Tug o' war

The hottest topic of discussion at the Southern Conference's athletic directors' meeting in Greenville, S.C., this week apparently isn't on the agenda, according to a story in today's Chattanooga Times-Free Press. The SoCon's talked a lot lately about expanding, but hasn't done anything. Then, last month, UT-Chattanooga said it had talked with OVC officials about becoming the league's newest member.

SoCon membership may not be on the agenda, but I bet it'll be in the air. From the TFP story:

"I know that at some time we’ll probably talk about expansion issues, and I’m ready to talk about those issues," (UTC AD Rick) Hart said. "But as far as the OVC overtures, I don’t think this would be the appropriate time to talk about it. I don’t see how that fits with the other 10 (SoCon) schools at this point. I feel like those discussions need to start at a different level."

SoCon commissioner John Iamarino, in the TFP story:

"But will we talk about it? It’s very possible," he said. "We usually talk about things that aren’t on the agenda. We want to hear what all our members have to say. If it’s something they want to discuss, I’m sure we’ll discuss it."

Many watchers believe UTC wants a school on the SoCon's western edge added to the league. OVC members Samford and Jax State have been mentioned as possibly fitting that bill, but Big South member Costal Carolina has lobbied heavily to join the Carolinas-dominated conference. It looks like the OVC made up its mind more quickly than the SoCon has.

SoCon school presidents (the folks who actually will make any decision) next get together in November, the TFP said.