Looking ahead

Football program discusses Division I-A future

There are many questions swirling about the future of JMU’s Division I-AA football program — an expanded stadium, a growing fan base and an A-10 championship have many discussing the possibility of JMU moving to Division I-A.

Football coach Mickey Matthews said it is only natural for people to talk about the future prospect.

"There is always discussion and we are constantly looking at it," Matthews said. "I believe the opportunity will present itself to become a Division 1-A program."

Although discussion does frequently arise about the possibility of changing from Division I-AA to I-A, Athletic Director Jeffrey Bourne said it will not happen in the near future.

"We very much plan to be a contender for the national championship on a frequent basis," Bourne said.

"Once we have proved that we can compete consistently at this level, then we will look at other options."

To become a Division I-A team, JMU would need to expand its stadium to seat 17,000, up from its current seating capacity of about 14,000, Bourne said. In addition, concessions and bathroom facilities would also require expansion. Bourne also said 1-A football requires 85 full scholarships, 22 more than the 63 JMU currently funds.

"If we increase men’s scholarships, there would be a need to fund a like number on the female side," Bourne said. "This would likely involve adding additional female sports."

Matthews explained that changing division levels would be a double-edged sword.

"The school would make more money, but spend more money at the same time," Matthews said.

Although the project would be costly, Matthews added that a Division I-A football program would enable JMU to recruit better athletes, play bigger-name schools and become more visible. He also said that JMU is in a great location to participate at the I-A level, within close proximity to airports and major interstates.

However, the choice to transition from Division I-AA to I-A ultimately would be an "institutional decision," Matthews said. The administration, along with the Board of Visitors, would make the final call.

Mark Warner, vice president of student affairs, said that Division I-A sports programs can help a school.

"Division I-A programs do make schools more well-known primarily because of media interest and attention, which translates into visibility," Warner said.

Junior Danny Christiansen, a junior sports management major, said he would like to see JMU’s football team at the Division I-A level.

"I would be even more excited about the team as a whole with a chance to see nationally ranked opponents at that level more than once a season," Christiansen said. "As well as being able to anticipate recruits coming in who will need to be to the same caliber as the rest of the league and hopefully enter the NFL."