Pac12 defections?? Big10 gains??

[okayrower]

The Automatic Qualifier is important for the conferences and programs that would not be selected to the NCAA championship based on their season's performance. It provides an avenue to the championship for all programs. Historically, conference affiliation meant like universities aligned with each other, so the playing fields were somewhat similar. Winning your conference against similar programs earned selection to the championship.

If the SEC does have a championship with those four schools, the winner will certainly be selected to NCAAs, so there would be little benefit to adding schools only to get to the necessary six and gain AQ status. Once the Big-12 adds Tulsa and Old Dominion in 2025, it's possible that the only way one of those six is selected to NCAAs is through the automatic qualifier system.

[bz]

Mercyhurst University is moving from DII to DI for their entire athletics program, joinging the NEC in 2024-2025. It remains to be seen if there will be increased support for the men's and women's rowing teams.

"According to a feasibility study conducted by Collegiate Consulting, Mercyhurst’s current $17M athletic budget will increase 33% by FY30, while student-athlete financial aid will increase from 182 scholarships to 211. Collegiate Consulting recommended a $1.6M increase across Mercyhurst’s 25 varsity programs sports’ operating budgets. For athletic staffing, it was proposed to add three full-time and three part-time administrative positions with four new assistant coach positions and transition three part-time coaching positions to full-time. "

[Remomex]

Imagine how much more money they'd have if they didn't waste it on consultants..

[bz]

Seattle University (and Grand Canyon University) announced that they will be joining the West Coast Conference starting July 1, 2025. So the May 2026 West Coast Conference women's rowing championship should include:

Creighton
Gonzaga
Oregon State
Portland
St. Mary's
San Diego
Santa Clara
Seattle
Washington State

Further conference realignment and/or sports sponsorship changes (perish the thought) could change this projection.

Bill Zack

[fullmetal]

Trivia: Grand Canyon's women's beach volleyball team is led by head coach Abra Rummel, none other than the wife of Henrik Rummel.

[oldman]

GCU does not currently have a varsity rowing team. Could they form one online? Small boats all over the country coming together for the championship?