RMU again listed as a potential Horizon League member

[ColonialCrazy]

This has come up a few times over the years, but once again RMU has their name thrown around as a potential addition to the Horizon league.

Per Justin Boggs, who write for the WSU Guardian: "RT: @jjboggs: Since I was asked, top teams on @HorizonLeague's radar per sources: Belmont, Murray State, Robert Morris, Lipscomb, NKU & IUPUI in order."

The Horizon League remains at nine teams, and really could use a 10th member for scheduling purposes, among other issues. Geographically, and competitively in the Horizon League biggest sport (men's basketball), this makes perfect sense. But would RMU even accept an invite? The Horizon League does not sponsor football, or LAX, two big sports at RMU.

Still don't think this has a lot of momentum, but something to keep an eye on.

 

[Original_RMC]

This is a topic we will need to keep our eye on.
If the Horizon League offered a membership to RMU would RMU accept it? The major risk here is that RMU could fall victim to the same faith as Monmouth's football. NEC declined Monmouth football as an associate member within the conference.
Monmouth jumped from the NEC for basketball. I could see Bryant making the same play perhaps for LAX or FB or BBall. The same goes for CCSU or Wagner. Dukes are already in the A-10 for hoops. And let's remember, NEC is like a 2nd cousin to FCS in terms of football with limited scholarships. The NEC and the rest of the NEC schools need to be pushed. Either up scholarships to match other conferences like the CAA or risk programs leaving. Stony Brook did it as did Albany. Rhode Island was ready to become a member of the NEC then backed out.

I agree that two major programs at RMU is Football & LAX but those sports can't be the reason to hold back the rest of the RMU athletic programs.

RMU Football (including the 2010 championship season) is 20-35 overall & 16-20 in the NEC. I know the team is playing better non-conference opponents but their attendance is down for home games.
RMU LAX is 43-31 overall (going back to 2010 and not counting this season yet) and 15-10 in the NEC.

So if the Horizon League offered a membership to RMU should they accept it? My answer...YES. It's only a matter of time before Andy Toole is gone so perhaps upgrading the conference could keep him on the sidelines longer.
I'm sure Fball & LAX could apply to the NEC as an associate member but the NEC could take another hard stance against programs leaving.

If the NEC says no thanks to the football program then perhaps RMU could be the 12th member of the Pioneer League? I can't see the athletic department allowing RMU Football to join a major FCS conference. So I can only see them going PFL or being independent until they find a new conference.

 

[Original_RMC]

Found this message board out there:
http://goldengrizzlyhoops.proboards.com/board/3/horizon-talk

If the Horizon League is going to only add one team to make their league a 10 team league then folks are talking Belmont. But if HL adds 3 teams to make it 12, then RMU is in play.

 

[ColonialCrazy]

Nice find! And I agree, I think the athletic department could make something work for football and lax. This would be a great move for basketball, and all the olympic sports. Travel would be a lot easier too.