Rick Hart on "Division Four"

[StallionsModelT]

Hart's remarks regarding the recent suggestion there may be a break from the NCAA and the Power 5 making their own organization separate from the NCAA:



"In response to your first question, I do not think there is a high probability for conferences breaking away from the NCAA. There is a great deal of frustration with the existing governance structure; however, a complete break is riddled with potential risk and considered to be a last resort. I do believe that change is on the horizon, though. (See this column in today's Indy Star) The concept of a reorganization of the existing divisions/subdivisions is more likely and seems to be gaining some momentum with certain constituent groups.


In terms of our response to this potential scenario - and others - there are two things that are critical for us to be doing right now: 1.) actively participate in the dialogue in an effort to proactively influence and shape our future, and 2.) align our behaviors and decisions with the SMU Advantage. In particular, we must focus on initiatives aimed at expanding and enhancing attendance, participation (giving), branding, and competitiveness. The SMU community, in addition to our coaches, staff and student-athletes, plays a vital role in determining our immediate and long-term success.


While we compare very favorably nationally in academic quality, facilities, location, and personnel, we do not compare as favorably in areas such as ticket sales, attendance, and national brand awareness. It is important that the entire SMU community participates in creating an advantage for our programs through the purchase of tickets, attendance at events, donations to the Mustang Club, corporate sponsorships, etc. Such visible displays of support position us to compete for championships and be considered by the masses as a nationally competitive (and relevant) athletics program.


There are still many questions that must be answered before significant change can occur, including but not limited to: How will membership in this "new division" - if that is the outcome - be determined? What are the criteria for membership? Will athletics programs with similar budgets, championship-caliber facilities, metropolitan locations, Hall of Fame coaches and strong heritages be given an opportunity to continue to participate at the highest level in all sports? Will the existing tax status be threatened? What is the impact on gender equity and Title IX? Are there potential anti-trust issues to consider? How is the Bowl system impacted? The NCAA basketball tournaments? The College World Series? Or are these changes legislative in nature with minimum impact on the current competitive landscape? What effect does the outcome of the O'Bannon case have on all of this?

While these questions will not be immediately answered, one thing is for certain - the existing structure is antiquated and no longer serves the broad spectrum of participants throughout Division I Athletics. Our industry is fractured. Presidential control, institutional integrity and student-athlete welfare must continue as pillars of the collegiate model, but athletics directors must assume a more active role in shaping the future of college athletics. Rest assured, SMU will be represented as these conversations take place.

[East Coast Mustang]

So, in other words, we need to put butts in the seats.

[StallionsModelT]

That was what I took from his remarks as well. Also that this potential "break" from the NCAA is going to be a real can of worms both from a logistical and legal standpoint. It is good to hear that Aresco and the rest of the AAC are going to be a part of this new restructuring and will have a voice.


The other thing I took from his comments are that there is a very good chance the bottom 15-20 programs go bye bye and not the entire non-BCS family of schools.

[Water Pony]

Rick Hart's post is a thoughtful summary of the current anxiety being felt by us, the top Power Schools and the marginal programs, as well.

Despite our history, location, traditions, financial and academic strength, SMU, its alumni and, most importantly, our student body must step up (or Pony Up, if you prefer). Butts in the seats for FB and BB is critical, which includes arriving before kick-off/tip-off, enthusiastically supporting the team during the game and remaining committed to the players by staying in those seats until the final second.

I smile when I see criticism of ND or the big players in the Power Conference. At least they have engaged fans and students, who often travel to away games as well. Writing checks is obviously important, but attendance and passion will be key. There will be no free pass to the future. We are accountable for what happens to us next. Playing victim is a waste of time and energy and, candidly, futile.

[Johnny Utah]

Give us Orsini back. This guy sounds like an intellectual who wants us in the new Division II. Get lost. I mean, could he just not say: "SMU will accept nothing less than to be apart of college football at the highest level". He is another guy that wants to do the whole marketing thing to get fans in seats versus concentrating on winning. Try maybe getting a Larry Brown in football who can bring in the 5 star athletes. As long as we have a team full of two star athletes he should accept low attendance. I AM JUST BLOWN AWAY BY THIS ALL ENCOMPASSING ANSWER THAT ANSWERS NOTHING. Say what you want about Osrini, but since his departure, the fire, vision, and "make it happen" spirit is gone. GET READY FOR AN AVERAGE SEASON with a New Orleans Bowl celebration to finish it off (MAYBE).

[Smerkins]

Well the one thing I like about Hart is that he is very pragmatic about the issues within our program. I think he needs to get a lot more vocal about them, but at leasts he publicly acknowledges them.

[that's great raplh]

We're done

[PonySnob]

We need a better product on the field as well...........7-5 & 6-6 regular seasons in a "weaker" conference isn't going to help is get any looks from another conference either.

[RGV Pony]

1. Win
2. People in stands..

Still haunts us and always will.. 4-1 after beating #9 team in the nation, then coming home for rematch vs conf champ.. Not a cloud in the sky, 70s, and.. 13-14k in the stands. [deleted] about jj all you want, but the aftereffects of that legacy lie at our own feet

[PoconoPony]

Give us Orsini back. This guy sounds like an intellectual who wants us in the new Division II. Get lost. I mean, could he just not say: "SMU will accept nothing less than to be apart of college football at the highest level". He is another guy that wants to do the whole marketing thing to get fans in seats versus concentrating on winning. Try maybe getting a Larry Brown in football who can bring in the 5 star athletes. As long as we have a team full of two star athletes he should accept low attendance. I AM JUST BLOWN AWAY BY THIS ALL ENCOMPASSING ANSWER THAT ANSWERS NOTHING. Say what you want about Osrini, but since his departure, the fire, vision, and "make it happen" spirit is gone. GET READY FOR AN AVERAGE SEASON with a New Orleans Bowl celebration to finish it off (MAYBE).

In the interest of putting butts in the seats, we drop a sell out crowd by dropping Baylor and schedule a high interest Montana State game that has no interest to anyone. Sure Rick; say one thing after having done just the opposite.

[fifty]

Yeah but if you play Tech, Baylor, A&M, TCU, Rutgers all in a row, you are physically outmanned to a large degree 5 games in a row. Half the team would be injured after that run.

[mustangxc]

Dropping Baylor for Montana State was so stupid I would have considered firing him. As upset as I am with dropping Baylor, I can live with it. My issue is dropping Baylor and replacing it with a team that will not bring any fans and has a good chance at beating us!!!! If the move really was meant to ease our schedule, then go ahead and schedule a bad FCS team, not one of the best FCS teams in the country! ...and no I am not hedging my bets because after we beat them, I still won't look at it as a respectable win, simply a terrible loss if we lose to them.

[SMU2007]

1. Win
2. People in stands..

Still haunts us and always will.. 4-1 after beating #9 team in the nation, then coming home for rematch vs conf champ.. Not a cloud in the sky, 70s, and.. 13-14k in the stands. [deleted] about jj all you want, but the aftereffects of that legacy lie at our own feet

When did we beat the #9 team in the nation? I missed that one.

[SMU2007]

The truth of the matter is no one gives a crap about UCF and never will. That is part of being in a second tier conference- second tier opponents.

Look, I wish everyone cared about mustang football like everyone on this board, but I think it's insane to think that the general public is going to get fired up and come out in droves to see us play UCF whether or not we are 4-1. It is going to take a hell of a lot more than that to overcome decades of misery. I think everyone looks at these situations through the eyes of a die-hard and not from the average Dallas "fan".

[that's great raplh]

We are doomed