Opinion: What last Wednesday's press conference means for this year's competition for Prairie Stars

Columnist gives his take on where UIS stands on its path to becoming D2, motivation for athletes, and finally what he hopes to see eventually

Photo by David Clary The Prairie Stars could potentially join the GLVC within two years

October 15, 2008
By David Clary
Sports Columnist

Last Wednesday during the press conference people in attendance must have surely thought:  “So UIS is in the GLVC—what does it mean?”  Very good question, let’s discuss.

First of all, it does not mean that UIS is into the NCAA.  It’s a darn good start, but it isn’t over the line and through the victory tape.  Specifically it means that once UIS is admitted into the NCAA we are already accepted into a conference and know who we will be playing against.  It is also a positive “resume booster” for submitting to the NCAA.  Something along the lines of “see, the conference has looked us over and thinks we’re good to go.”  The press conference was a good opportunity for UIS to show the community that it has all its ducks (err…. stars?) in a row.  It was also a prime time to enhance relations with local media outlets and to keep the greater Springfield area aware that the University does indeed do things out by the lake. 

What this means for the athletes and the campus this year is that it is make or break for every sports team this year.  If things go as planned, this will be UIS last chance to compete against its storied NAIA rivals for all the glory.  This is the last opportunity for the Soccer team to take a run at another NAIA national championship, the last year for the men’s basketball team to try its hand at the historic NAIA tournament in Kansas City, and one last opportunity for the women’s teams to leave a few more marks in the NAIA record books. 

Next year should prove to be an interesting year in terms of results.  Some of the sweet taste of victory may be tainted by the knowledge that UIS won’t be able to follow up the wins with a conference championship.  Expect to see more dynamic matchups as UIS picks up more NCAA teams and limits the number of NAIA exposures as they grow into being a D2 school.            

An influx of new (bigger) teams should prove to increase the excitement and intensity of play.  But this also raises an age old debate about whether one plays for love of the game or plays for victory.  When how far your team can go is determined before the season starts and not after it ends, players’ and coaches’ determination and perseverance will be tested and put on display at each and every game.

So, UIS is now accepted into the GLVC, what does it mean?  It means this year expect hard fought competitive battles for all conference tournaments.  Athletes will play like there is no tomorrow because, indeed, there won’t be.  Next year, I hope to see purity of sport-athletes living in and for the moment; facing each game like the beginning and end of the season.  Either way, its good news for UIS, and its great news for sports fans.