Here’s the news for December 11, 2008 from the Double-A Zone, the official blog of the NCAA:

TOP POST
Second generation Title IX competitors enjoying success

Thirty-six years ago, Title IX was passed, providing increased opportunities for female student-athletes. Today, second generation Title IX competitors are following in their mother's footsteps.

A recent New York Times article looked at the University of Oklahoma's women's basketball team. Many of the starters had mothers who competed in college and some are children of professional athletes.

"The opportunities afforded by Title IX have dovetailed with the desire of elite athletes for their children to have similar chances to excel, Oklahoma Coach Sherri Coale said. Increasingly, the role models for this second generation of Title IX competitors are likely to include their mothers. The mothers of Carlee Roethlisberger and Danielle Robinson, the Sooners' point guard, played college basketball, while the mother of guard Lauren Willis was an all-American track and field athlete."

While these young women's success is evidence that Title IX has worked, the rights the legislation guarantees should not be taken for granted. We must be diligent in demanding equal opportunity for all genders and this generation must take up the mantel. Now is not the time to rest on your laurels.

Last year the NCAA began a conversation on the personal impact of Title IX. These testimonies are designed to highlight the truths and misconceptions about this ground-breaking and sometimes controversial law.

In her video, former Iowa Athletic Director and Title IX activist Christina Grant talked about the impact of Title IX legislation and the need to continually work toward its cause.

"We've come a long way, but still need to do a better job of educating our young men and women, about the intent of Title IX, the progress that's been made, and what still needs to be done. "

Do you think the current generation takes the benefits of Title IX for granted?

IN THE ZONE

Tuskegee gets apology after blown call

Tuskegee University received a formal apology Monday from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference for the officiating during the team's game against Alabama State University.Game officials disallowed a touchdown by the Golden Tigers in the final seconds of play, causing Tuskegee to lose its first game since 2006. The SIAC responded by suspending Philip Harden, the back judge of the game, from working any future SIAC football contests.

Do you agree with the decision to permanently suspend the official for a missed call?

Congressmen introduces bill to change BCS system

Rep. Joe Barton of Texas, the ranking Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, didn't specify what sort of playoff he wants -- only that the BCS should go. He said the bill -- being co-sponsored by Reps. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) and Michael McCaul (R-Texas) -- "will prohibit the marketing, promotion, and advertising of a postseason game as a 'national championship' football game, unless it is the result of a playoff system. Violations of the prohibition will be treated as violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice.''

Texas Tech coach unhappy about Heisman finalists

Red Raiders coach Mike Leach isn't happy his quarterback, Graham Harrell, was left off the list of Heisman finalists headed to New York.

"If Graham is not invited to the Heisman, they ought to quit giving out the award," Leach said. "It is a shameless example of politics ruling over performance. The other guys are deserving, but he has earned a place alongside them."

President talks about his love for sports

President Bush sat down with the Washington Post for a 40-minute interview about his love for sports.

On exercising: "I exercise real hard," Bush said. "It helps clear my mind. It relieves frustration. It helps me sleep at night. It helps me get over the really good food they have here at the White House."

About succeeding Bud Selig as Commissioner of Major League Baseball: The President said no. "I'm looking forward to getting off the stage," Bush said. "I have done my duty to my country. I have given it my all. It's now President-elect Obama's time. I have had enough of the spotlight."

When asked about his opinion on a college football playoff, "I do not have an opinion on it," Bush said, "except for the fact that I'm sorry the Texas Longhorns aren't there."

Read the entire interview here.