If Florida State is Going to Do Something, It'll Be a Lacrosse Thing

There are two topics in college lacrosse circles that refuse to go away:

1. How is it possible that the editor of College Crosse can be so adorable?
2. Which schools will be next to add Division I programs?

We'll never know the answer to the first issue. I've had contact with science over the last few years and the response I always get is, "We have no clue. Also, you're very dreamy." It's just going to be one of those things, I suppose.

As for the second issue, there's always rumors out there relating to which programs will add to Division I's soon-to-be 63-school roll: Southern Methodist, Southern California, Texas, Virginia Tech, Colorado State, BYU, Oregon, ad nauseum. The discussions are all pretty abstract in function; rumblings and educated guesses are about as good as warming up your underwear in the microwave before going outside on a 15-degree day. That is, of course, until a few days ago:

The Florida State AD told an alumni group that if the Noles add more varsity sports, the first will two will be M&W lacrosse.

— Jac Coyne (@Jac_Coyne) August 22, 2012

Now, I want to make sure we're all on the same page with this bit of news: This does not mean that Florida State is going to be adding varsity lacrosse. In fact, I think adding additional varsity programs to Florida State's offerings is pretty far down on the school's agenda, falling behind:

• Demanding that the ACC do things about Florida State's membership share or whatever;
• Winking at the Big XII;
• Trying to run, within budget, the athletic programs that Florida State currently offers; and
• Football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football.

It is, however, a good sign that, if circumstances were to improve, Florida State would be committed to making men's varsity lacrosse a thing in Tallahassee. The Seminoles have been consistent players in the MCLA (and its prior incarnations) and, with the support of a large athletic department, has the potential to compete at the Division I level in a way that some other programs that have entered the cohort have failed. This is a good thing, even if it is still an abstract thing.

The implications of Florida State potentially rising to Division I go beyond a large state school finally putting men's larcrosse on the varsity roster. Rather, it has a few secondary implications:

• If Florida State goes Division I, is that the kick in the ass that Boston College, Clemson, or Virginia Tech needs to join in on the ACC's lacrosse fun? I mean, the addition of the Seminoles would move the ACC membership to six schools -- earning an automatic invitation for the league to the NCAA Tournament -- but the key for Florida State would to bring along some competitively similar friends so that they don't get whitewashed in the league on the starting gun.
• A potential move of Florida State to Division I could create a bit of a groundswell for southern lacrosse. Right now there's only two schools in the deep south that sponsor Division I men's lacrosse: Jacksonville and Mercer (and both were relatively recent additions to the level). The game is growing in that area of the country, and if Florida State drops the hammer and comes to play, will it push regional competitors to also make the move? (I see you, Georgia.)

This is a good thing, people. The game is on the radar of those that set the agenda. Things are going in the right direction.