College Sports
Track Is America’s Opportunity Sport. Colleges Need to Save It
Today’s guest columnist is Russell Dinkins, executive director of the Tracksmith Foundation. Olympic sports in college are in danger. With Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) allowing college athletes to receive endorsement deals and pay via collectives, and a just-approved antitrust settlement that will result in colleges having to pay athletes directly, colleges are already making […]

Today’s guest columnist is Russell Dinkins, executive director of the Tracksmith Foundation.
Olympic sports in college are in danger. With Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) allowing college athletes to receive endorsement deals and pay via collectives, and a just-approved antitrust settlement that will result in colleges having to pay athletes directly, colleges are already making decisions about which sports to keep and which sports may need to be cut.
And while the loss of any Olympic sport is concerning, the loss of track and field programs will be devastating, not only for the development of elite-level athletes, but also because of the sport’s accessibility and racial and socio-economic diversity. In the wake of the House settlement, and with the NCAA Division I track and field championships taking place this week in Oregon, now is the time to discuss these issues.
Track and field is America’s opportunity sport. It is the nation’s largest high school sport when you include both male and female participation, and it is the cheapest youth sport by far, meaning it’s the most accessible and affordable of all youth sports offerings.
It is also one of the few sports where teenage athletes can be recruited by colleges by simply participating on their high school’s team.
Today, youth sports are dominated by expensive club or travel teams that compete outside of local scholastic programs. For many youth sports, an athlete essentially has to be on one of these club teams to be recruited.
However, track and field athletes can get the attention of college coaches just from their local high school meets, because performances are measurable and objective. In fact, nearly all high-school track results are uploaded to a national database, democratizing the recruiting process. The likelihood that a low-income kid from small-town North Dakota, urban Baltimore or rural Texas can earn an opportunity to go to college via sport is far greater in track than in most other college sports.
The NCAA and colleges within their system have enjoyed the perception that the NCAA provides educational pathways to college for those who may otherwise not have that opportunity. For the most part, this perception is the result of clever marketing. However, there’s one sport that actually does a great job of keeping that school door open—track and field.
Collegiate track and field is the largest sport in the NCAA by participation. It is also the NCAA’s most diverse Olympic sport.
Nearly half of the NCAA’s Olympic sports athletes of color participate in track and field and cross country. No other Olympic sport in the NCAA comes close. And while nearly 70% of Olympic sports athletes in the NCAA are white, track and field stands apart, as over 40% of its athletes are athletes of color.
In addition, track and field provides great opportunities for both men and women. As the largest sport in high school for girls and the largest by participation for women in the NCAA, track and field provides the most opportunities for these athletes to not only experience the benefits of sport but to utilize it as a pathway to college.
For boys and young men, the sport’s role in providing a pathway to college is also significant in light of national trends that see significantly fewer young men attending college than women. Track represents one of the few remaining mechanisms that effectively and efficiently bring young men into college classrooms nationwide. And while it is an objective good that more women are going to college, we cannot, as a society, allow young men to fall by the wayside.
The NCAA and universities writ large should be invested in ensuring that sport remains a viable pathway to an education, especially for under-resourced populations. Allowing college track to be diminished or eliminated works against that goal. Therefore, the NCAA ought to provide college track with special consideration or protected status due to the sport’s unique societal benefits.
The sport, however, can also make itself more valuable in the modern collegiate marketplace by enhancing its financial and cultural value.
Olympic sports such as women’s gymnastics, volleyball and softball have shown that producing a compelling television product and in-person experience can create value. Adjusting college track meets that take place within a TV-friendly two-hour window, with clear scoring that shows a clear team winner will be a tremendous step in the right direction. Someone should be able to see a quad meet between UCLA, USC, Oregon and Washington on a bar TV and clearly tell who’s ahead and who the winner is at the end of the meet.
Most NCAA football and basketball teams, outside of the biggest Power Four teams, don’t make money but provide cultural value to their institutions and communities. Many colleges, for instance, organize their homecoming and alumni weekends around a football game. Moreover, with football and basketball being fall and winter sports respectively, there’s a potential economic void in the spring that track could capitalize on. Here’s a thought: Several big-time football schools have abandoned open spring football games, which used to be a sizable event attracting fans and alums to campus, to protect players from being scouted and poached in the transfer portal. Why not build an event around a major track meet instead?
Collegiate track should elevate the cultural value of the sport by educating the public on why it is of social benefit. If there’s a broad understanding of how and why the sport is truly “the opportunity sport,” the sport can display its worth and be considered as valuable as the unprofitable football and basketball teams.
Sport is often thought of as the great equalizer. Unfortunately, that ideal does not reflect how most sports operate in modern-day America. A truly accessible, merit-based, high school-to-college pipeline does not exist for a great many of the sports we see in the NCAA. Track, though, actually does a great job of providing such a route to an education. It would be a grave disservice to allow these opportunities to be taken away via sports cuts by college administrators who are looking at bottom lines and not the lives impacted by their decisions. The societal cost is too great to allow collegiate track and field, America’s opportunity sport, to wither away.
Russell Dinkins is a national track and field advocate and executive director of the Tracksmith Foundation. An NCAA champion and six-time Ivy League champion while at Princeton, Dinkins’ advocacy has helped save four Division I track and field programs by leveraging media and historic applications of Title IX and other legal strategies to see the reinstatement of over 200 athletic opportunities.
College Sports
Hodges, Mansfield, Cameron and Bakkevig Named AHCA All-American Scholars
Story Links WALTHAM, Mass. – Four players from the 2024-25 Bentley hockey team were named All-American Scholars by the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) on Wednesday. The quartet is A.J. Hodges, Ryan Mansfield, Colton Cameron and Oskar Bakkevig. The criteria for being named an All-American Scholar is a student-athlete must have […]

WALTHAM, Mass. – Four players from the 2024-25 Bentley hockey team were named All-American Scholars by the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) on Wednesday. The quartet is A.J. Hodges, Ryan Mansfield, Colton Cameron and Oskar Bakkevig.
The criteria for being named an All-American Scholar is a student-athlete must have attained a 3.75 GPA in each semester and have appeared in 40 percent of his team’s games.
Hodges, Mansfield and Cameron are all repeat selections from 2023-24.
Hodges, who graduated in May with a degree in finance, had nine goals and nine assists last season and was named to the Atlantic Hockey All-Tournament team.
Mansfield will be a junior next season and scored eight goals to go along with 10 assists. He is majoring in corporate finance and accounting.
Cameron is a defenseman who played in 38 of Bentley’s 40 games last season. He is majoring in finance and is entering his junior season.
Bakkevig completed his freshman year and notched 10 goals and six assists. He was voted the team’s Rookie of the Year.
Hodges and Bakkevig previously received the Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award from Atlantic Hockey for having a 4.0 GPA in both the fall and spring semesters.
College Sports
Boston Jr. Rangers’ Dempsey Commits To Colorado College • USPHL
By Joshua Boyd / USPHL.com Boston Jr. Rangers goaltender Beckham Dempsey is truly excited to be able to show the different ways he can help the NCAA Division I Colorado College team. The Tigers see in Dempsey a never-give-up attitude that they hope will be infectious around the locker room. “I began talking with Colorado […]

By Joshua Boyd / USPHL.com
Boston Jr. Rangers goaltender Beckham Dempsey is truly excited to be able to show the different ways he can help the NCAA Division I Colorado College team. The Tigers see in Dempsey a never-give-up attitude that they hope will be infectious around the locker room.
“I began talking with Colorado College after I was admitted as a student. They reached out, we set up a visit, and the rest was history. What they liked most about my game wasn’t my speed, my tracking, or even my win/loss record. They didn’t care how many games I started or who I played for. They cared that I kept playing after continuous setbacks. They cared that on every play, I did what I could to make a save and give my team a chance to win,” said Dempsey, a 2004-born native of Wayne, Ill. “They realized that my tenacious personality contributed to my game, which is what they know I can bring to their team.”
He is looking forward to being part of a strong Tigers program in one of the toughest conferences, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.
“The innovation and purpose are what I like most about Colorado College, both on the ice and in the classroom,” said Dempsey. “Ed Robson Area, home of the Tigers, boasts everything a student-athlete could dream of. A 3,000-plus capacity, state-of-the-art training and recovery facilities, and even an academic lounge. Not to mention, CC’s block plan, where students take one class at a time, gives me the confidence to fully indulge myself in my studies.”
Dempsey comes out of his single season with the Jr. Rangers after previously playing in the NCDC with the Pueblo Bulls and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights. He finished his career with a .904 save percentage over 23 games in two seasons.
“Playing for the Boston Jr. Rangers this past season was an honor. Head Coach Richard DeCaprio genuinely believed in me as an athlete, which helped boost my confidence in net,” added Dempsey. “Having access to the gym and extra ice throughout the year helped develop my game the most. Whenever I felt I needed to work on something, the opportunity was there.”
The Jr. Rangers were a first-year team in the NCDC, joining from their former league which was at a lower tier of play, but they performed well and enjoyed seeing 18 players advance to NCAA hockey in their first season in the league.
“The NCDC was a fun and challenging experience for me during the two seasons I played juniors. Having played in both the East and the West, as well as in every division and against almost every team, I got a taste of it all,” he said. “The games were a highlight of my time in the league, in addition to the fan experience in the West. I met some of my best friends during juniors, and can confidently say I am more prepared for college and the real world after playing in the NCDC.”
It is a big jump from every level of junior hockey to the NCAA game, and Dempsey is laser-focused this summer on getting to exactly where the program wants him when the team workouts begin.
“In order to succeed at Colorado College, I have been working on being more explosive in movements. I am already doing CC workouts provided by the strength department to be successful upon my arrival,” he added. “This is a program where being average just isn’t enough. Head Coach Kris Mayotte knows what this program means to the College and Colorado Springs. He has done an excellent job building this program, and I can’t wait to join him alongside my other Tiger teammates this fall!”
The NCDC congratulates Beckham Dempsey, his family, the Boston Jr. Rangers and Colorado College for his commitment.
College Sports
NCAA’s House settlement era begins, shaking up college athletics as some schools opt out
NCAA’s House settlement era begins, shaking up college athletics as some schools opt out | DRGNews google-site-verification: google9919194f75dd62c5.html Link 0

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College Sports
Canes Sign Tyson Jost To One-Year Contract
RALEIGH, N.C. – Eric Tulsky, General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has signed forward Tyson Jost to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal will pay Jost $775,000 on the NHL level or $300,000 in the American Hockey League (AHL), with a guarantee of at least $600,000. “Tyson […]

RALEIGH, N.C. – Eric Tulsky, General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has signed forward Tyson Jost to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal will pay Jost $775,000 on the NHL level or $300,000 in the American Hockey League (AHL), with a guarantee of at least $600,000.
“Tyson was able to contribute to our organization in a number of different ways last year, and we’re happy to keep him here,” said Tulsky. “He’s extremely well-liked and hard-working and capable of playing a number of different roles in the lineup.”
Jost, 27, appeared in 39 regular-season games for the Hurricanes in 2024-25, totaling nine points (4g, 5a). He also played 14 games in the AHL with Chicago, scoring four goals and adding five assists (9 points). Selected by the Avalanche in the first round, 10th overall, of the 2016 NHL Draft, Jost has registered 149 points (61g, 88a) in 495 career NHL games with Colorado, Minnesota, Buffalo and Carolina. The 5’11”, 187-pound forward has also tallied 30 points (13g, 17a) in 52 career AHL games with San Antonio, Colorado, Rochester and Chicago.
Prior to turning professional, Jost posted 35 points (16g, 19a) in 33 NCAA games with North Dakota during his lone season of college hockey in 2016-17. The St. Albert, Alta., native has represented Canada at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship, and two IIHF World Championships (2018-19), winning silver in 2017 and 2019.
College Sports
Reign keeper Claudia Dickey earns second straight clean sheet when the United States …
Reign keeper Claudia Dickey, who also shut out Ireland in her international debut last week, stopped a shot from Reign teammate and Canada’s Jordyn Huitema. WASHINGTON — Just playing for the U.S. national team was a big opportunity for Claire Hutton. Then Canada left her a bit too much space at the edge of the […]


Reign keeper Claudia Dickey, who also shut out Ireland in her international debut last week, stopped a shot from Reign teammate and Canada’s Jordyn Huitema.
WASHINGTON — Just playing for the U.S. national team was a big opportunity for Claire Hutton.
Then Canada left her a bit too much space at the edge of the 6-yard box — and Rose Lavelle found her with a perfect corner kick. The 19-year-old midfielder was ready.
Hutton headed home her first international goal, and the Americans easily dispatched Canada 3-0 in a friendly Wednesday for their fifth straight victory. Sam Coffey and Yazmeen Ryan also scored.
“Set pieces are something we focus on. It’s what we talk about,” Hutton said. “At the international level, it’s what sets teams apart, especially in big tournaments. So being able to get my head on Rose’s perfect ball there was just amazing. Hoping for more in the future.”
The Americans have won five straight friendlies by a combined score of 18-0 since their 2-1 loss to Brazil in early April. The 19-year-old Hutton was making her sixth appearance for the national team, and her goal in the 36th minute gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead.
“It’s just amazing. To wear this jersey, wear this badge, it weighs a lot. I know the history behind it,” said Hutton, who plays for the Kansas City Current. “We talked about the U.S. legacy this past week. Just knowing that I get to be a part of it, it means the world to me.”
U.S. coach Emma Hayes gave many of her Europe-based options a break for this stretch of three games in seven days, which also included two 4-0 wins over Ireland. That left opportunities for less experienced players like Hutton.
“As I’ve said many times, I’m all about improving the whole ecosystem. I think more opportunities for more players with the national team will improve the NWSL,” Hayes said. “Because it gives players hope and belief that if they perform, that they’re going to get an opportunity.”
The U.S. opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Lavelle delivered a free kick into the penalty area from near the left sideline. Canada’s Janine Sonis tried to head clear, but the ball fell to Avery Patterson and then bounced to Coffey about 9 yards from the goal.
Both Coffey and Patterson stabbed at the ball, and both appeared to make contact with it. It went straight into the net. Coffey was credited with the goal and Patterson with an assist.
“I will give her full credit for that. I did not touch it at all,” Patterson said, not entirely believably. “I laid it up for her on a platter.”
Seattle Reign keeper Claudia Dickey, who also shut out Ireland in her international debut last Thursday, stopped a shot from in close by her Reign teammate and Canada forward Jordyn Huitema shortly after Coffey’s goal. But the Americans created far more chances.
Canada coach Casey Stoney called her team’s performance “inexcusable” and said her players’ fitness wasn’t good enough.
“A lack of commitment and desire, which is not this team,” she said. “Losing draws, losing 50-50s, not getting up to the ball, not pressing — it’s not good enough. I’m not going to hide away from it.”
Lavelle received a standing ovation when she was subbed out around the midway point of the second half. The crowd also gave a big cheer when Tara McKeown — who plays locally for the Washington Spirit — came on as a late sub for the U.S. McKeown assisted on Ryan’s goal in the 89th minute.
The U.S. plays friendlies against South Korea on Sept. 6 in Harrison, New Jersey, and against Japan on Sept. 9 in Columbus, Ohio.
Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
College Sports
OSU’s Jeremiah Smith Signs Adidas Sponsorship Contract Ahead of 2025 CFB Season
After taking the college football world by storm as a true freshman last season, Jeremiah Smith is cashing in on his fame with an endorsement deal from Adidas. Adidas announced on Wednesday that the Ohio State star has joined its family of athletes. Nike, which has a sponsorship deal with the Buckeyes, offered Smith his […]

After taking the college football world by storm as a true freshman last season, Jeremiah Smith is cashing in on his fame with an endorsement deal from Adidas.
Adidas announced on Wednesday that the Ohio State star has joined its family of athletes.
Nike, which has a sponsorship deal with the Buckeyes, offered Smith his own NIL deal.
Per The Athletic’s Manny Navarro, Smith turned down Nike’s proposal in favor of the offer from Adidas.
“I’ve been wearing Adidas since I was a young kid, 11, 10 years old,” Smith told Navarro of his decision. “To be a part of the brand is something special.”
Financial details of Smith’s deal with Adidas are unknown at this time.
Per On3.com, Smith is the most valuable non-quarterback in college sports with a $4.2 million NIL valuation. The only players ranked ahead of him are Arch Manning ($6.8 million) and Carson Beck ($4.3 million).
Smith, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 freshman class, originally committed to Ohio State in December 2022. He broke multiple Buckeyes receiving records in his first season, including receiving yards by a freshman (1,315) and most touchdown catches in a season (15).
The 19-year-old also dominated throughout the College Football Playoff to help Ohio State win the national title. He recorded 381 yards and five touchdowns on 19 catches in four playoff games.
In addition to his status as arguably the best receiver in college football, Smith boosted his profile in May when he was revealed as a cover athlete, along with Alabama’s Ryan Williams, for EA Sports’ College Football 26 game.
Even though he can’t enter the NFL draft for two more years, Smith showed so much ability as a true freshman that ESPN’s Jake Trotter noted prior to this year’s draft that several pro scouts said he would have been a top-five pick in 2025 if he were eligible.
Smith and the Buckeyes will kick off the 2025 season in a marquee matchup with Texas at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30. These two teams met in the College Football Playoff semifinal in January, with Ohio State earning a 28-14 win.
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