Volume CXXXIII, Number 5 October 12, 2001 f

NESCAC at-large bids face scrutiny
J.P. BOX
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

With a number of new presidents in their ranks, including Bowdoin's Barry Mills, and postseason play set to change, the presidents of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) met on September 20 to determine the future extent of NESCAC participation in NCAA championships.

The major issue discussed was the imminent termination of at-large tournament bids starting with the 2001-2002 season. An at-large bid allows a NESCAC team to accept an invitation to NCAA championship play without actually winning the NESCAC Championship.

Prior to the emergence of at-large bid invitations in 1994, sports teams were not eligible to compete in NCAA national tournaments. The process has continued to change over the years.

As Ashmead White Director of Athletics Jeff Ward explained, "Until two years ago, all NESCAC selections were at-large bids. The NCAA changed the process to automatic qualifiers. Essentially, the bulk of the pool was determined by conference winners with a small group of at-large bids picked throughout the country."

Last year, the Bowdoin Women's Soccer team advanced to NCAA championship play thanks to an at-large bid from the selection committee, which is composed of coaches and administrators throughout the country.
In the 2001-2002 season, however, only automatic qualifiers would be eligible for postseason play.

Due to the disappearance of the ECAC tournament this year and the dwindling number of teams allowed to participate in postseason championships, President Mills proposed a plan that gave the at-large bids a one-year extension. Approved by other NESCAC presidents on September 20, Mill's proposal guarantees at least one more year of bids.

During this trial year, the presidents will assess the importance, or lack thereof, of at-large bids.

Said Mills, "There are some presidents who believe that NCAA sports playoffs are inconsistent with the goals of the NESCAC. Others believe that is perfectly appropriate."

Ward supported the decision to treat this year as a trial year for at-large bids. Said Ward, "There are a number of new presidents in the NESCAC, and they want to take a thorough look at athletics and take time to study the issues."
Citing his belief that at-large bids are "an overwhelmingly positive experience" and "not in any way negative," Ward is confident that NESCAC teams will be able to accept bids in future seasons.

However, some presidents believe that NESCAC teams should not be able to compete in NCAA championship play-with or without at large bids.

"The bottom line is the question of appropriateness of NCAA championships for NESCAC schools," said Mills.