Scotty Jenkins

There is just under one month until 86 nations join together for the opening
ceremonies of the XXIV Olympic Winter Games. And just like in years past,
athletes and sports fans across America are taking interest in some of the 
Winter Olympics sports [https://gmtm.com/articles/tag/winter-olympics] that go
overlooked.

Team USA is ready for the extra buzz, too.

Every four years, the speed skaters, biathletes, and bobsledders wearing red,
white, and blue become household names. And athletes who are watching the Winter
games from across all fifty states wonder how they would fare in some of these
sports.

And coaches from USA's Olympic teams are especially interested in how those
athletes would perform.

That's why the United States Olympic Committee is launching a virtual tryout
for
talent identification of future national team athletes
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/254/the-road-to-gold-usopc-winter-sport-talent-tryout]
. The event, called The Road To Gold, is open to everyone, regardless of whether
or not they have tried the sports before. and includes a number of activities
athletes can participate in to help them be discovered by national team coaches
and scouts.

Within one event, current high school and college athletes, as well as former
athletes, can submit videos and showcase their athleticism and personality for
Olympic teams. Regardless of experience, talent-transfer athletes will have a
chance to find a new path in an Olympic sport.

Talent-transfer athletes are those who trained and competed to play one sport
(like track and field or basketball), but are discovered and trained to compete
in a new sport they haven’t tried before (like luge or speed skating).

Jen Bryant, the Associate Director of Sport Performance for the United States
Olympic Committee, said that Talent-Transfer athletes are an essential part of
the talent identification process for national teams.

With limited exposure to bobsledding, skating, and skiing for a majority of
youth athletes across the country, identifying talents and abilities within
other sports is an essential part of the recruiting process for most teams.

In fact, the USOC has already discovered a number of talent-transfer athletes
through GMTM over the last two years. In the USA Bobsled and Skeleton Digital
Combine [https://gmtm.com/virtuals/4/usa-bobsled-and-skeleton-digital-combine] 
that the USOC launched in fall of 2020, hundreds of athletes submitted videos
hoping to be seen by USABS coaches. Only a small percentage of those athletes
had experience on a bobsled track, with most of them coming from other sports
like track & field, football, or softball. A handful of them have even been
named to the national team roster, despite only taking up the sport twelve
months ago.

Within the new virtual tryout, coaches from more winter sports will be able to
analyze video submissions and identify the intangibles that Olympic athletes
need.

"There is a major potential for talent transfer in Winter sports," Jen Bryant 
explained in an interview with GMTM last year
[https://gmtm.com/watch/streams/8-Rs3vlb3NU]. Bryant, who works with a number of
different USOC coaching staffs, said that the right type of athlete, despite
their background or experience, can make an impression faster than in other
major sports.

And with a completely free virtual Olympic tryout
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/254/the-road-to-gold-usopc-winter-sport-talent-tryout] 
that athletes can submit to from home, school, or their local gym, that talent
discovery can happen faster than ever.

"The use of a virtual platform has been super powerful," explained Bryant about
the new event on GMTM, "allowing athletes from everywhere to be seen by Team USA
almost immediately." Bryant continued saying that the virtual tryout will
certainly lead to all types of athletes - of all ages - being discovered by
national team coaches just like the USABS combine a year ago.

For those that have the dream of competing for their country on the biggest
stage, more details on the upcoming Virtual Tryout will be shared by GMTM and
the USOC in the coming weeks.

USOPC Launches The Road To Gold, Virtual Tryout For Winter Olympic Sports

Logan Furey

This is a common question among high school students who are looking to better
understand their chances of making it at the next level. There are a variety of
resources available to assess the chances of advancing to the next level and, no
matter how you slice it, it is difficult. Let's take a look at the overall
numbers for both men and women, then we will dive into a few sports
specifically, and round it out with tips to increase your chances.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Percentage of Athletes Play in College?
The answer
[https://scholarshipstats.com/varsityodds#:~:text=Overall%20a%20little%20over%207,at%20NCAA%20Division%20I%20schools.] 
to this question is rather straightforward for both men and women, as just over
7 percent of athletes play sports in college. When considering the difference
between playing Division 1, that number moves to 1.8 percent for both men and
women. In other words, 1 out of every 13 high school athletes will play at the
next level, while only 1 out of every 57 (55 for women) will play at the
Division 1 level.

Let's take a look at a few different sports in particular to determine the
likelihood of making it to the next level. Most sports have an equivalent for
both men and women, with the one notable exception being football. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Percentage of High School Athletes Play College Football?
Good news for the football players, as the odds of getting to the next level as
a football player are slightly more favorable than the general athlete. In
football, 9 percent of high school athletes will play at the next level, with
2.8 percentof them playing at the Division 1 level. 

This breaks down to 1 out of every 11 players making it to the next level, with
1 out of every 36 getting to the Division 1 level.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Percentage of High School Athletes Play College Basketball?
When we get to basketball
[https://scholarshipstats.com/varsityodds#:~:text=Overall%20a%20little%20over%207,at%20NCAA%20Division%20I%20schools.]
, the odds get a bit longer for playing at the collegiate level. For men, 5.7
percent (17:1) of high school athletes play at the next level with only 0.9
percent (116:1) playing in Division 1. With women, the odds look a bit better as
6.5 percent (15:1) play in college with 1.1 percent (91:1) playing at the
Division 1 level. 

Why is this? 

There are multiple reasons at play here, one of which being smaller rosters for
basketball teams compared to those of football. Another factor impacting these
numbers is the global presence of basketball. Basketball is one of the biggest
sports worldwide, with the NBA being the pinnacle of competition on the globe.

As a result of this, there are more and more international athletes coming to
the USA to play in the NCAA in hopes of playing professionally in the NBA or a
league overseas. This same effect occurs in other global sports such as soccer
and tennis.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Sports Have the Best Chance of Playing in College?
Lacrosse
[https://scholarshipstats.com/varsityodds#:~:text=Overall%20a%20little%20over%207,at%20NCAA%20Division%20I%20schools.] 
is the one sport that is among the easiest for both men and women. For men, you
have a 1 in 7 chance to play in college and a 1 in 36 chance to play Division 1.
This holds similarly with women, as 1 in 8 will play in college and 1 in 29 will
play Division 1.

However, the sport that offers the best chance of playing at the next level for
women is ice hockey
[https://scholarshipstats.com/varsityodds#:~:text=Overall%20a%20little%20over%207,at%20NCAA%20Division%20I%20schools.]
, as 1 in 6 of high school women's hockey players will play in college with 1 in
24 playing Division 1.

Lacrosse may offer the best chance for men, but baseball
[https://scholarshipstats.com/varsityodds#:~:text=Overall%20a%20little%20over%207,at%20NCAA%20Division%20I%20schools.] 
is not far behind as 1 in 8 high school baseball players will play in college
but 1 in 47 will play Division 1. One big reason for these numbers for all of
these sports again comes down to larger rosters, offering more opportunities for
athletes to get to that next level.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How Can I Maximize My Chances?
If you are a high school athlete looking to make it to the next level, these
numbers may seem bleak. There are a lot of factors that are out of your control
in determining whether or not you will make it to the next level, but there are
certainly things that you can do which will maximize your chances. 

First things first, crush it in the classroom. Not only do certain schools
maintain higher requirements for academic eligibility, this will also
demonstrate to coaches that you possess time management skills as well as the
work ethic necessary to succeed. If given the choice between two players of
equal talent, coaches will always elect to go with the player who has proven to
be as elite off the field as they are on it. Demonstrating an ability to excel
in school at the high school level is predictive of scholarly success at the
collegiate level as well. Plus, even if this does not lead to more offers to
play at the collegiate level, it will still open much more doors for you in
college.

Another tip for aspiring collegiate athletes is to avoid specialization in a
certain sport. As we illustrated above, it is difficult to make it to the next
level in each of the individual sports. Not only does playing multiple sports
open up more opportunities at the next level, each sport will add more to your
tool box as an overall athlete. Footwork, hand-eye coordination, and athleticism
are prerequisites for success in just about every single sport, so honing your
craft in one will make you better in the other as well. There is a reason that
there are so many stories of professional athletes who had opportunities to go
pro in another sport than what they chose. 

Lastly, compete and showcase your abilities as often as you can. Whether this
means going to compete in showcase events or posting highlights to social media
and online forums, the more exposure that you can get for yourself the better.
In this current world of social distancing, recruiting has largely gone digital.
Taking advantage of the resources and competitions available on GMTM.com will
get your name and game in front of the right people at the next level, thus
increasing your chances of getting an opportunity. Be an active and engaged part
of your recruitment process and make sure that you do not leave anything on the
field.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Logan Furey [https://gmtm.com/articles/author/logan-furey] is a contributing
writer to GMTM and a long-suffering DC sports fan. He has never experienced joy
as a football fan like he did during RG3's rookie year and is still chasing that
feeling 8 years later.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Percentage of High School Athletes Play Sports in College?

Andrew Pistone

There are arguably few more satisfying feelings in the world of sports than
going out on your own terms, and University of Michigan men’s gymnastics coach
Kurt Golder is doing just that. After 25 storied years with the Wolverines,
leader of the program decided to call it a career.

> THANK YOU!!!

Thank you head coach Kurt Golder, and congratulations on your retirement!

2️⃣5️⃣ Years
4️⃣ NCAA titles
⃣6️⃣ B1G Titles
5️⃣ Time B1G Coach of the Year
1️⃣3️⃣7️⃣ NCAA All-Americans
1️⃣7️⃣ NCAA Indiv. Champions 
4️⃣0️⃣ B1G Indiv. Champions

1️⃣ Lasting Legacy.#GoBlue
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBlue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]〽 
pic.twitter.com/1Jd9cPdHkn [https://t.co/1Jd9cPdHkn]

— Michigan Gymnastics 🏆 (@UMichGym) November 29, 2021
[https://twitter.com/UMichGym/status/1465436876555259906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
His resume with the maize and blue is highly decorated. The team won four NCAA
titles under his watch, in 1999, 2010, 2013 and 2014. Golder was sent off with a
Big Ten championship in his final season at the helm.

> “They met most of my expectations and I was very, very happy and proud of all of
them,” Golder said. “It was a very challenging year, but we got through it.
You’ve got to roll with the punches and stay optimistic and our team did a great
job all season.” Via TheAlpenanews.com
[https://www.thealpenanews.com/news/local-news/2021/06/michigan-gymnastics-coach-alpena-alum-kurt-golder-reflects-on-2021-season/]
> Kurt Golder of @UMichGym [https://twitter.com/UMichGym?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] is
the 2020 #B1GMGym
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/B1GMGym?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] Coach of the
Year pic.twitter.com/GHrKqMRRJ8 [https://t.co/GHrKqMRRJ8]

— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) May 14, 2020
[https://twitter.com/bigten/status/1260949489671536643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
What makes Golder’s success with the program even more special is that he grew
up in Michigan. He attended Alpena high school in the early 1970’s, which is
where his love of gymnastics was born. He was
[https://www.thealpenanews.com/news/local-news/2021/06/former-alpena-gymnast-has-built-powerhouse-as-michigan-coach/]
an all-star gymnast with the Wildcats in his final three years in high school.
Golder gives a lot of credit to the gymnastics coach there at the time, Jack
Discher, for keeping him on the straight and narrow.

> “He gave me an opportunity,” Golder said while recalling Discher’s impact. “I
got into some trouble, and I think Jack saw the potential in me. I think he took
some grief from the coaches, but he gave me a second chance.” Via AlpenaNews.com
[https://www.thealpenanews.com/news/local-news/2021/06/former-alpena-gymnast-has-built-powerhouse-as-michigan-coach/]
Golder would go on to attend the University of Michigan, and make his mark as an
athlete before going on to coach the Wolverines. He remembers setting foot on
the campus in his high school days, not initially thinking he would join the
program as a collegiate.

> “We sat up in the nosebleed section(to watch UM compete in the NCAA men’s
gymnastics championships),” he said. “I remember I didn’t have a real loyalty to
any school back then.” Via USAgym.org
[https://www.usagym.org/pages/post.html?PostID=15337]
While Golder has had a lot of success in his coaching career, he didn’t exactly
inherit a powerhouse program. Before he took over the program, the Wolverines
struggled mightily, including an 0-16 campaign in 1996 as the low water mark for
the school. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but Golder was determined to
turn the team around.

> “I worked my finger to the bone. We started at 6 a.m. and the earliest I came
home was 11p.m. We outworked everybody,” Golder recollected. Via Alpenanews.com
[https://www.thealpenanews.com/news/local-news/2021/06/former-alpena-gymnast-has-built-powerhouse-as-michigan-coach/]
It will be very difficult for Michigan to fill his shoes, but Yuan Xiao has been 
tabbed
[https://mgoblue.com/news/2021/11/29/mens-gymnastics-golder-retires-after-guiding-michigan-to-four-ncaa-titles-six-big-ten-crowns.aspx]
as the interim head coach. He is experienced though, having been with the
Wolverines and Golder for the last 17 years.

Men's Gymnastics: Legendary Coach Kurt Golder Retires from Michigan

Myriam Glez

You may have decided to end your career at the top of your game. Maybe your body
started to break down and you had to retire. Or, perhaps it just happened to you
and you didn’t have a choice: another competitor was better and you didn’t make
the cut, or you suffered a career-ending injury.

Voluntarily or not, planned or not, whatever the reason, you got to the end of
your sporting career. We all do. That’s it. Now what?

We have all asked ourselves this question at one point in life, and it can be
very daunting. The good news is that there is a life after sports, and it can be
as good and fulfilling as you want it to be. But this life doesn’t happen
overnight and it requires some work and commitment—just like in sports. You
cannot become an expert in another field without time, dedication and hard work.

It is important that you take the time to deal with your transition in order to
move forward with  your life. And if you don’t do so and leave some things
unfinished or un-dealt with, it will resurface later in life.

We have seen many athletes who didn’t take the time or wanted to break away
completely from sports once it was over. But down the road, life events made
these feelings resurface and all of a sudden they realize it was holding them
back.

For example, if you retired because you being outperformed by your competitors,
you may deal with low self-esteem and confidence years after your career is
over. Or if you didn’t take the time to process your change of identity and to
explore what you wanted to do, you may end up having to make a new career change
five years after retirement.

Transitioning from sports is a multifaceted process and isn’t simply just
getting a new job. You are a human being with complex emotions. Embarking on a
new career doesn’t eliminate the psychological and physical changes you may
experience throughout the transition.

Reading and learning about the transition before retiring can help better
prepare for it. There is a lot of literature and materials available about
athletic retirement as well as the process of change. You can find some
information on the Athletes Soul website and/or on the website of your
university, sport federation or league, etc. Discussing with former athletes who
have already transitioned, reading testimonials or listening to podcasts can
provide some interesting perspectives as well.

We also recommend you seek assistance from a professional who can serve as you
neutral advisor, helping you set reasonable expectations, not rushing through
the process and giving you perspective on your situation. Taking the time to try
new things and enjoy new activities are also key elements to a smooth and
successful transition.

Tips for a smooth transition
Every athlete’s situation is different. Your transition from sport will be
unique and will depend on multiple factors:

How did your transition come about? Was is voluntary or not? Did you achieve
your goal in sports? Are you satisfied with your career? Did you prepare for the
transition? Did you pursue an academic career? Do you have a support network and
assistance from friends and family? What is your financial situation? How did
you associate with your sport? Was your whole identity linked to your sporting
career?

Ideally you want to prepare for your transition well before your retirement.
Psychologists agree that it should be a lifelong project initiated in childhood.
But if you have not been able to prepare, all is not lost. With the help of
professional coaches, sport psychologists, nutritionists, personal trainers,
friends and family, you can make a smooth transition.

In addition, here are some tips from Athletes Soul to help you during your
transition.

What to consider before retiring from sports: 
 * Throughout your childhood and athletic career, develop interests and networks
   outside of sports and build a well-rounded community. Understand that your
   identity is not what you do, but the qualities and values you develop from
   these experiences that make you who you are.
 * A few years before retiring, invest more time in your preparation: explore
   interests outside of sports, grow your social network, participate in various
   events, find some internships or mingle with sponsors. How can you channel
   your skills as an athlete to new ventures? Also consider what drives and
   inspires you. Working with a team? Seeing results? Competition to get to the
   next level? Consider what may be a good fit for you moving forward.
 * Learn and familiarize yourself with the process of transition and ensure that
   your close friends and family also understand and know what to expect.
 * Continue your academic education so you have something to support you when
   you retire. Consider taking a job during your sporting career even if it is
   just during the off-season or in between seasons. Start saving money now to
   have time to figure things out when you finally decide to retire.

Things to think about after retirement from sports:
 * Be ready for the transition to take time and accept the need to grieve your
   former life. It is ok to be sad and sometimes depressed. Be patient and
   accepting through this journey.
 * Consider a deceleration plan especially in the areas of nutrition, exercise
   and sleep and establish good health habits straight away (for example,
   setting up a daily routine).
 * Create your own support group of people you feel comfortable speaking to and
   asking for help if needed: family, friends, mentors, former teammates or
   coaches.
 * Initiate work to explore and redefine your new role. Do not skip this, as
   finding purpose and aligning your future projects with your core values is
   the foundation to your next chapter of life.
 * Throughout the transition, consider working with professionals who can guide
   you: life coaches, psychologists, nutritionists, personal trainers, etc.
 * Don’t forget to explore techniques and practices to support your mental
   health, well-being and spirituality such as relaxation, breathing exercises,
   meditation, writing a journal, going in nature, communion, etc.

Stepping Off The Field: How To Handle Retirement From Sports & Competition

Bryan Armetta

A surprisingly obvious truth about March Madness, the most chaotic tournament in
all of sports: #1 seeds win quite often.

17 of the past 25 national champions sat at the top of their regional bracket.
That means regular season dominance is usually a stronger sign of postseason
success than who is "hot". Take Baylor for example; last March, it was fair to
wonder if poor play after a teamwide covid outbreak spelled trouble for the
Bears. A month later, and the 

Over eleven weeks into the 2021-22 season, we've already seen four different
teams (should have been five
[https://brobible.com/sports/article/auburn-basketball-fans-react-newell-ap-poll/]
) sit at the top of the AP Poll. For voters and fans, finding an elite group
that separates itself from the pack has been quite the challenge. 

By the time March rolls around, contenders will be crowned and pretenders will
falter, but figuring out the four best teams in the nation is guaranteed to be a
challenge.

South Region #1: Auburn

Midwest Region #1: Baylor

West Region #1: Gonzaga

East Region #1: Villanova

Men's College Basketball: Predicting March Madness's Top Seeds

Jamison White

Now that the NCAA has taken the step to allow players to earn money off their
image and likeness, it also extends down to both division II and III athletes.
Some may think that for it to be profitable you have to be the quarterback at a
school like Alabama
[https://gmtm.com/articles/5-college-football-stars-who-could-have-benefitted-from-nil] 
or a basketball star at Duke
[https://gmtm.com/articles/basketball-player-goes-from-division-ii-to-the-nba].

However, for small schools in small towns it can be an exciting opportunity for
athletes as well.

Between 2007 and 2014 Wisconsin-Whitewater won six division III football
championships. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a school that sits in a

town of just under 15,000 people
[https://gmtm.com/articles/best-division-iii-football-conferences-2020]. For a
school that has a built a program with a legendary school and immense success
[https://gmtm.com/articles/what-division-iii-schools-have-the-most-football-titles]
, the opportunities for players on that team can be exciting.

The players can take advantage of local advertisement in which they can make a
big impact in a small town. Part of playing at lower college levels is the fact
that you generally play in smaller markets but afford players to be a big fish
in a small pond.

READ THIS: Whittier College Becomes First Division-III Program To Sign NIL Deal
[/name-image-likeness-in-division-ii-iii-college-sports/Whittier%20College%20Becomes%20First%20Division-III%20Program%20To%20Sign%20NIL%20Deal]

This is arguably one of the best parts of college football. Being in the bubble
of the school that everyone around loves. It is time to see this as an
opportunity
[https://gmtm.com/articles/five-reasons-why-division-iii-is-a-great-option],
even though it may be smaller. Though they may not be making the thousands of
dollars that numerous corporate sponsors have given out to mainstay athletes,
but it is still some money and exposure.

This can also be helpful for the successful programs as they try and get
recruits to come to their school. If a school can show that their top players
get notoriety
[https://gmtm.com/articles/former-division-iii-st-thomas-tommies-move-to-division-i]

or financial opportunities in the town they would be living in for the next
four
years it can be a big driver to get players to come to their school.

READ THIS: Every College Football Program Talking To Athletes On GMTM
[https://gmtm.com/articles/every-college-football-program-talking-to-athletes-on-gmtm]

The biggest difference may be talent that may be deciding between playing at a
lower level or being on the bottom part of a division I roster.

The move to the NIL era can be good for both the level of play and competition
at the lower levels as well as the players.




[https://www.gmtm.com/sign-up/]

Name, Image, Likeness Benefits In Division II and III College Sports

US Speedskating is offering short-track skaters a completely new way to interact
and participate in the sport.

Within a new virtual talent search
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/207/us-speedskating-short-track-challenge] called the
Short-Track Challenge, US Speedskating
[https://www.teamusa.org/us-speedskating/] is inviting every skater from across
the country - regardless of experience - to record and upload videos of a simple
Short-Track workout. The event will help coaches see and interact with every
skater who participates in the live virtual event, making talent identification
easier for the coaches and being discovered more realistic than ever for the
athletes.

A major goal of the Short Track Challenge - besides discovering possible
Olympians - is to give speed skaters of all ages a chance to compete with other
skaters in their divisions and discover new opportunities in the sport. With
seven events for different age groups, athletes new to the sport or competing in
retirement can upload videos and become a part of Team USA's network.

> 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇 https://t.co/Mz063fpgJw

— GMTM - Athlete Social Network (@GMTMSports) December 8, 2021
[https://twitter.com/GMTMSports/status/1468668564529946630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
The Short Track Challenge is one of two ways that USA Speedskating
[https://gmtm.com/organizations/247338/usa-speedskating] coaches are using
virtual events to discover new athletes from across the country. The other
option, the US Speedskating Challenge
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/66/us-speedskating-challenge], offers the most
accessible way for short-track and long-track skaters to be seen by their
Olympic team. Both events are free and can be submitted to from anywhere so
there is no payment or travel necessary to participate.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How To Participate In The Short Track Challenge?
The seven different challenges are created for each of the different divisions
created by US Short Track Speed Skating. The divisions are organized by
different age groups, so check below to see which Challenge to participate in:

 * Skaters ages 7 -10, head to the Junior E Short Track Challenge
   [https://gmtm.com/virtuals/207/us-speedskating-short-track-challenge/tasks/1011/jr-e-short-track-challenge]
   .
 * Skaters ages 11 -12, head to the Junior D Short Track Challenge
   [https://gmtm.com/virtuals/207/us-speedskating-short-track-challenge/tasks/1012/jr-d-short-track-challenge]
   .
 * Skaters ages 13 - 14, head to the Junior C Short Track Challenge
   [https://gmtm.com/virtuals/207/us-speedskating-short-track-challenge/tasks/1016/jr-c-short-track-challenge]
   .
 * Skaters ages 15 - 16, head to the Jr B Short Track Challenge
   [https://gmtm.com/virtuals/207/us-speedskating-short-track-challenge/tasks/1017/jr-b-short-track-challenge]
   .
 * Skaters ages 17 years, head to the Junior A Short Track Challenge
   [https://gmtm.com/virtuals/207/us-speedskating-short-track-challenge/tasks/1018/jr-a-short-track-challenge]
   .
 * For older adult skaters, head to the Senior Short Track Challenge
   [https://gmtm.com/virtuals/207/us-speedskating-short-track-challenge/tasks/1019/senior-short-track-challenge] 
    or Masters Short Track Challenge
   [https://gmtm.com/virtuals/207/us-speedskating-short-track-challenge/tasks/1020/masters-short-track-challenge]
   .

For more information on which division you fit into, read:

Each of these challenges feature the same three requirements that you can
complete and record at your local rink. Only the distances are different between
the different divisions, so you can participate together with friends or family
and upload each of your time trials to the corresponding challenge.

The first activity in each Challenge is timed lap from a Standing Start on an
85m track for the Junior E division and an 111m track for the Junior D division
up to the Masters and Senior divisions.

 * From the second you start, time your lap to the nearest hundredth of a second
   and submit it in the space available.

The second activity in each Challenge is a timed lap with a Flying Start on a
111m track.

 * As soon as you cross the start line, time your lap to the nearest hundredth
   of a second and submit it in the space available.

After you submit your videos for the Standing Start and Flying Start laps, head
off the ice and remove your skates to perform the last two activities. The first
is a Standing Long Jump to show Team USA coaches how explosive you can be. To
perform the Standing Long Jump, find a starting line on a flat surface and then:

 * Stand with feet flat on the floor and shoulder width apart and your toes
   behind the starting line.
 * Jump forward as far as you can and land using both feet.
 * Remain at the landing spot until a measurement can be taken by a parent,
   coach, or teammate. Measurements should be taken - in inches - from the
   starting line to the back of the athlete's heels at the landing spot.
 * Submit your results to the Challenge in the space provided. Two to three
   attempts at the Standing Lung Jump should be made to get the best possible
   result.

After you perform the Standing Long Jump, the last activity to record is a Floor
Plank - to showcase an athlete's core strength and endurance. To complete the
floor plank, find a flat surface and then:

 * Lay flat on the floor, then rise off the ground - with your back supported by
   the elbows and forearms and legs supported by the toes.
 * Hold yourself up in a straight and level line from the head to the heels with
   the head facing down.
 * Have a parent or teammate start a stopwatch as soon as you you get into
   position. Hold the plank for as long as you can and stop the timer when the
   position is no longer held.
 * Submit your time in seconds in the Challenge.

After an athlete participates in these activities, their video uploads and
questionnaire answers will be visible for USA Short track coaches to review and
evaluate. Athletes who stand out to the coaches could be contacted to try out
for the team in person. From there, the athlete could begin training for
international competitions representing Team USA.

To participate in the US Speedskating Short Track Challenge for yourself or to
share it with someone who would be interested, you can access their event HERE
[https://gmtm.com/organizations/247338/usa-speedskating].

US Speedskating Hosts Virtual Short Track Challenge For Skaters Of All Ages

Everywhere sports fans turn, it seems like more teams are being allowed to
compete for titles. The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament will now feature 68
teams, to match the expanded field the men have had for a decade. The NFL, MLB
and NBA have all added additional playoff teams to their respective postseasons,
giving more cities hope that they could be on top when all is said and done.
Consistent with the trend, it is looking like NCAA beach volleyball and ice
hockey will soon be following suit.

The Division I Competition Oversight Committee is in favor
[https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/general-di-committee-supports-16-team-beach-volleyball-championship-bracket-in-2022] 
of increasing the beach volleyball championship bracket to a total of 16 teams,
effective in 2022. This is a pretty sizable increase, considering that the first
four years of beach volleyball championship tournaments have only featured eight
teams. It’s a relative young sport in terms of NCAA longevity, but this
supported expansion speaks to the level of interest and promise it shows in the
United States.

> The A-Team is Golden! 🥇

Congratulations to @uscwomensvolley
[https://twitter.com/uscwomensvolley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] alum @AprilRossBeach
[https://twitter.com/AprilRossBeach?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] and @StanfordWVB
[https://twitter.com/StanfordWVB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] alum @alixklineman
[https://twitter.com/alixklineman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] on becoming the 
#Tokyo2020 [https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] 
Olympic Champions in #BeachVolleyball
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeachVolleyball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]!
#OlympiansMadeHere
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiansMadeHere?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] 
#NCAAVB [https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCAAVB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] 
pic.twitter.com/ftUA9dp2ka [https://t.co/ftUA9dp2ka]

— NCAA Women's Volleyball (@NCAAVolleyball) August 6, 2021
[https://twitter.com/NCAAVolleyball/status/1423654525131440130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
Similarly, the committee is also in favor
[https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/general-womens-ice-hockey-expanded-bracket-format-supported-by-di-competition-oversight-committee] 
of an 11 team bracket for the Women’s Ice Hockey Championship, also effective in
2022. Ice hockey has also featured an eight team playoff historically. We
usually don’t see sports opt for an odd number of playoff teams, but ice
hockey’s playoff would be reconfigured to support the proposed new total. The
top five seeds would receive byes in the first round, leaving the bottom six
qualifiers to play for their playoff lives in round one.

> 🚨 Latest women's Power 10 🚨

- @GoNUwhockey [https://twitter.com/GoNUwhockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] moved into
the top 3
- @ColgateWIH [https://twitter.com/ColgateWIH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] rose a bunch
after winning a guitar 🎸
- @ClarksonWHockey [https://twitter.com/ClarksonWHockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] 
improves its rank after great weekend 

Here's @EvanMarinofsky [https://twitter.com/EvanMarinofsky?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
's latest women's college hockey rankings: https://t.co/OTBmBMioyt

— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) November 29, 2021
[https://twitter.com/NCAAIceHockey/status/1465407060598792213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
While changes to both sports’ playoff formats have not yet been officially
approved, the committee’s support makes it close to a certainty that both will
pass. The Division I Council will vote on the expansion for both sports on
December 15th. The beach volleyball championships are actually open to teams
from Divisions I, II and III, given that it is still a relatively new NCAA
offering.

Beach Volleyball and Ice Hockey Championship Bracket Updates

The news of Caleb Williams' transfer
[https://247sports.com/Article/Caleb-Williams-transfer-Oklahoma-QB-officially-enters-portal-scholarship-not-canceled-by-Brent-Venables-179909769/] 
from Oklahoma came as a shock for many OU supporters and college football fans
alike. However, it shouldn't have come as too much of a surprise. Following
Lincoln Riley's unexpected departure for USC, the Sooners' future has arguably
never been more uncertain. A coaching staff overhaul, talented players such as
Williams entering the transfer portal, and an impending move to the most
difficult conference in all of football make this a pivotal offseason for
Oklahoma.

> Statement from Joe Castiglione and Brent Venables on today’s announcement by
Caleb Williams: pic.twitter.com/qGHlDqIDp2 [https://t.co/qGHlDqIDp2]

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) January 3, 2022
[https://twitter.com/OU_Football/status/1478112291765702656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
Lincoln Riley Leaves For Southern California
Although he never won a National Championship during his time in Norman, few
coaches across the nation were more respected than Lincoln Riley. The 38-year
old Lubbock, Texas native went a stellar 55-10 over five seasons as head coach.
During those years, Riley took the Sooners to the College Football Playoff three
times, developed two Heisman-winning quarterbacks, and won four Big XII
conference championships. 

Such a high level of success explains why fans and analysts alike were so
shocked when Riley bolted for Southern California. The Trojans, having been
largely irrelevant in recent years, didn't strike anyone as a threat to poach
Oklahoma's star coach. However, Riley claimed that the opportunity to revive a
historic program was simply "too good to pass up,"
[https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/football/lincoln-riley-on-gameday-leaving-oklahoma-was-hard-but-usc-was-too-good-to-pass-up] 
on top of the school's lucrative resources and the many talented recruits
residing in California.

> Lincoln Riley says it was hard leaving Oklahoma, but it was the right thing for
him and his family.

“It was just the right place at the right time. … This was just too good to pass
up.” pic.twitter.com/fR398Nq2dd [https://t.co/fR398Nq2dd]

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) January 1, 2022
[https://twitter.com/CollegeGameDay/status/1477325192623902720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
The immediate aftermath of Riley's decision is still being seen. Quarterbacks
Spencer Rattler and Caleb Williams have entered the transfer portal this
offseason, with the former already committing to playing at South Carolina next
year
[https://southcarolina.rivals.com/news/why-spencer-rattler-chose-south-carolina]
. There is the chance Williams returns, but it seems unlikely after Oklahoma's
move to snag Dillon Gabriel from UCF
[https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32988144/ex-ucf-qb-dillon-gabriel-reverses-course-ucla-transfer-oklahoma-football-program]
. Gabriel, a three-year starter for the Knights, has plenty of talent, but is
unquestionably a downgrade from Williams, who played at a Heisman-quality level
[https://tulsaworld.com/sports/college/ou/is-caleb-williams-a-heisman-trophy-candidate-odds-are-trending-that-direction/article_c0f2f806-304d-11ec-8ac8-3775e76b5629.html]
once he took over the starting job from Rattler midseason. Other offensive
difference-makers such as freshman wide receiver Mario Williams have entered the
portal as well.

Brent Venables Returns As Head Coach At Oklahoma

Riley's fit with USC might have been great for Trojans fans, but the Sooners
were understandably left in shambles. Luckily, they found a worthy replacement
in Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables. Venables, who had coached at
Oklahoma prior to taking the DC job at Clemson in 2012, has long been seen as
one of the nation's most respected assistant coaches. Seemingly every year his
name has popped up in coaching carousel rumors, but the 51-year old wisely
waited for a high-profile job to open up before leaving Dabo Swinney's staff. 

> .@CoachVenables [https://twitter.com/CoachVenables?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] 🗣

The 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙚𝙧𝙖 coming 🔜#OUDNA
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/OUDNA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
pic.twitter.com/UYdYJ2Ulw2 [https://t.co/UYdYJ2Ulw2]

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) December 30, 2021
[https://twitter.com/OU_Football/status/1476436396726534146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
Even though the Venables hire was a smart one, it doesn't change many of the
problems currently facing Oklahoma. Riley was an offensive recruiting guru,
capable of building up quarterbacks and creating an NFL pipeline that was
appealing to high school QB's. With Venables replacing him, one might expect the
focus on the recruiting trail to shift towards defensive players. Long-term,
this might serve the program well as they transition into the hard-hitting,
defense-first SEC in 2025. However, in the current, a depleted offensive roster
doesn't bode well for Oklahoma, with rising powers such as Oklahoma State and
Baylor looking like preseason conference favorites. If the Sooners limp into SEC
play, it may not bode well for their ability to nab star recruits, with more
appealing in-conference options lurking. 

What's Next?

Despite the legitimate concern over Oklahoma's current direction, there is
plenty to be optimistic about. The university has always managed to balance team
success with training NFL-ready players
[https://www.ourlads.com/ncaa-football-depth-charts/active-nfl-players-by-college/oklahoma/91556]
, a reputation won't disappear without Riley. Venables brings instant
credibility, years of experience, and a strong defensive mind with connections
to OU legend Bob Stoops. With a dedicated fanbase, top-tier athletic facilities
[https://soonerswire.usatoday.com/2021/03/02/oklahoma-sooners-football-barry-switzer-center-top-10-facilities/]
, and the nation's 10th-best recruiting class
[https://247sports.com/Season/2022-Football/CompositeTeamRankings/], there is
plenty of potential here.

The downside is that, at least in the next year, it wouldn't be surprising to
see Oklahoma suffer a slight drop-off from the success of years past. Without a
star quarterback in town, maintaining elite offensive production in the
high-scoring Big XII could become a challenge. New offensive coordinator Jeff
Lebby
[https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/football/oklahoma-officially-announces-offensive-and-defensive-coordinators#:~:text=The%20Sooners%20will%20have%20Jeff,on%20Brent%20Venables'%20inaugural%20staff.&text=Make%20it%20official%2C%20Oklahoma's%20offensive%20and%20defensive%20coordinators%20have%20been%20announced.] 
was a great hire by Venables, but there's no way he could ever carry the
'quarterback whisperer' cache of Riley. 

These next three years will be crucial for the Sooners, more than their initial
seasons in the SEC. A solid foundation of recruits, as well as a good mix of
offensive and defensive talent, will prevent the team from being too
one-dimensional, a criticism even of Riley's high-scoring rosters. Maintaining
talent at the game's most important position will be determined by Venables'
ability to convince blue-chip quarterback prospects that the school, and not
Riley, was most responsible for the development of players such as Williams,
Baker Mayfield, and Kyler Murray. That's a tough ask for a man who has never had
to recruit for the position before.

Failure by Venables and his staff to properly maintain Oklahoma's status as a
national powerhouse could leave the program in dire straits, reminiscent of what
USC has been for the past decade. On the other hand, a successful 'retooling'
would leave OU poised to become an SEC contender, raising its profile even
further. 

In other words, for Oklahoma, the future is now.

Oklahoma Football's Post-Big 12 Future Comes 'Sooner' Rather Than Later

Cross-country athletes have said for centuries that their sport is every other
sports' punishment. A similar sentiment could be said about the sport of rowing.

Rowing is an activity that has become one of the most popular indoor workouts
for a variety of athletes - from older individuals looking for a leisurely
full-body workout to the top Crossfit athletes racing to 1,000 meters in the
middle of a circuit. Rowing machines can be found in local gyms, college weight
rooms, or a relative's basement and have been helping athletes with all
different abilities develop strength in their arms, back, core, and legs with
repetitive, measured motions.

So, if cross country is evocative of a punishment, rowing on the other hand
stems from many other sports' daily workouts.

But it can be punishing... which some athletes really get excited about.

Rowing is widely considered by those within international sports as the most
physically demanding in the Olympic program. It not only requires extreme
endurance and strength, but also considerable mental strength and the ability to
push yourself well past your limits.

And the U.S. Rowing Team is always looking for athletes from other sports with
these characteristics to give the sport a try. Below are some of the sports that
could produce some of the best rowing talent. 

If you are a high school athlete involved in any of these sports, check out the 
U.S. Rowing U19 Tryout
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/188/usrowing-u19-athlete-info-submission] to give
rowing a try and be discovered by Team USA coaches.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Swimming
From an early age, swimmers learn some of the most important aspects of rowing:
Muscle memory and repetition. Pair that with years of training your biceps,
triceps, and back muscles and without knowing it, you could breed a champion on
top of the water as well as in it.

Rowing is not as much about hand-eye coordination as most other major sports.
Training specific muscle groups for endurance and speed is something that
swimmers and rowers share. Long, synchronized arms moving with powerful legs and
a mental edge that most athletes never develop are a recipe that both sports
share.

And generally - similar to our the next two sports - the top competitive
swimmers have long torsos and extended wingspans that could propel a scull more
efficiently. From a video published by the Olympic Channel
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGuTgIfDU_k], former U.S. Rower turned sports
scientist Greg Whyte described the type of athlete U.S. Rowing is always on the
lookout for: 

> "We are looking for very tall, very muscular, very lean individuals to become
elite rowers."
While taller swimmers may take a while to get comfortable in the skinny boat,
they'll get hooked after the first few hundred meters.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Volleyball
Two words: Height and Wingspan. If you spend even a few minutes around a college
volleyball team or a high-level rowing team, you'll most likely point out those
two things. For rowing coaches, seeing a tall outside hitter or middle blocker
make a play above the net will remind them of the force they could create with
each rowing stroke.

At the Olympic level, most rowing teams are full of tall athletes because of one
essential attribute: Longer limbs are able to make longer strokes with an oar.
The more distance an athlete can cover with each stroke, the fewer strokes it
takes to complete a 1000-meter or 2,000-meter race.

While rowing may sound foreign to athletes used to team sports with a ball and
net, the competitiveness involved in rowing and the importance of camaraderie is
second to none.  If you're a front row player who loves to train and compete, 
rowing may be a great offseason sport for you
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/188/usrowing-u19-athlete-info-submission].

For liberos, defensive players, and setters who may not have the height that
college rowing coaches are looking for in team events, there are always
opportunities for loud, outspoken athletes as a coxswain.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Basketball
Similar to swimmers and volleyball players, basketball athletes are more often
than not the ideal candidates for a rowing team. Tall, slender, with strong arms
and uncanny balance as they move towards the rim, basketball players could pick
up an oar and really generate some power.

It can't be overstated that the taller a rower is, the more potential energy
they can create in each stroke and the faster the boat will move. Shooting
guards and stretch-fours, who are weeded out by coaches early for their long
wingspan and strength to go up against anyone have that potential to be great in
rowing.

Imagine the power Lebron James, Kevin Durant, or Brittney Griner - each with a
7-foot wingspan (i.e. the average person has a a 5.5-foot wingspan) - could
generate if they trained as a rower and mastered the mechanics of their arms and
legs.

Additionally, among the most popular sports in America, basketball requires the
most stamina and endurance of any. It's rare that athletes stop moving around
the court and the strength built up from running could be a positive attribute
in creating a powerful rower.

Similar to basketball, rowing also has a position for athletes who may not have
the height and wingspan of a power-forward. The coxswain is a rowing athlete who
is loud and outspoken, always seated at the front of the boat to manage the rest
of the team - like a point guard!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Track & Cross Country
Ask anyone who has had a career in rowing and they will tell you that success
begins with training. The same goes for sprinters and distance runners who also
get one race - lasting only seconds or minutes - to make it all happen.

Rowing and track athletes both spend their lives in the weight room or on the
treadmill - and the time in between is dedicated to studying technique and
massaging their muscles. Racing is not just a hobby, it is a motivating factor
in everything these athletes do. And it is hard to teach.

For track athletes looking for another opportunity to find that competition,
rowing is an excellent alternative that will showcase the muscles you've been
developing for years and test the mental strength that really wins a race. With
powerful arms and elite leg power all working in unison, track athletes and
distance runners alike could find a lot of success in the water.

Other track and field athletes, like javelin and discus throwers, pole vaulters,
pentathletes and decathletes, could also find a lot of success if they get into
rowing [https://gmtm.com/virtuals/188/usrowing-u19-athlete-info-submission].
Elite rowers are built from arm strength, a love of training, and meticulous
attention to form and technique - attributes shared by the most competitive
track and field athletes.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cycling
If there is one group of athletes with the most untapped potential for rowing,
it has to be cyclists. Like rowers in the water, cyclists spend all of their
time in the saddle of their bike pushing the limits of their body and testing
their endurance across miles and miles of open road. When they aren't on their
own building their mental fortitude, they are in the wight room or on the
treadmill, honing the muscles they need to get faster and faster.

Oddly enough, cyclists and rowers could have very different muscle types as a
result of a lifetime of training.

Elite cyclists are easy to identify by their stone-like thigh muscles and
bulging calves from climbing and sprinting for a hundred-some in the course of a
training day. Rowers on the other hand, are a bit more top-heavy focusing most
of their training on the their shoulders, and chest, as their legs steadily move
their buttocks back and forth.

Besides their muscles, both rowers and cyclists are easy to identify by their
sunburn around their sunglasses at the end of a day of training.

For cyclists looking for a new way to test a new muscle group in a sport with
the same fast pace and physical demands, rowing is an excellent option. And 
cyclists who get into the sport of rowing at a younger age will have the best
chance [https://gmtm.com/virtuals/188/usrowing-u19-athlete-info-submission] to
build the necessary muscle groups to complement their powerful legs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Five Sports That Could Produce The Best U.S. Rowing Athletes

Despite not being considered a major sports market in the United States,
Nashville does have a decent presence in the professional arena. The Tennessee
Titans of the NFL and the Nashville Predators of the NHL are both popular draws
for locals. One report
[https://www.stessa.com/blog/cities-with-most-economic-growth/] even showed that
Nashville experienced the highest amount of economic growth last year out of any
city in the country. With a promising outlook comes some discussion from city
officials that it might be a good idea for the city to bring its first women’s
professional sports team into the fold.

> Report: Nashville has the most economic growth in the U.S. 
https://t.co/1Nd6oCmfey

— WKRN News 2 (@WKRN) August 8, 2021
[https://twitter.com/WKRN/status/1424208311407292416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
> “When you look back to when the Titans and the Predators came to the region,
there were 1.4 million people,” said Bryan Slater of CAA Icon, a firm that
manages stadium development. There are 2.2 million people now in the area…that’s
part of the reason for so much optimism around supporting a new team.” Via 
Tennessean.com
[https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2022/01/12/bid-first-nashville-professional-womens-sports-team-kicked-soccer/9186613002/]
Last summer, it seemed like the city garnered interest from four major women’s
professional leagues, including the WNBA(basketball), NWSL(soccer), NWHL(hockey)
and the National Pro Fastpitch Softball League. City councilwoman Nancy VanReece
believed that it did not matter what sport was brought to Nashville, but that
the signal for progress it would convey would be very important.

> “It is time to invest in professional women’s sports. It’s long past time,” she
said. “I think that, particularly as we move forward to the 50th anniversary of
Title IX, it’s even more appropriate we begin discussions with the public.” Via 
TennesseeLookout.com
[https://tennesseelookout.com/2021/06/01/city-leaders-push-for-more-womens-professional-sports-in-nashville/]
At the beginning of the new year, it appears as if those efforts have
centralized around women’s soccer and the NWSL. The city is building a
soccer-only stadium which is supposed to be the largest of its kind in the
country. The thinking is that if the city builds the infrastructure, the league,
and a potential majority owner, would be very much inclined to jump in with both
feet.

> The difference between Soccer - Basketball as a preference was not that vast. A
lot of folks that took the survey were soccer fans. Anyway -- We need BOTH to
come to Nashville. Please stop pitting one sport vs another sport. @justwsports
[https://twitter.com/justwsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] @Tennessean
[https://twitter.com/Tennessean?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] https://t.co/IGODklbU4b 
pic.twitter.com/IELKQrBQKW [https://t.co/IELKQrBQKW]

— Nancy VanReece (@NancyVanReece) January 14, 2022
[https://twitter.com/NancyVanReece/status/1481873653495214088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
> “If you build it, they will come. The interest is there,” said Emmett Wynn,
Sports Authority(Nashville) board member. Via Tennessean.com
[https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2022/01/12/bid-first-nashville-professional-womens-sports-team-kicked-soccer/9186613002/]
According
[https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/01/12/caa-icon-nashville-would-back-womens-pro-team]
to polls, only 14% of Nashville residents would oppose the addition of a women’s
professional sports team. It seems like more of a question of when, and not if,
the city will finalize this arrangement.

Women’s Pro Sports Might Be Coming To Nashville

The end of the college football season is a bittersweet time for fans across the
nation. Despite an exciting year and a new national champion, Georgia's victory
over Alabama ensures a wait of over seven months before the next CFB campaign
begins. 

In the meantime, here are five tantalizing non-conference matchups worth waiting
for, ranked by team quality, history, and importance. The 2022-23 season can't
come soon enough!

Notre Dame at Ohio State - September 3rd
What could be better than two iconic brands battling at The Shoe to kick off the
season? In what could be a showdown between two top-5 ranked programs, Marcus
Freeman begins his tenure as Notre Dame's head coach (Fiesta Bowl debacle aside)
against Ryan Day's Buckeyes.

Both teams are expected to return a great deal of NFL-quality talent, giving
them two of the more experienced rosters in the nation. The Irish made major
strides down the stretch, and stability on the offensive and defensive lines
were a main reason why. The big question will be the fit of freshman Tyler
Buchner, the projected starter at quarterback next fall. Another point of
intrigue in this one is Marcus Freeman's hiring of former OSU coach Al
Washington as the Irish's new defensive line coach.

> Marcus Freeman is bolstering his staff with a hire from Ohio State.

Al Washington will be hired as Notre Dame's DL coach. Washington spent time with
Freeman when both were on Cincinnati's staff in 2017.https://t.co/1H2vKOlxO9

— The Athletic CFB (@TheAthleticCFB) January 16, 2022
[https://twitter.com/TheAthleticCFB/status/1482831274930757640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
As for OSU, they'll welcome back Heisman finalist C.J. Stroud along with a
predictably loaded supporting cast following a slightly disappointing 11-2 year.
This game will likely come down to how a new-look Notre Dame secondary post-Kyle
Hamilton deals with the nation's best wide receiver trio in Chris Olave, Garrett
Wilson, and Jackson Smith-Njigba.

Utah at Florida - September 3rd
This battle of former Urban Meyer employers is also a contrast between two
programs in polar opposite positions. The Utah Utes have become a model of
consistency under head coach Kyle Whittingham, making the Pac-12 championship in
three of the past four seasons. In January, they nearly upset Ohio State in the
Rose Bowl en route to a #12th ranked 10-4 season.

> The state of Utah has more teams in the final AP rankings of the season than
Texas and Florida combined 😳🔥 pic.twitter.com/TafZFyDht6
[https://t.co/TafZFyDht6]

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) January 12, 2022
[https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1481407003356504082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
The situation was much bleaker in Gainesville last year. Florida looked like an
SEC contender following a hard-fought 31-29 defeat against Alabama, but just
about everything fell apart from there. The Gators went 4-6 for the rest of the
year, capped off by the late season firing of head coach Dan Mullen and a loss
to UCF in the Gasparilla Bowl. Mullen's replacement, former Louisiana coach
Billy Napier, faces a tall task in rebuilding Florida to their former glory.
Taking out the reigning Pac-12 champions in front of a fanbase starving for some
success at The Swamp would be a great way to kickstart this rebuild. 

Georgia vs. Oregon - September 3rd
Sometimes, narratives write themselves. In his first game as a head coach,
former Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning will head to Atlanta to face
his former boss Kirby Smart in a de-facto home game for the Bulldogs. Fresh off
a national title run carried largely by Georgia's dominant defense, it will be
fascinating to see what Lanning does to slow down Stetson Bennett and the rest
of UGA's dynamic offense.

> Watch the full video from Dan Lanning’s media Zoom today, talking about finally
settling into the Oregon job after Georgia’s national championship run, his
thoughts on the roster, his Ducks staff and much more.https://t.co/Xn5HYOFPub

— DuckSportsAuthority (@DSArivals) January 14, 2022
[https://twitter.com/DSArivals/status/1481788446129618947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
As far as Oregon's roster, it's hard to tell what kind of team we'll see this
year in Eugene. Gone are head coach Mario Cristobal, who bolted for his alma
matter Miami, and defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, a likely top-3 pick in this
year's NFL Draft. The Ducks also have one of the nation's most intriguing
quarterback rooms; Auburn transfer Bo Nix will compete this spring
[https://247sports.com/college/oregon/Article/Oregon-Football-Dan-Lanning-Bo-Nix-Ducks-Football-180567236/] 
with former four-star recruits Jay Butterfield and Ty Thompson for the starting
job. If Nix does win the starting job, his lack of success against the Dawgs is
slightly concerning; he's winless in three games vs. Georgia, tossing just one
touchdown to go along with two interceptions.

West Virginia at Pittsburgh - September 3rd
This one is pretty straightforward: for the first time in over a decade, the
Backyard Brawl is back. Pittsburgh and West Virginia, separated from each other
by a mere 75 miles, will renew their storied rivalry at Heinz Field this
September. With over one hundred meetings between the two
[http://www.winsipedia.com/pittsburgh/vs/west-virginia], fans on both sides will
be pleased to see a matchup with such tradition return to college football.

> 85 Days until Pitt Football

Darrelle Revis has one of the most spectacular punt returns you will ever see in
the Backyard Brawl and grabs the #1 spot on SportsCenter Top 10. Derek Kinder’s
block is absolutely electric. pic.twitter.com/4nww9L4LKC
[https://t.co/4nww9L4LKC]

— The Loyal Sons (@TheLoyalSons) June 12, 2020
[https://twitter.com/TheLoyalSons/status/1271488508386054147?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
As far as recent success, Pitt just completed one of the better seasons in
program history. Quarterback Kenny Pickett led the team to an ACC Championship
while being named a Heisman finalist, a major boost for a school that had gone
twelve years without double-digit wins. With his departure for the NFL, the team
will hope that USC transfer Kedon Slovis can unlock his high potential
[https://www.si.com/college/usc/football/report-reveals-kedon-slovis-is-a-high-ceiling-quarterback#:~:text=PFF%20released%20their%202021%20college,'high%2Dceiling%20quarterback'.]
. 

West Virginia went through a mediocre 6-7 campaign under third year head coach
Neal Brown, who has a subpar 17-18 record in Morgantown. It's fair to say next
season is make-or-break for Brown, and he'll be without Jarret Doege, last
year's starting quarterback. As it stands right now, Brown will be relying on a 
QB room with minimal experience
[https://www.si.com/college/westvirginia/football/the-future-of-wvu-football-greene-crowder-or-marchiol]
, which is never a great sign. A defense that ranked 45th in the nation in
points allowed per game will need to carry the Mountaineers in 2022. With two
teams that have major question marks at the sport's most important position,
picking a winner in this brawl is easier said than done.

Alabama at Texas - September 1oth
The only game on the list not to take place during opening week, Alabama-Texas
is a showdown between historic blue-bloods. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian
will be tasked with taking down Nick Saban; Sarkisian served as 'Bama's
offensive coordinator in 2016 as well as 2019 and 2020. 

Unfortunately for Texas, the comparisons between these two programs stop there.
The Longhorns were an abject failure last season, going from ranked in the
preseason AP Poll to a 5-7 finish, including a demoralizing loss at home against
2-win Kansas. With that being said, there is plenty of buzz this season (when
isn't there for Texas?) over the arrival of Quinn Ewers, a former five-star
quarterback [https://247sports.com/Player/Quinn-Ewers-45572600/] who transferred
from Ohio State this year. Couple that with the return of running back Bijan
Robinson and the addition of former Alabama tight end Jahleel Billingsley
[https://247sports.com/college/texas/Article/Jahleel-Billingsley-commits-Texas-Longhorns-Football-Recruiting-2022-NCAA-Transfer-Portal-Alabama-Crimson-Tide-tight-end-180649084/]
, and it's easy to see this offense being one of the Big 12's best.

> Talented Alabama transfer Jahleel Billingsley will reunite with Steve Sarkisian
at Texas. https://t.co/0uGvwc5JiV

— Longhorns Wire (@LonghornsWire) January 16, 2022
[https://twitter.com/LonghornsWire/status/1482832819416182786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
Alabama's story is straightforward; another run to the national title game ended
in heartbreak against Georgia, giving Tide fans a rare feeling of defeat heading
into the offseason. However, there are plenty of reasons to assume the
never-ending 'Bama dynasty will continue to find success in 2022. Bryce Young is
coming off a Heisman-winning year in his first season as a starter. While there
will be some notable departures, such as John Metchie, Slade Bolden, Jameson
Williams, and Billingsley, we've seen Saban restock this roster time and time
again. With the nation's second-best recruiting class
[https://247sports.com/Season/2022-Football/CompositeTeamRankings/], expect
another season at the top of the SEC.

In this pedigree vs. potential matchup, it will be up to Texas' mediocre defense
to keep Bryce Young in check. While that seems unlikely, at the very least fans
should be able to see Sarkisian, Ewers and the Longhorn offense put to the test
against one of the nation's most formidable front sevens. Even in defeat, a
solid effort against an elite opponent should have Texas feeling good about
their chances at contending in the Big 12 next season. 

Honorable Mentions: Penn St. at Auburn, Miami at Texas A&M, Oklahoma at
Nebraska, Cincinnati at Arkansas, Baylor at BYU

College Football: Five Best Non-Conference Games Of 2022

With limited exposure to most casual sports fans and stadiums that are smaller
than some Texas high schools, Division-III sports have long been thought of as a
third tier of college athletics. But, that certainly isn't the case.

While they may play for smaller schools and not have the huge support of the
household names in the Power 5, the NCAA's Division-III
[/five-reasons-to-consider-playing-division-iii-college-sports/gmtm.com/articles/tag/division-iii] 
is chock-full of top athletes and excellent academic opportunities.

While there have been athletes who rise from the Division 3 ranks to even play
professionally
[https://gmtm.com/articles/basketball-player-goes-from-division-ii-to-the-nba],
the casual fan and hopeful prospects still have mixed feelings about it. So, we
are going to share five benefits why playing sports at a D3 school.

 1) The athletes you compete with and against are really, really good.
A lot of people think Division 3 athletes just weren't good enough to play
anywhere else. That isn't the case at all. 

Division III teams across the nation have rosters full of athletes who were
among the best at their high school or even in their entire state
[https://gmtm.com/articles/how-division-iii-recruiting-works-for-college-sports]
. And any Division III sporting event you watch is essentially is full of
All-District or All-State athletes from across the country.

A main reason really talented athlete should choose Division III for college
sports is the chance to play early and build stats. Rather than walking on to a
Division-I team (which can cost a lot...) or competing for a position at the FCS
or Division-II level, talented Division-III athletes usually can see the field
and mature early in their careers
[https://gmtm.com/articles/what-college-athletes-should-know-before-freshman-year-starts-2021]
.

2) There is a lot of financial aid available for athletes.
Do NCAA Division III programs offer athletic scholarships? No, they don't. And
once parents and recruits hear that, the interest in committing to a great D3
school can disappear fast. 

But, these schools still offer tons of financial aid to there student-athletes.
While there are no scholarships for "athletics", Division-III schools reserve
plenty of academic, leadership, and various special needs scholarships to
athletes.

If you are a good athlete with good grades and above average SAT/ACT scores, you
could earn near full-tuition scholarships while you play sports.

3) Students-athletes have an intimate and focused academic environment.
While Division III is the NCAA's largest division by a wide margin, with over
450 member schools around the U.S. A majority of D3 colleges are private
liberal-arts schools - or an institution that offers programs with an emphasis
on the arts and sciences. The median enrollment at an NCAA Division-III college
is 2,750 students - which is about three times larger than the average American
high school.

Typically with private colleges and liberal arts colleges, there is a huge
emphasis on having more collaborative classroom environments and excellent
student-to-faculty ratios. Division-III schools are no exception and the smaller
class sizes foster better grades and more accountability for student-athletes.
In fact, the NCAA reported in 2019 that student-athletes at Division-III
colleges graduated at a higher rate than the rest of the student body.

Coming from a large high school in a big city to a small college may not seem
like the college experience you see on TV. But, being a part of a Division-III
sports program plugs you into a network of hundreds of thousands of student
athletes and alumni. In any given year, D3 student athletes represent well over
a third of all college athletes.

4) You play regional schedules and some of the best postseason tournaments.
One of the most underrated parts of Division-III sports is the conferences are
based on smaller regions. So, rivalries are a big deal.

The Presidents Athletic Conference
[https://gmtm.com/articles/these-pac-football-teams-are-the-first-to-host-virtual-visits] 
for example, includes teams that have been facing off for decades in the
Northeast, And the WIAC (Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference), has 92
NCAA championships in 15 different sports
[https://gmtm.com/articles/best-division-iii-football-conferences-2020] among
its eight Wisconsin-based programs.

On top of the many historic games between in-state rivals, Division-III has 
some
of the most exciting postseason tournaments
[https://gmtm.com/articles/what-division-iii-schools-have-the-most-football-titles] 
and national championships. Unlike the widely criticized four-team playoff in
Division-I FBS
[https://gmtm.com/articles/what-the-college-football-playoff-could-learn-from-fcs-division]
, the NCAA's Division III ends their football season with a 27-team playoff with
games on five consecutive Saturdays in November and December, starting on the
Saturday before Thanksgiving.

5) You can still sign NIL deals and build your career.
Just because you play in a smaller community or at a smaller school doesn't mean
you can't make a name for yourself - or some money along the way
[https://gmtm.com/articles/name-image-likeness-in-division-ii-iii-college-sports]
. The cities that Division-III colleges are located in love their teams and they
support their athletes through every season.

Even in suburbs of Los Angeles, Division-III athletes are seeing some of the
first Name, Image, and Likeness benefits
[https://gmtm.com/articles/whittier-college-becomes-first-division-iii-program-to-sign-nil-deal]
. We expect that the more accomplished programs in smaller towns across the
southeast, midwest and northeast are going to see a ton of NIL deals for their
local athletes in the future.

Besides monetary benefits, playing Division-III sports also can be a jumping off
point for other athletic opportunities. With more and more Virtual Visits
[https://gmtm.com/articles/tag/virtual-visit] and the accessibility to new
programs through the transfer portal
[https://gmtm.com/articles/tag/transfer-portal], the best athletes can always
move up after finding success at the D3 level.

Five Benefits Of Playing Sports At A Division-III College

College sports fans are familiar with the dynasties on the field, the court, the
ice, the diamond and the pitch. But what about the immense level of skill at the
alley? That would be the bowling alley to be more specific, where the Nebraska
women’s team has put together on of the most dominant runs in any sport in
college history.

Honing their craft at Husker Bowling Center, the team has been posting strikes
and wiping out pins at an incredible rate. They won the national championship in
2021, but have been a force to be reckoned with for a long time.

> “We’ve had more success than any other program in the country,” said coach Paul
Klempa. “And that’s not only recent success, but sustained over a long period of
time.” Via Nebraskapublicmedia.org
[https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/husker-bowling-team-wins-championships-but-wants-more-fans/]
> Elliott named Most Outstanding Player and earns a spot on the All-Tournament
Team! #GBR [https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBR?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
https://t.co/YgxgShtX3V

— Nebraska Bowling (@NEBowling) April 24, 2021
[https://twitter.com/NEBowling/status/1385997609144229890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
The title that the Cornhuskers just secured was their 13thin school history, and
they won their first title in 1990. Despite the tremendous level of success, a
lot of students and alumni aren’t too familiar with how dominant the women’s
bowling team has been. Usually, Cornhusker basketball and football gets most of
the attention. Junior Kendyl Hofmeister recalled a scenario that underscores
just how under the radar their team is, where older alumni did not know about
their success.

> “I’m like, ‘how do they not know?’ I mean, they have like all this Husker gear
on,” she said. They have a bumper sticker on their car that says #1 Nebraska fan
and they still don’t know that bowling team won. Via NebraskaPublicMedia.org
[https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/husker-bowling-team-wins-championships-but-wants-more-fans/]
Nebraska women’s bowling and volleyball have actually logged higher average
winning percentages in the last five years than the football program, and the
men’s and women’s basketball teams.

In the 2022 season, the Cornhuskers are already off to a flying start. They
finished first out of 16 teams in their first three tournaments, and finished
third in their most recent tournament in early January. Senior Cassidy Ray was
named to the all tournament team with her strong conclusion to the event.

> Take a look at our NEW DIGS 🤩🤩🤩 pic.twitter.com/KqaBTtaDFm
[https://t.co/KqaBTtaDFm]

— Nebraska Bowling (@NEBowling) September 25, 2020
[https://twitter.com/NEBowling/status/1309604737289871365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

College Bowling: Nebraska Women's Team Strikes Again

Keiwaine Hicks

Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, GMTM, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook...
Social media is a crucial part of how we communicate. And now, more than ever,
it is a crucial part of how basketball players are being recruited for college
sports and national teams.

And athletes are doing much more than creating TikToks for their dunks and funny
videos on YouTube. Social media is becoming the center of an entire brand that
starts well before AAU ball.

Whether you are engaging with coaches and scouts through Twitter, managing your
image for fans and other brands on Instagram, or documenting everything in your
career on GMTM, social media is an essential part of what makes sports so
compelling. And what can make a recruit so sought after.

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, surveys show
that 90% of teens ages 13 to 17-years-old have used social media. And 75% of
that group says they have at least one active social media profile (most have
three or more.) That means, more than likely, every kid you play on the blacktop
or at an AAU tournament is posting and campaigning for the same things as you on
social media. So, you need to be a part of the conversation.

Here are five ways to use your social media profiles to provide a boost in your
basketball recruiting and increase your chances of landing an athletic
scholarship:

Promote Your School & Basketball Team
It starts with getting fans in the seats and creating excitement around the team
you are playing on right n0w. Don't wait until you play varsity next year or
make the "all-district travel team" to start posting, what you are doing right
now is what you should be sharing. GMTM is a great place to upload videos from
practice or your team's workout sessions to create a buzz around you and your
teammates.

Getting excited and taking pride in playing the game is what college basketball
coaches want to see. College scouts care as much about what they see when you
engage with your team and how you act off the floor than they do about how many
points you put up. Sharing your team wins and successes is an easy way to change
your mindset in a tough season or make a winning streak more memorable - and
coaches love a guy with energy and   Ways to promote your school & basketball
team include:

 * Posting season schedules.
 * Reminding fans of game days and encouraging fans to attend. 
 * Showing some of your team’s game highlights.

If you are constantly showcasing and promoting your school and basketball team,
college basketball coaches will think favorably that you will likely do the same
for their school and program. As a result, college basketball coaches will
believe that you will likely help increase ticket sales, boost their team’s
social media engagement, and, hopefully, convert some of your followers to
follow and support their college basketball team’s program.

Ask Yourself: “Am I actively promoting my school & team when possible? Does my
social media show coaches that I can promote my team?”

Engage With Fans
Your followers are following you primarily because they like your play on the
court or because you are a player for their favorite team. Get engaged with your
followers and allow them to feel part of the team and your journey!

Examples of ways to engage with fans and followers include:

 * - Take fans “behind the scenes” to show how you get ready for game day.
 * Show weightlifting or training videos to show how you prepare for the season.
 * Give “behind the scenes” tours of locker rooms and other facilities that fans
   might not get to see.
 * Post polls to ask which game they are most excited to see or if they are
   attending a big game.

Additionally, respond to all comments left on your posts! Simply “liking” or
leaving an emoji isn’t enough; go the extra mile and respond. It only takes a
few seconds to type: “Thank You!”, “We appreciate your support!”, “We felt your
energy tonight!” Never take fans or followers for granted. By constantly
engaging with your followers, you will show college basketball coaches that you
can be an asset to and help boost a school’s and program’s fan following through
social media engagement.

Ask Yourself: “Does my social media demonstrate to coaches that I am good at
engaging with fans and followers?”

Celebrate Your Teammates
College basketball is a team sport. An individual’s success is the team’s
success. Credit your teammates for helping you make a nice play.

Examples include:

 * “Check out my teammates’ great outlet passes to me on these fast breaks!”
 * “Thanks to my teammates for setting awesome screens for me, which allowed me
   to score a season-high!”

By celebrating your teammates’ success, you will show college basketball coaches
that you are a team player off the court and that you are happy to share the
spotlight with your teammates. College basketball coaches will view this
characteristic as a huge plus; all coaches want to recruit student-athletes who
will be a great asset for building and maintaining positive team chemistry!

Ask Yourself: “How many of my social media posts are celebrating or highlighting
my teammates?”

Post Daily
A general rule of thumb to follow is: “Every day that you don’t post on social
media is a day that you are not seen!” Never go extended periods without posting
on social media. It’s imperative to stay visible in the eyes of college
basketball coaches; every day that you post is a day that you are seen by
college basketball coaches and can make an impression in their eyes!
Additionally, use different features of social media. It isn’t necessary to
always post highly-edited or elaborate posts and videos. An Instagram story is
on display for 24 hours! It only takes a few minutes to craft a well-written and
thoughtful tweet on Twitter.

Ask Yourself: “How frequently do I make posts on social media? Am I making
enough effort to remain visible in the eyes of coaches?”

Show Other Interests Outside of your Sport
Are you a talented singer or musician? Enjoy reading mystery novels? A gifted
artist who likes to paint, draw, or create digital art? Spend free time
skateboarding, surfing, hunting, or fishing? We know that you desire to get
recruited to play college basketball and receive a basketball scholarship.
However, rather than filling your social media pages with only basketball
material and highlights, show other interests and talents that you have outside
of basketball, which will allow college basketball coaches and fans to see other
parts of your personality! Additionally, you will be able to connect with fans
who share the same interests as you or potentially gain new fans, solely because
of your shared interests and talents. Most importantly, showing other interests
outside of your sport will help college basketball coaches connect and bond with
you during the recruiting process over things outside of basketball. Recruiting
phone calls and conversations will be more enjoyable when you are discussing
interests and passions that you enjoy outside of basketball!

Ask Yourself: “Am I showing parts of my personality, hobbies, and interests
outside of basketball that would spark interest and conversation from coaches
and fans?”


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Use your social media to boost your recruiting and increase your chances of
landing an basketball scholarship. Simple changes and strategic implements can
significantly change the direction of your recruiting process and increase your
chances of finding the perfect fit for you to achieve your athletic and academic
goals!