More reaction to Montevallo, Flagler joining Peach Belt Conference, plus an analysis

As reported on Thursday, the Peach Belt Conference has accepted the University of Montevallo (Ala.), and Flagler College of St. Augustine, Fla. for membership in the current 11-school NCAA Division II conference, effective with the 2009-10 season. Here's some reaction from select local media outlets throughout D-II South Nation.

Flagler going to Peach Belt

St. Augustine (Fla.) Record (via staugustine.com)

Peach Belt Conference adds two new teams

Albany (Ga.) Herald

Flagler, Montevallo to join Peach Belt next season

Americus (Ga.) Times-Recorder

Peach Belt accepts Montevallo

Shelby County (Ala.) Reporter

Analysis: Adding both Montevallo and Flagler to the PBC mix makes good sense not only for both institutions, but for the league as a whole. The league's decision to admit both schools fits both the academic and athletic missions well--as it seeks to admit institutions that are neither too big nor too small in terms of enrollment.

Also, the fact the Gulf South Conference sponsors football--a sport that UM doesn't have--no doubt proved to be a factor in the Falcons decision to join the PBC. As for Flagler, the Florida-based school not only made history by becoming the first private school to join the league, it's also a welcome replacement for the departed University of North Florida, a former Peach Belt member that's still completing its transition to the NCAA Division I ranks, and the Atlantic Sun Conference.

In terms of what this expansion means for the PBC as a whole, it could turn out to be just the beginning, not the end, for the continued transformation of the 18-year old league, whose history dates back to 1991. In fact, don't be surprised if other current non-football members of the GSC; specifically Alabama-Huntsville and West Florida, decide to join Montevallo in the PBC down the road.

Perhaps the best part of this expansion might be that both institutions have already completed the transition process from the NAIA to the NCAA Division II ranks, and will immediately become eligible to compete for championships in what's becoming one of the toughest D-II conferences in the nation. As for disadvantages, the addition of two new schools will surely creates some scheduling headaches, not to mention travel issues, as Montevallo will become the first Alabama--as well as Central Time Zone--institution to compete in the PBC. Imagine what it would be like for teams at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke, for example, to make the long trip to Alabama for PBC contests. Or vice versa. Or even all the way to northern Florida, for that matter. It'll be interesting to see what happens in terms of scheduling both teams.