Revamped C-USA has many positive qualities

[Harry]

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- As far as college sports goes, the NCAA's Division I was, for a time, enjoying an extended period of tranquility. Conference USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky remembers nearly six years of calm. No major shakeups. No shifting conference ties.

But when that peace stretches on, it's like a hurricane zone that hasn't seen a storm blow through in a long time. One of two thoughts runs through the minds of that region's residents - either "We'll never have to worry again," or "We're due."

Division I was due.

Starting at the turn of the decade, major college sports faced a maelstrom. Winds of change barreled through the conferences, picking up teams like Dorothy's home in "The Wizard of Oz" and dropping them into new surroundings. Conference USA was not immune.

"Back in the summer of 2011, you saw the dynamic above us in the system become unstable," Banowsky said. "When that happens, the presumption is there will be an effect downstream."

Banowsky presumed correctly. Over the next two years, Conference USA will transform, saying farewell to seven teams and welcoming nine others. With that transformation comes new opportunities in rivalries, revenues and recruiting. As some major markets leave the conference lineup, others slide into their place. The potential for the new lineup has conference members excited for the future.

But has Conference USA done enough to ensure itself a bright future in the volatile college sports landscape? Will the new additions make up for the assets lost? The conference remains focused on one word - potential - as it enters a new era. It's potential that excites C-USA members and staff and gives them hope that the conference will survive in college athletics' new world.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/201308010187