D2.ticker Top Ten - the most clicked stories of the past week |
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#10: Colorado-Colorado Springs AD Nathan Gibson chats with The Scribe’s Adan Andrade about the process of potentially bringing new sports online for the Mountain Lions. Gibson’s steps begin with gauging student interest to ensure there is a true fit for that sport on campus. Next is figuring out the finances, as Gibson notes around half of funding comes from student fees, with the other half coming from campus funds, adding: “It’s one of the lower fees in Division II and in our conference. We’ve been intentional about making sure that our student fee isn’t high and that it’s not a burden for our students. […] Obviously we have to fund it, and we want to fund it at a high level so we can be good at it.” Other key considerations include facility needs, sport sponsorship within the RMAC, and more. (link)
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#9: A Knight Commission survey of 376 university presidents, ADs, SWAs and FARs found that a “significant majority (62%) of leaders believe Division I is headed in a negative direction. This frank assessment is most pronounced among university presidents and chancellors (80%), reflecting a concern at the highest levels of institutional leadership about the stability of college sports.” Leaders question the sustainability of the DI structure, with 62% of all respondents expressing doubt that DI remains viable as a single entity within the NCAA. This sentiment from a majority of presidents (69%) and athletics directors (55%) “may signal that the current alignment of Division I institutions is seen as increasingly unworkable,” according to the Knight Commission. Further still, respondents indicate overwhelming concern (79%), with 48% saying they are “extremely concerned,” about their athletics programs’ “future reliance on institutional funds and student fees to balance their budgets.” Full report. (link)
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#8: Regis promotes Women’s Basketball AC Jason Kohler to HC. (link) |
#7: Hillsdale and Northwood have created a new trophy that will be awarded to the winner of Saturday’s matchup, the Riepma Cup, named after former Hillsdale student-athlete and Northwood HC/AD Pat Riepma. Check out the tiered trophy topped with a leather helmet. (link)
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#6: Texas A&M-Kingsville students have approved an athletic fee increase from $20 per semester credit hour to $35, starting fall 2026 for new and transfer students. All current students will not pay the increased fee price, and the fee will be capped at 13 credit hours. The Javelinas say the new funding will support scholarships, facilities and the student experience. (link, link)
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#5: Alaska Anchorage taps Executive Director for University Advancement/former Assoc. AD Tanya Pont as Interim AD, with Men’s Basketball HC Rusty Osborne to serve as Acting Senior Assoc. AD. (link)
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#4: After a crash involving the Montana State Billings Cross Country team that injured six student-athletes, the department will temporarily pause coaches and student-athletes driving university vehicles during team trips. The Yellowjackets will use professional transportation companies while they review current travel policies. (link)
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#3: Indianapolis Women’s Soccer HC Kelli Beheler is no longer leading the program. AC Brandon Butler will serve as Interim HC. (link) |
#2: DII and DIII will stream all championship games not covered by existing ESPN or CBS media rights agreements on NCAA.com for free through a partnership with Hudl and TNT Sports. In total, the initiative will livestream over 1,200 games. Also of note, all DII and DIII championships will be promoted with the help of the NCAA Fan Database, which has more than 13M subscribers. VP of DII Terri Steeb Gronau and VP of DIII Louise McCleary: “We are excited to continue this strategic partnership to enhance the Division II and III brands by providing seamless and free access to every round of our team championships. This initiative presents a unique opportunity to highlight the extraordinary talents of our student-athletes and the rich diversity of our institutions and conferences to a broader audience. Building on the impressive viewership data from last year, we confidently anticipate a surge in audience engagement for our upcoming Division II and III championships.” (link)
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#1: The RMAC names WIAC (DIII) Commissioner Danielle Harris as its next commissioner starting December 1. Adams State President/RMAC Presidents Council Chair David Tandberg: “I am thrilled to welcome Danielle Harris as our new RMAC commissioner. She brings a wealth of experience, new ideas, and infectious enthusiasm. She won over the entire search committee and Presidents Council with her bold vision and track record of success. I would also like to express, on behalf of the Presidents Council, our sincere and deep appreciation to Lexie Vernon for her leadership as interim commissioner over the past several months. She led and managed the conference operations with professionalism and grace.” Parker Executive Search assisted with the process. (link)
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