Three schools out; more to come?

Bythe LSC Scoop/Special to TexasFootball.com --Several schools on the way out of the LSC.

Despite numerous descriptions in the media, the LSC is not breaking up.  The SWC broke up in 1996.  The North Central Conference broke up in 2008.  These conferences suffered membership changes that they were unable to overcome and ceased to exist.  All conferences experience membership changes and the Lone Star Conference is no exception.  Since its founding in 1931, the conference has seen numerous member changes, with Texas A&M Commerce as the only remaining founding member of the league.

As for viability, the LSC is in a much, much stronger position than the last time a bloc of schools left the league together.  Back in the early 80's, Sam Houston State, Stephen F. Austin, and Southwest Texas State moved to Division I (IAA for football) from the LSC, leaving the conference with just 5 schools.  The three schools (SHSU, SFA and SWT) left with 5 of the previous 6 LSC basketball titles, 8 of 9 golf titles (with 4 consecutive national titles during that span), 6 straight tennis titles (with 2 national titles during that span), and most importantly, SWT left with 4 consecutive LSC football titles (national titles in 1981 and 1982).  Their departure left a big hole in the LSC, both in terms of relative size and athletic performance.

Over time, new schools were  added to the league and the conference not only survived, but prospered and is currently one of the premier conferences in the nation.  That should not change with the departure of East Central University, Southwest Oklahoma and Southeastern Oklahoma.  Nor will the rumored departures of Central Oklahoma and Northeastern State have a devastating effect on the conference. The LSC will emerge with a strong core, and will field nationally competitive teams in every sport.

Call it a re-shuffling of the deck, maybe, or a realignment.  But the LSC is not breaking up by any stretch of the imagination.

Statement from Commissioner regarding membership
Lone Star Conference Commissioner Stan Wagnon has issued the following statement in regard to conference membership.

“The Lone Star Conference has been notified that East Central University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Southwestern Oklahoma State University plan to withdraw from the league. Per LSC membership policy, the withdrawal shall become effective June 30, 2012.

"Withdrawing members are obligated to play all approved LSC athletic competitions with other members up to the effective withdrawal date. In the event of inability or refusal to meet those obligations, the withdrawing member(s) shall pay a financial penalty unless such competitions are waived or modified by written consent of the parties affected.

"I continue to work with administrators at those institutions that are committed to LSC membership and we remain confident in the future success of the league.”

3 Oklahoma schools to leave LSC
Ricky Treon
Amarillo Globe News

Southwestern Oklahoma State, Southeastern Oklahoma State and East Central notified the Lone Star Conference of their intentions Monday to withdraw from the LSC.

This is the second time this month the LSC has announced a membership shakeup. Incarnate Word officially joined the conference July 1 - the first change in a decade.

The three Oklahoma schools can officially leave the conference June 30, 2012, with no penalty, LSC commissioner Stan Wagnon said.

"I continue to work with administrators at those institutions that are committed to LSC membership, and we remain confident in the future success of the league," Wagnon said in a news release.

League's breakup begins
Nathan Wright
Scripps Texas Newspapers

The breakup of the Lone Star Conference has begun.

Recent rumors about changes in the LSC became truths Monday when LSC Commissioner Stan Wagnon released a statement indicating that three of the conference’s six Oklahoma schools have given notice that they plan to withdraw.

Wagnon’s statement said, “The Lone Star Conference has been notified that East Central University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Southwestern Oklahoma State University plan to withdraw from the league. Per LSC membership policy, the withdrawal shall become effective June 30, 2012.