Athletic directors from seven of the eight schools affected by the proposal to keep D-III schools from “playing up” in one sport met to discuss a unified front Monday.
Clarkson’s Sean Frazier, Hartwick’s Betty Powell, Johns Hopkins’ Tom Calder, St. Lawrence’s Margie Strait, and RPI’s Ken Ralph met in Troy to formulate and unify a plan to defeat the proposal. Rutgers-Newark’s John Adams and Colorado College’s Joel Nielsen participated by telephone. Oneonta St., who is also affected, did not send a representative to speak on behalf of their men’s soccer program.
Although the primary sport affected by the proposal is men’s hockey, Powell was in attendance to save the D-I women’s water polo team at Hartwick, Adams spoke on behalf of Rutgers-Newark’s men’s volleyball program, and Calder was representing Johns Hopkins’ lacrosse teams. Colorado College has used their exception for men’s ice hockey and women’s soccer, and both Clarkson and St. Lawrence have used their exceptions for women’s hockey as well as men’s.
Among the topics discussed were the rich traditions, academic excellence, and storied histories of the schools involved. “Having scholarships allows us to compete with the Ivy [League schools], and these are the types of students we need for our rigorous academic programs,” stated Ralph in his opening statement. Another main concern of the conference was the impact of the programs in each school’s local area. Increased awareness of the proposal was important to the discussion, and all parties left with a positive outlook on the meeting.
“We had a very productive meeting, and are confident that we have a strategy that will benefit all of our institutions,” said Ralph. He went on to say that much is at stake for RPI, and it is important to develop options and a plan to counter the proposal. “[This is the] first time athletic directors have sat down to discuss our common issues,” said Powell, “I can’t tell you how impressed I am.”
The proposed changes are part of a package of reforms to adjust the playing season, financial aid, and recruitment techniques of the D-III athletic programs. Under the current system, a D-III school is allowed to field one D-I team for men and one for women. RPI, Clarkson, and St. Lawrence have used the exception to continue a rich hockey tradition in the ECAC.
Should the proposal pass, it will affect three of 12 hockey programs in the ECAC, and four of 52 D-I hockey programs nationwide. Unveiled in August, the proposal will go through more discussions in an October meeting of the NCAA President’s Council. Should the proposal not be withdrawn, it is slated for vote in January, when 424 D-III schools vote to decide the fate of eight programs.
