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Karl Benson leaving WAC to become Sun Belt Commissioner

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Karl Benson leaving WAC to become Sun Belt Commissioner




Karl Benson, a conference commissioner for two decades in the Mid-American and Western Athletic, is moving to the Sun Belt.

He'll be announced as the Sun Belt's next commissioner Thursday, according to an official with knowledge of the situation. That person spoke on the condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to disclose the appointment.

Benson, 60, will take over April 1, succeeding the retiring Wright Waters.

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My two favorite teams are FAU, and who ever is beating FIU!
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Re: Karl Benson leaving WAC to become Sun Belt Commissioner

So, what does everyone think of this hire?
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Re: Karl Benson leaving WAC to become Sun Belt Commissioner

I like it, I think it comes at a good time. Especially with all this conference shake ups going on. I was not a big fan of Waters. If the Sun Belt is to survive we need more bowl tie ins and maybe pursue some other teams

My two favorite teams are FAU, and who ever is beating FIU!
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Re: Karl Benson leaving WAC to become Sun Belt Commissioner

He's 60…he's probably "seen it all"…the only thing I question is the fact that it he is leaving a declining conference.

What we need in the Belt is an innovative approach from a firey personality…someone who will forge new media agreements, stronger Bowl ties, and thus strengthen our recruiting leverage.

Not sure we are going to get that, but time will tell.
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Re: Karl Benson leaving WAC to become Sun Belt Commissioner

I agree with Rick. I think a new commissioner needs to, among other things, bring a swift hammer down on the lackadaisical and egregious officiating, overhaul the Media Days, strengthen and expand the Sun Belt Network and most importantly, commission a Master Plan from each member institution that outlines the specific steps they will undertake over the next 10 years to increase average attendance to 30k (football) and 5k for basketball, improve/expand/replace athletics facilities and promote their brand locally.
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Re: Karl Benson leaving WAC to become Sun Belt Commissioner

Owl2Doc said

I agree with Rick. I think a new commissioner needs to, among other things, bring a swift hammer down on the lackadaisical and egregious officiating, overhaul the Media Days, strengthen and expand the Sun Belt Network and most importantly, commission a Master Plan from each member institution that outlines the specific steps they will undertake over the next 10 years to increase average attendance to 30k (football) and 5k for basketball, improve/expand/replace athletics facilities and promote their brand locally.

+1

We have some good schools in our conference that are growing at a rapid pace.  I do think the SunBelt is lacking at this moment…but with population trends moving to the southeast united states and some of the schools we have I feel like thier is definelty some room to improve here with the right vision.

They just need to get to 12 teams to have a playoff.  USA and Georgia State would be great additions.  I think they should go after a few more Texas schools as well…maybe Texas State and UTSA.  Those are large Universities in good TV markets and recruiting grounds.

Teambeer is the most knowledgeable FAU sports fan I know, way smarter than me.
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Re: Karl Benson leaving WAC to become Sun Belt Commissioner

This wouldn't be a bad conference.  Although I would love to change Louisiana Tech for Louisiana Monroe…

There is a lot of work to do, but I think it would have potential.  Most of these schools are growing and have a ton of potential.  The recruiting grounds for these Universities as a whole is ridiculous.  Basically Texas thru Arkansas over Louisiana into Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee down thru South Florida…wow.

Just have to somehow change the reputation.  Texas State, UTSA and Georgia State are all very large and beautiful schools…they would be a great addition to complete the Belt.  If USA is coming with a football program (I cant remember) then a good 14th program might be Charlotte (previously UNC Charlotte).  They used to be in Conf USA and are now in the A10.  I would BEG them to come over.  Another school to think about would be Tulane.

School                               Enrollment
Texas State University 34,000
UTSA                               31,000
UL Lafayette               17,000
UL Monroe               8,500
Georgia State               32,000
Troy                               30,000
MTSU                               24,660
Western Kentucky               21,000
University of North Texas 36,000
FAU                               29,000
FIU                               44,000
Arkansas State               13,500
UNC Charlotte                      25,000
Univeristy of South Alabama  15,000

Teambeer is the most knowledgeable FAU sports fan I know, way smarter than me.
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Re: Karl Benson leaving WAC to become Sun Belt Commissioner

To me it sounds like the WAC won't need a commissioner (may be included in 24 team Mega conference) so he needs a job. And after how the WAC was torn apart by defections as of late, how good is he at being a FBS commissioner (media contract sucks!).\
And also meaning we get left out - SUCKS TOO!
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