COMMENTARY
HUNTINGTON – Marshall University is standing at a precipice with what seems to be infinite potential ahead of it with a new conference affiliation as well as the announcement of Brad D. Smith as the next university president. There is no reason to delay taking that next step toward progress and beginning to realize that potential, no matter the initial costs.
Marshall is scheduled to join the Sun Belt Conference no later than July 1, 2023 but entering the conference next July is an option on the table. Leaving Conference USA at the conclusion of the current academic year will come at a price. It will cost Marshall $3 million in exit fees to cut ties the fledging league.
It’s a price worth paying.
“It’s about moving forward. It’s about potential and it’s about growth,” Interim Athletics Director Jeff O’Malley explained on Monday. “We want to elevate Marshall University and Marshall Athletics and the Sun Belt offers us the best way to do that.”
Even on a soggy, damp Saturday afternoon in the West Lot of Joan C. Edwards Stadium, there was an undeniable buzz in the air. The excitement that permeated the dark clouds hovering above the stadium had little to do with the actual game that was being played that evening and everything do future of Thundering Herd athletics as a member of the Sun Belt Conference.
“There was no doubt we had chosen the best path for Marshall. The excitement and anticipation, and positive vibes about this new affiliation was unlike anything I had ever seen. It was a clear affirmation that, in fact, the Sun Belt was the best fit for Marshall Athletics,” stated Interim-Athletics Director Jeff O’Malley during Monday’s press conference officially announcing the move.
Remaining in Conference USA for another year as the walls crumble around the league only delays the aforementioned growth and progress and leaves Marshall in a sort of athletic purgatory, with one foot in the Sun Belt and one foot suck in C-USA.
Marshall’s Board of Governors actions over the last 12 months has shown it is not interested in spinning its wheels and delaying progress. Bold hires such as Head Football Coach Charles Huff and President-Elect Brad Smith show a commitment to progress and excellence.
Marshall should seize the current momentum and build on the excitement of what lies ahead and take the next bold step forward sooner rather than later no matter the cost.