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89rabbit
September 14th, 2005, 05:52 PM
So I was clicking on ESPN's basketball page and low and behold I see one of my Jackrabbits. Here are some highlight from the ESPN story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/index

http://espn-att.starwave.com/media/ncb/2005/0914/photo/a_loney_412.jpg
With a strong schedule, SDSU is aiming higher in year 2 in Division I.

Leap Of Faith

There are three newbies in Division I this season, but only New Jersey Institute of Technology is going it the hard way as an independent. Here's a tip for the Highlanders: look at what South Dakota State's doing as it ascends successfully from D-II.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=afc&id=2160271

Need an opponent? NJIT is willing, if not yet readyBy Andy Glockner
ESPN.com


The school's name sounds like it's straight out of "Blue Chips." The first call to the athletic department ended up in the voice mail of the ex-sports information director; the receptionist said the new SID was in "another, temporary location." The coach doesn't have a phone or computer in his office.

Welcome to Division I, New Jersey Institute of Technology! . . .

NJIT might be well-served in looking at the path another D-I independent has taken.

South Dakota State University came to Division I last season after a terrific run in D-II and went 10-18 -- a reputable finish that included road losses at Manhattan, Illinois-Chicago, Marquette, Denver, San Diego State and UMKC that all were within 16 points. South Dakota State also already has a couple of pieces in place that NJIT will need to secure -- a nice arena (8,500-seat capacity) and a supportive fan base. The SDSU Jackrabbits led Division II in average attendance in 2003-04 (at 3,375 per game).

SDSU is combating its current lack of a conference schedule by trying to land big-time nonconference games. This season, the Jackrabbits open at Rupp Arena against Kentucky in the Guardians Classic before heading to Champaign to help open Illinois' post-title game season. They also lured three top-100 teams from last season up to Brookings, S.D., this year. . . . (Read more)

polsongrizz
September 16th, 2005, 06:16 AM
Interesting, but who cares about B-ball? :D l

89rabbit
September 19th, 2005, 11:19 AM
It has been what we lived for, but more and more we are also becoming a football school! :D

putter
September 19th, 2005, 11:26 AM
You guys had a good crowd and the thing I liked was that a few of them were on their feet and yelling their heads off! I have not seen much of that in a lot of visiting teams, great way to build a program--a good fan base.

Jacks99
September 20th, 2005, 10:33 AM
That's suprising that you say that. You probably saw our top 1% of fans.

Our home crowd is pretty lame when compared to other schools. NDSU almost gave themselves the homefield advantage at CAS. We hope that that can change as the program improves.

putter
September 20th, 2005, 10:36 AM
What was interesting was when SDSU was driving at the end of the game the North Endzone started getting pretty loud, two men stood up and taunted the people. Putting their hand to their ears as to say they could not hear them. It was pretty comical!