The Dixie Rotary Bowl
The City of St.George and the good folks at Dixie College have announced this week that the Dixie Rotary Bowl will be held again this year after much debate about its status following the move to Division II status.
I have mixed feelings about this to be sure. On the one hand, I am happy to see the city and the community retain an institution that has served them well and provided an opportunity for the student-athletes to experience a bowl environment. I am also pleased to see the volunteers honored in this way, but I also think the idea of a bowl game that always includes the home team is counterintuitive. First, what if Dixie is atrocious? Should they be allowed a chance at the post season if they haven't really earned it? And along those same lines, my understanding is that Division II football does have a playoff system, so, what message does it send to the myriad of other D-II teams that Dixie has a bowl game? I think it is a great concept, but if the game has no meaning to the kids or the programs, why should the volunteers donate their time and energies to a meaningless game?
All of that being said, I have to suggest that I am less than impressed with the scheduling as well. I don't have a problem with Dixie playing teams on the road, but playing three teams both away and at home? It feels like overkill. Yes, the NAU game was a feather in the cap, but it means nothing when the Rebels get killed 59-0 in the game. I feel like the scheduling was an afterthought to this administration. They were so interested in getting a coach (at the last moment) that they totally skipped putting together a schedule with any interest for the home fans. I hope it gets better for the basketball kids.
I have mixed feelings about this to be sure. On the one hand, I am happy to see the city and the community retain an institution that has served them well and provided an opportunity for the student-athletes to experience a bowl environment. I am also pleased to see the volunteers honored in this way, but I also think the idea of a bowl game that always includes the home team is counterintuitive. First, what if Dixie is atrocious? Should they be allowed a chance at the post season if they haven't really earned it? And along those same lines, my understanding is that Division II football does have a playoff system, so, what message does it send to the myriad of other D-II teams that Dixie has a bowl game? I think it is a great concept, but if the game has no meaning to the kids or the programs, why should the volunteers donate their time and energies to a meaningless game?
All of that being said, I have to suggest that I am less than impressed with the scheduling as well. I don't have a problem with Dixie playing teams on the road, but playing three teams both away and at home? It feels like overkill. Yes, the NAU game was a feather in the cap, but it means nothing when the Rebels get killed 59-0 in the game. I feel like the scheduling was an afterthought to this administration. They were so interested in getting a coach (at the last moment) that they totally skipped putting together a schedule with any interest for the home fans. I hope it gets better for the basketball kids.
posted by Cool Dad at 7:38 AM
1 comments
