Whats best for the Valley?

[SaintLouBrave22]

I was just surprised that someone didn't make a SEMO reference...

Which for all of the SIUE reference's...anyone who lives down here knows that in the last few years, SIUE is the #3 Mens bball team talked about around here behind SIUC and Missouri State...and yes, they're discussed even more than Mizzou and that was before deciding on the D-I jump...that and SIUE would fit into our current conf. profile as they even now have a larger population size than Drake, UNI, Evansville, and Ind. St. AND SIUE is still growing and they give us that Metro-St. Louis team.

I do also agree though w/ the expanding into the Chicago and Indy markets. Awhile back, I wouldn't have minded letting go two of the lesser market teams and adding a team from Ohio (Xavier), Indy (Butler), and Kentucky (W. Kentucky)...That would have given the conference 12 w/ SLU and brought much more national exposure...although costs would have been greatly increased by having these teams:

Bradley (IL)
Butler (IN)
Creighton (NE)
Drake (IA)
Illinois State (IL)
Missouri State (MO)
Northern Iowa (IA)
Saint Louis (MO)
Southern Illinois (IL)
Western Kentucky (KY)
Wichita State (KS)
Xavier (OH)

That would make 12 teams from 8 states...imagine the exposure there...and yes, I know...Xavier would be a pipe dream, but it could happen

What bothers me about SIUE is to fold, fan support in a small community, yes it is near STL but it is still 20 miles and the Vadalbene Center though a nice gymnasium is small, I believe 5k+. Personally their profile screams OVC not MVC.

Now the other sports specifically Soccer, softball and baseball would be great additions to the Valley. All are competitve on a national level and have strong phycilities.

There are plans to build a new basketball only facility...as there are w/ a $4 mil wrestling complex being built as we speak and w/ all other facilities being new, no football...seems to fit to me

[real fan]

10 teams is just right for the league; I don"t like to talk about replacing anyone unless they leave on their own; St. Louis would be a mistake because of the tour being in St.Louis they would have an unfair advantage; Butler would be fine only if someone decides to drop out.

[SaintLouBrave22]

10 teams is just right for the league; I don"t like to talk about replacing anyone unless they leave on their own; St. Louis would be a mistake because of the tour being in St.Louis they would have an unfair advantage; Butler would be fine only if someone decides to drop out.

I wouldn't have a problem w/ 12 as long as all teams are still invited to the tournament (i.e. Top 4 get a Thu bye a la ACC) and I really do like the balanced schedule...please, whatever happens down the road, don't do things like the Big Ten!

[bu fan 9]

I would never let SLU in they a there chance a few years ago and said no because the Valley wasn't good enogh for them.