Could Florida A&M to the SWAC really happen? A group of consulants has recommended that FAMU consider a move to the SWAC to cut down on travel fees, according to Doug Blackburn.
Consultants urging #FAMU to initiate talks with SWAC to save 30 percent on travel costs as part of MEAC. @HBCUDigest @HBCUGameday– doug blackburn (@dblackburn) June 8, 2015
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This isn’t the first time a jump to the SWAC has been recommended. A study commissioned by former interim AD Michael Smith and released under former AD Kellen Winslow came up with similar recommendations last fall.
A quick Google Map gives a clue as to why travel would factor heavily into a decision to switch conferences. Below, a trip from FAMU’s campus to Delaware State, the northern-most team in the MEAC. It’s a 963-mile trip that takes approximately 14 hours via automobile.
To contrast, a trip to Prairie View A&M in Texas.
Here’s a flight comparison. Tallahassee to Philadelphia (to play DSU)
From Tallahassee to Houston (to play Prairie View or Texas Southern)
FAMU has been a MEAC member since 1979, and previously competed in the SIAC, but has never been a member of the SWAC.