When Michigan announced they would make the jump to Division I, it ushered in a momentum of new programs and changes to the sport. Soon, Furman, Boston University, High Point, Marquette, and others would declare the creation of men’s and women’s teams. The Big Ten and the creation of the Atlantic Sun conferences show that lacrosse continues to rise. Now the question falls as to where will the next domino fall, and will more big name schools join? Here are some possibilities:
TEXAS
Much chatter erupted this week from the Longhorn State. The University of Texas recently hired new athletic director Steve Patterson who will begin his new position this week. His role will be to trim the fat from the department and clean up any unnecessary spending. Patterson is experienced in managing a pro/college budget from his previous jobs with the Portland Trailblazers and Arizona State University. This is a culture-changing decision for one of the most recognized college schools in the nation.
According to OrangeBloods.com, alludes that this hiring may possibly lead to the first Big 12 school’s sponsoring lacrosse:
“The fact no one from the Texas athletic department – no current coaches or staff – were consulted in the hiring of Patterson sent a strong message that big changes would be coming.
I was told with enough employee cuts, Texas could add a lacrosse program, which is on the to-do list.
The clear message of the advisory committee that just hired Patterson is success will return to athletics when any entitlement from UT’s increased accounting is replaced by a culture of accountability.”
The school does not have a men’s or women’s team, nor does any of its conference rivals. The article did not allude to a timetable when a team could be created. Nonetheless, it is great news to hear that one of the top college schools is considering lacrosse. Consider the Longhorn network and the exposure it would bring for teams across multiple outlets. It may also open the door to its neighbors within the region. With the state’s explosion at the high school level, plus the influx of players into the lacrosse ranks, Texas is quickly becoming the next frontier for lacrosse.
MINNESOTA/MICHIGAN STATE/OTHER B10 RIVAL
Michigan was the last big name to join the foray of collegiate lacrosse, but its impact has brought more recognition and respect to the game. One of the biggest contributions was that it allowed the Big Ten to create a conference starting in 2015. But even before Michigan bumped up from club to varsity, there was much chatter from nearby schools. It seems like years that Minnesota has been linked to possibly joining the ranks. The sport is quite popular within the state. However, one of the major hurdles for the Gophers, as well as many big programs, is Title IX. Adding a women’s program is the more likely route. But the men’s game, with its expenses and added scholarships, make it complicated for the time being. Still, the fact that the B10 now sponsors lacrosse is going to make it more enticing for schools to eventually add a team. The Big Ten Network will also be a big draw for teams and players to gain exposure across the country. Plus, while it is good to have Johns Hopkins as an associate member, it seems logical that the conference would like to have another full-time member join.
BOSTON COLLEGE
The Eagles are a logical school to see institute a men’s team. The New England area has been one of the more active areas of the country with high participation rates. But it is what has happened recently that might warrant the school’s administration to add men’s DI:
-The school already has a DI women’s team that is quite competitive.
-Cross-town rival Boston University will begin their first year as a varsity program this spring. The rivalry alone always brings out the best from both sides.
-BC already has a successful club team. Similar to Michigan when they were in the MCLA, Boston College already has a source of talent to build upon should they choose to upgrade their club team to the varsity level. Last year, they went 13-1. They are ranked 12th in Inside Lacrosse’s 2014 Face-off Yearbook Pre-Season rankings.
