Two seasons ago, I signed up for my first WIS Hoops Dynasty team. I had the good fortune to end up in one of the more fun and active DIII conferences in the world. In fact, it was so much fun, I added two new teams by the time my first season ended. So I don't ask you to join to spice up a dreary conference. I ask you to push a good conference to greatness.
The Ohio Athletic Conference has, in my two seasons, struggled with overall RPI, but has not struggled to produce good teams. We had five postseason teams this year, and four teams that are built to be NT contenders year in and year out. I was just a 2nd round PIT team this year, but I hope to make that number five next season. So why the RPI worries? Because our Sims are, in the words of the Round Mound, turrible. There are only five Sims in the conference, but just one has broken the RPI top 250 in the last two seasons. Which means they're a perfect opportunity for anyone who enjoys the challenge of a rebuild.
Why rebuild in the Ohio? First of all, as I said, it's a fun conference. There are lots of good coaches, and the coaches corner is active. And it has the most human coaches of any conference in Crum DIII. Second, we've had a top ten team (and multiple ranked teams) each of the last two seasons, and that doesn't figure to stop now, so there are always chances to test your skills against top teams. Finally, you're not going to be stuck suffering through an 0-27 season. The conference isn't built up enough so far that rebuilding teams are non-competitive in every game for two years--the dregs will give you plenty of chances to pick up some wins on your way to the top.
What teams are available:
Muskingum: Ideal for anyone who wants to make their mark fast. The most successful Sim over the past two years, posting 7-9 and 8-8 conference records, closing out with a 201 RPI this season. Six scholarships open up this year, so it becomes your team pretty immediately.
Ohio Northern: This team is my nemesis, and I would feel much better about being beaten by a real person. Despite posting two straight 7-9 records and 250+ RPIs, Ohio Northern has pulled upsets over the mighty Scots of Maryville in two consecutive seasons. They have one open scholarship and four seniors next year, giving them the brightest immediate future of all the Sims.
Marietta: The last Sim team left in the North division, Marietta finished 4-12 in conference play this year. If you want to face human coaches day-in and day-out in conference play, this is your best chance in Crum DIII. Additionally, there are five open scholarships this year, so you can make your mark quickly. But slanga and I are lonely in the South division, so we'd prefer you taking one of the other open spots.
Otterbein: After a 2-25 (2-14 OAC) mark last year, the Mighty Otters (okay, they're actually the Cardinals. . . whatever) improved massively to 5-22 (3-13 OAC) this year. Without a doubt, they are a team on the rise. They're just not rising very fast. You can help with that! There is one open scholarship and a team full of experience. Losing experience, but hey, experience is experience.
Wilmington: Want a dynasty to be purely your own? Want to build success where there was nary a hint before? Wilmington is your place. After posting two straight 0-27 records, Wilmington is ready to renounce their title of RPI anchor, but they need your help. One of the youngest teams in the conference will return 12 sophomores or juniors next year, so the players are in place, they just need the coaching. Well, a couple of them need to be put out of their misery, but the rest need coaching.
Hope to see you next season,
tarvolon
Defender of the Realm, Watcher of the Seals, Other Titles That Aren't Real, Head Coach of Maryville College
9/25/2012 3:11 PM (edited)