Dansen wrote:I could see Loyola and Valpo developing something. Close schools, both Christian, and at least to start it off Loyola is sending a couple buses to Valpo for the game Sunday full of students. A little back and forth on twitter between their fan section/AD and ours.
Seconded. Our previous conference ties dating back to when both schools were in the Horizon League help with that as well. The high volume of recent games breeds familiarity among the fanbases that could make a rivalry possible. We also both have strong academic reputations; and are the two newest members of the MVC both eager to prove ourselves to our new conference mates. When both teams are competitive and\or it's a TV game, this rivalry could burn white-hot.
Other candidates include (in order of likelihood):
Drake. Similar schools with strong academics, have ties stretching back awhile from our common membership in the Pioneer Football League.
Indiana State and Evansville. Both teams are among the most common opponents in Valpo's history. We also have previous conference ties and many alums of both schools live in the area. In fact, I work with multiple ISUb and UE alums. Being in the same state and vying for the same recruits also makes for fertile ground for a rivalry. Evansville's status as a private liberal arts school like Valpo could help as well.
Bradley (especially while Wardle remains coach) Wardle is not well-liked by most VU fans stemming from his days at Green Bay. We also recruit Illinois very heavily for students and athletes alike. Bradley being a fellow private school may also help. Older VU fans also remember a series of testy, contentious and hotly contested games between the two schools back in the late 70's and early 80's.
UNI\ Missouri State (especially Missouri State ) Previous conference ties similar basketball profile and tournament lore (especially in the case of UNI although I acknowledge that UNI's is superior). In the case of Missouri State, we have played several big games recently that our students and players really got up for. Maybe something can develop out of that familiarity. I also believe that Missouri State has a transfer coming in(Grant Gelon) from Crown Point, Indiana a town about 30-45 minutes from Valparaiso. I'm not sure how interested Valpo was when Gelon transferred but his status as a local kid should add some intrigue to the matchups between the schools over the next few years.
Illinois State: Very little recent history between the schools, but recruiting battles (Peters Bruninga) and Valpo's pursuit of greater branding, influence and name recognition throughout the midwest, including Illinois, could bring about a rivalry.