The commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference confirmed Monday that the league is not looking to expand at this time, a crucial situation for N.C. Central as it looks to move to find conference affiliation in Division I.
N.C. Central has left the CIAA, and Bill Hayes said in August that he hoped to hear something from the MEAC by December. The MEAC, which includes North Carolina A&T and is adding Winston-Salem State, would be a natural fit for the Eagles.
But MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas indicated Monday that his conference is not looking to add members.
“This past March of ’07 the conference decided to put a moratorium on expansion at this time,” Thomas said. “There is no timetable to it.”
The MEAC has 12 members, and 10 that play football. North Carolina A&T athletics director Dee Todd said expanding could make scheduling difficult, so the league wants to take a long look at any additions.
NCCU, however, could be appealing if the MEAC decides to grow. Thomas praised its academic and athletic reputation, and the Eagles are generally strong in men’s basketball and football. The addition of the Eagles would be a boost to the MEAC if the league basketball tournament remains in Raleigh.
The returns to the RBC Center for the third time this fall. Attendance has been low, and Thomas said the league is hoping to improve that.
“We’re pleased but not satisfied. We’re working assiduously to increase tournament attendance and make it more fan friendly.”
Thomas said the league expects to decide to award a three-year contract for the 2009-2011 tournaments by March.
No comments:
Post a Comment