>      The story in the Philadelphia Inquirer said that Villanova's men's team
> was being reduced to club status next year.
>
>      Does anybody in those areas have any specific knowledge?
 
I'm currently working on a story involving, to some extent, Villanova hockey.
Moving to club status was announced a few years ago, in fact, and is part of
Villanova's attempt to come in compliance with Title IX.  They are badly out of
compliance right now.
 
I recently spoke to their coach, Nick Russo.  He'd love for 'Nova to be in that
new conference when it starts, but somehow must convince the powers that be to
keep hockey a varsity sport, and upgrade the program.  To me, it would take
relatively little time for Villanova to compete in D-I, if the administration
commits its support.
 
Russo is hoping to show them that they can fund a women's team, too, and still
have enough money, assuming plans to play in a new local rink work out.
 
I'd say the chances are below 50%, but maybe they can pull it off and remain a
varsity sport.
 
Adam Wodon - AC Productions
Host: "Around the Rinks" - The only National College Hockey talk show
Listen 24 hours/day, 7 days/week at:
http://www.audionet.com/sports/shows/rinks/
 
HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey;  send information to
[log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.