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Mercyhurst and Gannon football teams will play a full PSAC schedule next year.

I think the move is a great idea for these two schools and the PSAC. First both Gannon and Mercyhurst get out of a confrence where they both got accustom to getting rolled on. I think the PSAC gains because both Gannon and Mercyhurst play decent football. I think it will be interesting if these two schools can be compete in the PSAC.

Any Comments?

Are Mercyhurst and Gannon public or private schools?

Private.

Then here's the problem. Because of the significant tuition difference in public and private schools, even when you consider the 30 or so TEAM scholarships that can be given out by the teams in the PSAC per year, the private schools may not get alot of the good players available simply because the players may not be able to afford to go to Mercyhurst or Gannon. State schools have a much lower tuition, room and board. This may give the state schools an advantage in recruiting and filling out their roster.

I agree El Moldo, these two private schools will have a real problem in sports that take large numbers like football and Track & Field. Those sports historically split up their 30'ish scholarships into a lot of halves and thirds and that won't cut it for a private school as the other paying half to 2/3 will be more than if they went to a state school and walked on.

These two should be okay in basketball where the numbers will be more workable for them. I don't see how Gannon and Mercyhurst will ever elevate to PSAC's strong status in D-II football.

You both hit the nail on the head. I am not sure about exact scholorship numbers, but i know its not many. I know when i was at Hurst more than 75% of us had some sort of acedemic. I do think that they will be able to hold there own in the PSAC. They won't be able to knock off CAL or IUP, but I think a first year goal should be .500 and i think they could make it.