The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1960-03-04
New College Loop
Deserves Study
BY LOU FA5RO
Times Sports Editor

It's the Continental League in pro football; it's
the American Football League In the pro grldiron
world; and now they're even talking about starting a
professional bowling loop.
Since they the good old powers who be") are
forming or talking about forming - new athletic
leagues, how about a new midwest college conferences?
THE READER MAY WONDER WHY in the world
do we need a new midwest conference? Well, before
answering the question, we'll keep the record straight
by saying this isn't an original idea. Proposals for a
new midwest college league have been aired In the
past. And the idea is being kicked around again.
To get along with the story, suggested as mem
bers of this new conference are: Cincinnati, Miami
Ol, Louisville, Dayton, Xavier COA Marquette, ST.
Louis and Detroit.
The last five schools, you might note, are Catho-
lie. This may-but probably not-cause some objec-
tions. We doubt very much that it would. If it should,
there isn't any reason why the lineup couldn't be
balanced between Catholic and non-Catholic schools.
One top-notch candidate would be Bradley.
BEFORE STRAYiNG TOO FAR in left field,
Wen get back to the original eight by saying that they
would compose an ideal conference. There are several
reasons for making such a comment.
First Of all, basketball is definitely regarded as
a major sport at all of the schools. Even though all but
st. Louis field football teams, all regard basketball as
their most important or second most important sport.
All have been quite successful on the cage court
and have had acknowledgement teams. All are veterans
of major post-season tournaments in which success
full teams are invited.
EVERYONE OF THESE TEAMS ARE clipping
along in fine fashion this year. Cincinnati, st. Louis,
ana Dayton are ranked among the c0untryS top ~.
So is Bradley if you want to consider that school. And
the other teams are not too far behind.
From a geographical and enrolment viewpoint,
such a league seems a natural" The schools are in
just about the same enrolment class and are located
relatively close together.
AS for natural rivalry, this league would be tops.
AS Cincinnati Enquirer Sports Editor Lou Smith said
in a recent column on this topic:
THERE Is a GREAT NATURAL competition be-
tween UC, Xaxier, Miami and Dayton. Overflow crowds
would turn out for homeand-home conference games
between these four schools
And don't think games involving Louisville, De-
troit, st. Louis and Marquette wouldn't draw the
crowds. And how about Bradley? This is high caliber
competition.
Cincinnati, st. Louis and Bradley now are men,
bers of the eightteam Missouri Valley Conference.
But league games with North Texas State, Drake and
Wichita have no particular appeal.
MIAMI, ON THE OTHER HAND, is in the tough
Mid-American Conference and might not have any
great desire to leave it. But, as we said earlier, there
are others.
The other five teams are independents. Concern
ing these, we'll quote from a story written for the Ca
fholie Times several weeks ago by Jim Long, an ALL
State football player from Rosary. Discussing Rosary's
membership in the Franklin County League, he said:
g.. there is an added incentive to being in the
league since it makes possible the opportunity of win
ming championships. A good record is fine, and one of
the most reWarding prizes Of an athletic career, but
If you attain a good record and get a championship
honor, that is something more to remember"
Long raises a hard-to-argue- against point.