UMKC Back to the Summit

UMKC back to the Summit improves PFW's situation with the Summit. The Summit is now more stable with 10 teams; UMKC is a respected institution, even if their athletics are sub par; and even the travel improves a little, as the Summit can now do travel partners and KC is a transportation hub with a relatively balmy climate, at least compared to the four Dakota schools. UMKC's move also diminishes the Summit's need to consider Augustana which PFW might have viewed much more negatively than UMKC; because Augustana is a small private school in South Dakota which would just be embarking on 4-year D1 transition.

Having said that, my guess is that PFW would jump to the HL if invited. They would have easier travel, a natural rival in IUPUI and no more winter trips to the Dakotas. PFW is likely to get the invitation if someone leaves the HL or some other attractive candidate appears and the HL wants to expand to 12. But there is little reason to make PFW the 11th member of the Horizon.

I agree with points both kevinudm and ougrizz05 have made. I also believe with this move the HL is less likely at this point to invite Fort Wayne, but what do we really know? It also makes it easier in 2020 for the HL/Summit Challenge. It certainly doesn't help the Summit baseball-wise as Kansas City doesn't have baseball. We shall see.

If we the fans see the common sense need to expand, then I'm sure the Presidents see it as well. What's taking them so long?!

With a 31 game max schedule getting good games is going to get a lot harder. The big leagues are all starting to play 20 conference games, already play 3 or 4 exempt tournament games, and 1 or 2 conference challenge games. That is 24 to 26 of the 31 games right there. IMO it is going to be hard to improve via scheduling.

To improve each HL member needs to increase spending which is not going to be easy given where fan interest is for some schools.

Getting programs in the league via expansion that can get better and then being able to play those schools is one way for the league to improve.

Also, playing a second conference challenge would help.

The league could also give members money to get in better exempt tournaments. Right now GB has been playing in the buy game brackets instead of playing at a neutral site. The MAC and MVC seem to be using other money or influence to help their members get better tournament games compared to the HL.

You are correct. I never thought they'd use an outside team. I always figured by then (2020 is when it starts) their League would have another team.