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Date Posted:22:38:37 06/25/06 Sun Author: MikeWIU Subject: Re: Rival for Western? In reply to:
MikeWIU
's message, "Re: Rival for Western?" on 12:06:24 06/23/06 Fri
Leatherface, no I am not saying Valpo is a rival. Necksfan had mentioned that Valpo's teams have been mediocre at best. I was just pointing out that a good portion of their sports teams have had success. The sports that have really kept them down when it comes to Commissioner's Cup standings are T&F, & Swimming/Diving.
As far as academics go, you cannot really compare the two well.
Mike, what does this statement mean? I hope your not saying that you would hire someone from Valpo instead of WIU just because they went to Valpo! Or am I getting just a bit to sensitive in my old age?
Guess my problem is not with Valpo, but with the Horizon League's stature which is solely a result of basketball and nothing else!!! Have you ever seen Green Bay's other athletic facilities? When was the last time a Horizon Baseball team got to the final 16? Track All American's? Unfortuantely, the only thing that matters is the number of invitations to the big dance!!!
I am saying that you cannot compare the universities academically as well, because they are a little different in what they offer with degree programs.
Even though I have a WIU degree, I do know that VU is ranked #2 for Master's level universities in Midwest, and we are #61 according to US News & World Report (generally used by soon-to-be HS grads in assessing academics). When I go for my Master's, I do not see any issue with going to a school such as VU because of academic reputation.
As far as baseball reaching final 16, yes the Mid-Con has that over the Horizon. But, you also have to take into account that there is really only 1 competitive team on a NATIONAL level in baseball, meaning being able to beat the best from the south like ORU can. Without ORU, our conference is the same as Horizon in baseball. Simple fact is that southern schools are generally a bit better in baseball due to playing outside more often growing up, and that a lot of the Midwest top talent goes to those schools as well for more exposure.
I do believe that Butler has a good T&F program that has earned All-Americans, and I think a National Champion in the mid 90's (?). Horizon has wins in men's soccer in the tournament as well. My knowledge is limited here, but just by reading their site you can see they are competitive in most sports. Overall, the Horizon is a more competitive conference, even though I like the Mid-Con.
I am not trying to upset anyone, I just try to be more real in my view of opponents. I do not like to take the approach that the school/conference I went to was the best, and everyone else is not good (I am not saying anyone takes this view either).
