A new start

Note: This first appeared on March 9, when I launched this blog. I thought it would be appropriate to reiteriate why I'm doing this.

I left a career in journalism for a job with a state legislature. The troubled economics of newspapers led me this way.

But through this blog I want to take my experience as an online editor and apply it to an old love: college cross-country.

I'm an Adams State alum and feel that the fiercely competitive spirit of Division II distance running deserves attention. A smaller mainstream media means more focus on sports or larger institutions we already know about. But modern online tools allow for (I hope!) a nationwide, niche audience.

This isn't an apologea for small colleges or my alma mater -- or an invitation to bash Western State! I'll use traditional media; college sports information; and your contributions, input and suggestions.

Christmas cross?

The NCAA just can't get enough of its "festival" concept, which they appear intent on saddling D2 schools with the honor. The next festival -- mark it on your calendars! -- is fall of 2010.

What's interesting is the festival will run from Nov. 30 through Dec. 4. That's a late date for nationals -- and a good week beyond DI's. So much for kicking back and pigging out at Thanksgiving.

Here's a list of my concerns:

• How will teams respond to such a late championship date, i.e. "peaking"?
  
• Will conference and regional championships be pushed back to accomodate this Jingle Bell special?
  
• How will this affect schools in the northern tier (read: snow belt) of the country? (Bring your crampons for regionals!)
  
• Whose idea was this?