[Thrillhouse]

Originally posted by DeltAlum
Well, I kind of like the Mid American Conference -- or the Yankee Conference -- or the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

Why?

Because they play sports for the enjoyment of the game -- not to show off for pro scouts or get big TV contracts.

I directed live TV sports broadasts for years, and among my very favorites were the service academy games, because with very few exceptions (although those were often notable), the academy athletes had no real shot at the pros. So they played for their teams and their schools -- not for personal benefit.

To me, the smaller conferences and the service schools really give some meaning to the term "scholar athlete."

Very well stated.