Statement by JMU

[BDKJMU]

"In recent days, the Colonial Athletic Association has been notified of the departure of two member institutions. Both Virginia Commonwealth University and Old Dominion University have made decisions to join other conferences.

Although James Madison University is disappointed in these decisions we continue to support the CAA and the values for which it stands. There are numerous examples of CAA schools whose values closely align with those of JMU. This list includes, among others, such institutions as William & Mary, Delaware and George Mason. These are schools with which we choose to be aligned because they share our commitment to academics and excellence in all sports, not just one or two.

James Madison University is extremely proud of its comprehensive commitment to all of its student-athletes, athletic programs and fans. The conference realignment discussion for some schools has focused on particular sports and in doing so does a disservice to the other student athletes, athletic programs and the fans. JMU has and always will take a holistic view of its athletic programs. This philosophy is evident in JMU's balanced investments in facilities, scholarship and opportunities. In addition, JMU's holistic view of athletics has positioned our student-athletes to be successful in the classroom, in life and on the field. This success is clearly seen in the very high graduation rate numbers.

The conference now finds itself in the position of adding new member institutions that share the values and commitments of the current members. The CAA commissioner, Tom Yeager, has been working to develop a roster of institutional prospects. As one can imagine, these are delicate and complex issues that require some time to process before public disclosure. We will do our best to communicate to our fans at the appropriate time regarding an expanded membership."
http://www.jmusports.com/ViewArticle.db ... M_ID=14400" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[BDKJMU]

Majority of the JMU board is getting in a tissy over this. There are a few rational heads who aren't worried, believing that JMU will make an announcement to move up within the next yr or 2. I fall in the latter.

[93henfan]

Good words from JMU. I actually got a little verklempt reading that. CAA all-sport solidarity! I probably would have hugged Bandl if he were next me. Not you though BDK.

[YoUDeeMan]

In addition, JMU's holistic view of athletics has positioned our student-athletes to be successful in the classroom, in life and on the field. This success is clearly seen in the way Mickey handles himself on the sidelines. Little known to those outside of Harrisonburg, Mickey is a multitasking, generous man. In the middle of a game, when others would be focused only on the game in front of them, Mickey has been thinking of those less fortunate. BAM...right then and there! Mickey will suddenly start tossing off sweaters, visors, hats, headphones...whatever. I've never seen anything like it...Mickey tells us to donate those things directly to charity.

It brings tears of joy to our eyes to watch him set such an example for our student-athletes. We can only hope they model themselves after him.

FIFY

[slycat]

He's keeping the CAA happy so they keep their oly sports if football goes to the MAC.

[BDKJMU]

Just FYI JMU's new president takes office July 1st. That could change things.

[jmufan]

I do think things start to change after July 1. I think when you build a large stadium, beat VT, and win a national championship, fans expect a whole lot more than what they are getting. So I have empathy for them and understand where they are coming from. The FBS ship hasn't sailed, but the comments made by the admin set off the nerve that I bet JMU wish they hadn't set off.

[BDKJMU]

Harrisonburg Daily News Records: "ODU Jumps To C-USA

........................"While the university was not actively seeking a change, recent events necessitated an earlier consideration of our future, and in particular, for our football program,” Broderick said in a press release.

The move reduces the number of football teams in the Colonial to eight and puts another dent in the staggering CAA’s basketball division.

VCU or Old Dominion have won the last four CAA tournament championships in basketball and have consistently been the league’s best draws.

James Madison, one of nine remaining members, says it is still loyal to the CAA.

“Again, our faith at this point is in member institutions in the Colonial,” athletic director Jeff Bourne said. “You hate to see ODU go; they offered some great rivalries and a great year-end [football] opponent we will miss in the future.”

Asked if JMU is 100 percent committed to staying in the dwindling league, Bourne said, “Yeah, we are.”

“I think we’ll get some great members in,” he said. “There are a lot of schools out there that I think can be a great fit for JMU.”

With just eight football members remaining and nine in basketball after the 2013 season – when Georgia State will also depart – the CAA will now ramp up its pursuit of other schools, hoping to expand.

“Those activities will obviously take on a little extra vigor over the next couple of weeks,” CAA commissioner Tom Yeager said Thursday.

Yeager said all expansion talks will remain private. He is confident that all moving parts are now settled, which will allow the CAA to more effectively woo prospective schools.

“I believe our remaining institutions are solidly committed to the CAA,” Yeager said. “I thought that was imperative to make that statement to any prospective members.”

One source said this week that the CAA will likely target College of Charleston and Davidson – two basketball-focused schools from North Carolina that currently play in the Southern Conference. Stony Brook, which is located in eastern New York and plays in America East for all sports other than football (Big South), could also be a candidate – especially because the Seawolves would add a much-desired ninth football team to the league.

Davidson athletic director Jim Murphy said Wednesday that he had not had any discussions with the CAA about realignment. Asked if he would be interested in having discussions, Murphy responded, “not publicly.”

Athletic directors from College of Charleston and Stony Brook could not be reached for comment.

Yeager has consistently said he is searching for schools that would make a “right fit,” but has not elaborated in detail about what or who might make a good match.

“We’ll move rapidly, but not carelessly,” Yeager said. “We want this to be long-term relationships, not someone who wakes up in eight months and says, ‘What did I do?’”

As for Old Dominion, Selig said the school began to examine its league options around the time of the Final Four in early April.

Some James Madison fans have yearned for a similar move to I-A football, and enthusiasm for such a shift has gained steam with the departure from the CAA of some of the Dukes’ most attractive rivals. Bourne said he understands that the school’s decision to stay in I-AA and in the CAA might not please some fans and alumni.

“I think there’s always going to be [people at] any institution that say they want to go in a different direction,” Bourne said. “I continue to hear strongly from both sides. Having been around a lot of our fans and donors, I can understand their position.”......................................................"
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[BDKJMU]

Harrisonburg Daily News Record: "MAC, WAC?

.................The MAC? That's a different story. If Delaware and Appalachian State came along, some JMU officials would be interested in the conference. But - for the millionth time - it all depends on what new president Jonathan Alger wants to do after he assumes office on July 1..............

...............It might also make people wonder why the university spent $62.5 million to rebuild Bridgeforth Stadium into a Division I-AA showcase and why it has won approval from the state to build an $88 million basketball arena if the board of visitors OKs the project. I mean, if football and basketball aren't king, why do you need state-of-the-art facilities?....."