Chicago State officially announced football starting next year as a FCS Independent followed before heading to the NEC. They have a coach, no players or assistants that this point.
Joining the Northeastern Conference they will have scholarships in some fashion. Another blow to our recruiting along with the incumbent NAIA Indiana powerhouses, and Uindy.
I'm surprised that they finally did it. They've been talking about it for the better part of 20 years
Chicago State is now listed as a full member including FB (not just an associate).
Crazy thought: Might the NEC be a better home for Valpo athletics (including scholly FB)? BTW, We’d be playing fellow Luth school Wagner in all sports annually. NEC markets: NYC, New York State, Boston area, CT, RI, PA, and now Chicago.
Big geographic footprint, but very close in competitive level. Opens up M and W Lacrosse (large-36+ enrollees- teams) as well as re-instituting mens soccer 🙄 (another 24 enrollees)
And a Big East travel budget. Not a viable alternative.
Chicago State is one of the worst performing universities in the country. 11% four year graduation rate/33% eight year graduation rate - far below the median for universities. Only 51% of first year students return for their second year. Only $10M in their endowment. And yet Chicago State is starting a football program? The university needs to be shut down, as their students would be served far better by other public universities in Chicago.
They even mention the possibility of building a $50m stadium. No idea where their funds are coming from, as I thought that they were struggling mightily on that side a few years back
They even mention the possibility of building a $50m stadium. No idea where their funds are coming from, as I thought that they were struggling mightily on that side a few years back
Chicago State has only $10M in its endowment, so you would think building a $50M stadium would be impossible. But Illinois funded the $38M white elephant basketball stadium that opened in 2007, so any ridiculous decision is possible,
Illinois is going to do everything in their power to keep CSU open. It is the only HBCU in the state and the grant money they have access to for it is too much to let go of IMOP
Butler has scheduled Chicago State for next season
We added Lawrence Tech as the opener. Still short a 12th game.
Still missing a 10th game. Anna Marie college in Massachusetts just announced closing after this year. They actually played football meaning 10 schools need a game. Doesn't make a lot of sense geographically but we need a game. Never heard of Anna Marie.
Calumet St Joe who has been playing Sprint Football is moving to the NAIA in 2027 so when next year rolls around......
Typically Valpo has played 11 and sometimes scheduled a 12th game. Fox typically had 12 because he had 3 scholarship opponents and one non scholarship.
With current state of Valparaiso it would need to be a pay to play game for us or someone wanting to come to us for free.
I dont think Waddle and staff will book another D3 game again
This one kinda flew under the radar. It appears that our third non-con game, in addition to Lawrence Tech and Indiana State is at Murray State 9/12.
Murray State was 1-11 with their only win over the following week's opponent....the 3-9 Indiana State Sycamores!
So we get a double dose of the Missouri Valley Football Conference. I assume we receive compensation for both games.