Dear Dr. Mueh,

While I’m not a conspiracy theorist, or a believer in time travel I know that you have the ability to hop into your college athletic way-back machine and travel to a simpler time in a galaxy that’s not so far away.

You might remember the time I’m referring to: The days when Ben Martin’s win-loss record didn’t matter as much as the integrity of the Cadets he coached: The pre-BCS days where a 12-1 Falcon team could finish fifth in the nation regardless of what their conference affiliation was: Or the times when wide receiver was a term that was still relevant in the Falcons offense when Ernie Jensen was an All-American in back-to-back seasons to close the 1960’s and bring in the 1970’s.

Unfortunately, Dr. Mueh, you and I no more have the ability to bring back those simpler times than the man in the moon does, so I’m writing this letter to remind you of what is important, and how people look at our beloved service academies, including yours.

Article II of the United States Military Code of Conduct states that, “If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.”

Good Sir, I’m not going to pull a Kellen Winslow Jr. rant on you and compare the conference alignment carousel to a state of warfare. After all, no matter where schools end up when all is said and done, there will be no actual carnage or bloodshed, but Article II certainly does apply to your situation.

You see, as the Big 12 and Big East start seeking out your fine institution as a suitable replacement to aid them in their pursuit of the all-mighty dollar, you are now in command of where the Mountain West Conference ends up; this is the same conference that you have helped shape and nurture over the past half-decade. Don’t get me wrong, should you find yourself in a position where resistance is futile, then by all means, it’s every man for himself. But that is not the position the MWC finds itself in at this moment.

Despite the departures of TCU, BYU and Utah, your conference still teeters on the brink of BCS qualification, and there is a possibility that standing by your conference mates, instead of joining the cash grab at this pivotal moment could put you over the finish line, if not on the merits of your conference, then by default. To leave the conference now instead of finishing the good fight would go directly against Article II, as the members of your command still have the means to resist. As a retired brigadier general, you should understand this better than most.

Come to think of it, staying put would do nothing to hurt what you already have. You would get to keep your Commander In Chief series with Army and Navy. Your fans could still make a simple drive up I-25 to see road games against three key rivals and you could keep the fluidity of having all of your sports in one conference. Besides, no increases in money will change the type of athlete you get, unless you are willing to budge on what kind of character and work ethic a future cadet should demonstrate.

This brings me to my next point. Part of the cadet honor code states that a cadet will not, “lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.” Have you not seen over the past months the amount of lying, political posturing, and stealing these conferences have engaged in through this process? Back door deals, threats of litigation against fellow conference mates, and destroying the stability of others for personal gain doesn’t sound like the Air Force way to me! In self-defense is one thing, but as a general practice this is unacceptable.

Sir, I would argue for the first time in a long time, the balance of power may lie squarely on your institution. No offense to your Navy and Army brethren, but they are not part of a conference at current time. Rather, if you join the rat race for more money, not only will you destabilize the up-and-coming MWC, but you will set the worst possible example for your student athletes. By staying, you can send a message that the greed, corruption and BCS bullying ends with the honorable men and women of the US Air Force Academy and show that no amount of money will rip a band of conference brothers apart. Come to think of it, isn’t that what our military does-help the oppressed, bullied, and downtrodden? I know you have no guarantees of whether the other members of your conference will jump ship, but since when do we base the right thing to do on the possible unethical actions of others?

Your counterpart over in Annapolis believes that you have to jump on the wagon or you’ll be left behind. That may be so, but your institution is not in the same situation as his. Should the Big East collapse or face major reconstructive surgery, you are in a position to come out in a BCS stronghold without the need to poach unwilling partners, or merge with other conferences. Besides, as I mentioned earlier, that extra money is not necessary for the type of student athlete you recruit. Unless you are willing to accept students that don’t meet your academic and moral standards, extra cash won’t make a lick of difference in what kind of student athlete chooses a three-year military commitment.  And we know you have no intention of lowering your standards (at least not on the academic side). Sure everyone wants better facilities, but there is no pressing need as your Olympic sports are mediocre at best, and your loyal fans will show up either way to support their Falcons. Do you think that support would be more or less if you were bringing in teams from the Ohio Valley Conference or the Big Sky instead of your regional rivals?

There’s nothing wrong with wanting a lick of the brass ring, but in this day and age do you really want to sell your honor to just have your name included with the big boys? No offense, but a triple option team is never going to get a fair shake against Alabama, USC, Texas or Ohio State for a championship even if you do somehow go undefeated. But, if you stay put you may still be included in that group and not have to fly 1,200 miles for a road game.

Don’t worry about the money; it will come. You won’t be locked into your mediocre TV deal forever. NBC will be very interested in the MWC, as will others, and if the new contract is not to your liking, perhaps you move then.

The future is squarely on your shoulders; you have the ability to single-handedly save your conference and possibly strengthen it by prompting conference turncoats to come home.

The choice is yours; Dr., It’s not a difficult proposition.  All you have to do is stay still, and say no, and the MWC will live to fight another day.

It is my desire that you will take the road less traveled and choose to stand by your brothers, and fly off into the wild blue yonder that is a bright future for the MWC. But these days, maybe even your once pristine yonder is looking a little green.

Sincerely,

Rick Figurin
Pigskinpress.com
FWAA