Notre Dame Stadium. (71:1 odds)

There you have it, folks. I can’t wait to see what the next move is for the league, but the addition of any of these programs would give the HL a boost. Hats off to Czar LeCrone for the hard work behind the scenes to make these conversations happen. Now, we sit and we wait. The times they are a changin’.

(On a personal note, I want to pass on my best wishes to all of the members of the message board who I consider friends. I miss you all greatly, and the lack of humor and the preponderance of bickering (I’m looking at you 78Crusader) tells me ya kinda miss me too. 😉 Proud of you all, though, and where the board has been going. Maybe one day I will return if Goldstein and O’Brien will allow me to be me. That’s a story for another day though, and as I have always said, the mods are tough but fair. Congrats to Classof2014 on becoming the new valporun. LaporteAve, did you get my text? Either way, I’ll call you later. HC- love ya like a brother. Peace, love and crabs everyone.)