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 mothers’ 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.

While these young women’s success is evidence that Title IX has worked, the rights the legislation guarantees should not be taken for granted.

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

Do football coaches make too much?

In today’s rough economic times, should colleges and universities be signing top coaches to hefty contracts?

According to a recent USA Today report, football coaches at top Division I schools earn an average of $950,000 per year. Alabama’s Nick Saban will earn $32 million during his eight-year contract. Texas Tech reportedly offered head coach Mike Leach a five-year deal worth $12.1 million. Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy signed a new seven-year contract that will pay him $15.7 million.

In 1999, five college football coaches made at least $1 million a year. Now more than 50 coaches make that much. Why?

African-American student-athletes graduate at higher rates than non-athletes

Richard Lapchick and The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at Central Florida released a study this week on the academic success of the 2008-09 bowl-bound football teams. The study, which repurposes the work of NCAA research staff in developing Academic Progress Rate and Graduation Success Rate data, points to what Lapchick calls a “huge gap between white and African-American football student-athletes.”

While it is fine for Lapchick to take a critical look at graduation rates, his assertion misses an important point: The trend is mirrored - even worsened - in the general student body.

Join the conversation.

Experience the first basketball games at Indianapolis’ new Lucas Oil Stadium

The inaugural basketball games were played on Saturday at Indianapolis’ new Lucas Oil Stadium. The games were part of The Hartford Hall of Fame Showcase, which matched Gonzaga against Indiana, and Ohio State versus Notre Dame.

The Double-A Zone attended Saturday’s games, and got a first-hand look at the new stadium.