Digital Commons Network^™

Archival Research Project: History Of Suny Cortland Varsity Sports, 1950-2024, Maria Deraco, Ashley Schappi

Transformations: Presentation Slides

Students in History and Philosophy of Physical Education and Sport classes conducted archival research to compile a history of varsity sports at SUNY Cortland from 1950-2024. Student groups of three to four chose their topic from a list prepared by professor Nancy Kane. Working with the Cortland Memorial Library Archivist Brian Jirout and Cortland Sport Information Director Fran Elia, students created a spiral-bound collection of research papers detailing sports, facilities, and funders who have made the Cortland Varsity Sports program a SUNY success story. The project was begun and completed during the fall semester of 2024. Students met with the …

Minimizing Uncovered Triples: An Integer Programming Approach To College Football Conference Scheduling, Caleb Mallett

Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Collegiate football teams often compete in groups of 8-20 teams known as conferences. One such conference, the Atlantic Coastal Conference (ACC), added three new schools for the 2024-25 season, bringing their total to 17 teams. Currently, each ACC team plays eight games against others within the ACC. At the season’s conclusion, the two ACC teams with the best intraconference record compete in a conference championship game. With 17 total teams each playing eight games, the ACC could have a three-way tie for the best record where none of top the three teams play one another. To avoid this situation, we …

Mls Revenue Project, Anthony Joseph Chavoya

Whittier Scholars Program

MLS soccer teams are viewed as successful franchises based on their yearly revenue profits and the quality of players they acquire to be on their teams. Top standings and having winning results do help teams to drive revenue within an organization. However, there are other external variables that play an important part in how successful a team is within MLS. These external factors can be the quality of sponsors, stadium location and design, advertising in communities, and player interactions with their fans. This research project takes into consideration what the top three MLS teams are excelling in than the bottom …

Changing The Game: Examining The Impacts Of Name, Image, And Likeness Legislation On Dominance Within Ncaa Division 1 Men’S Basketball, Jaclyn Noel Lawrence

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

On July 1, 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) implemented a policy change allowing collegiate athletes to benefit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), enabling them to earn additional income through partnerships without penalty. This shift sparked widespread debate regarding its potential impact on competitive balance and dominance within college athletics—a principle the NCAA has long cited in defense of its amateurism model. Controlling for player, coach, and institutional characteristics, this study estimates a comprehensive model to assess the relationship between the presence of NIL opportunities and team success. We found no evidence that NIL alone has significantly …

From The Bleachers To The Browser: Redefining Fan Experience With Ar And Ai In Smaller Teams, Jennifer Lee Wunder

Theses

This project documents the creation and deployment of HootyHoo, an interactive augmented reality (AR) mascot experience designed for the O’Fallon Hoots, a small-scale collegiate summer baseball team. Built using accessible, open-source tools such as WebXR, Mixamo, Meshy, Botpress, Claude and ChatGPT, this prototype merges AI-driven conversation with animated 3D avatar interaction—redefining how fans engage with sports organizations digitally. Unlike enterprise-level applications used by professional franchises, HootyHoo is entirely browser-based, eliminating the need for app downloads and ensuring maximum accessibility for families and new fans with smartphones. The experience centers on Hooty, the team mascot, who answers questions about baseball and …

Computer Vision In Soccer: Yolov11 Analytics Engine For Quantifying Game Strategy, Connor S. Maurer

Data Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Single-shot object detection capabilities significantly reduce computational overhead for real-time computer vision in sports analytics at 60 FPS. YOLO11’s lightweight CNN gives promising accuracy while meeting the low-latency demand of dynamic soccer matches. As data-driven approaches take over the sport of soccer, efficient player tracking systems become critical for informing coach’s strategies. I prototype the ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) process of data collected from a single- shot detection program and evaluate its viability for estimating player fatigue. YOLO11 detects players, the ball, and other characteristics, with the output transformed by homography to estimate the positions in the real world. These …

...Of Cabbages And Kings, Spring 2025, Emeriti Society, University Of The Pacific

Emeriti Newsletter: "...Of Cabbages and Kings"

"...Of Cabbages and Kings" is the newsletter of the University of the Pacific Emeriti Society. Read more about the Emeriti Society of Pacific by clicking here.

An Analysis Of Liv Golf: Examining The Ethical And International Relations Issues Associated With Saudi Arabia’S Sportswashing Project, George Gilbertson, Tyler Sasser

Undergraduate Research (Journal)

LIV Golf (LIV) shocked the world with its emergence in 2022. This project explores the impact that LIV has had on the sport, as well as the broader societal implications of the new Saudi Arabian backed golf league. First, an analysis of how LIV is changing golf at the professional level is conducted, concluding that LIV is creating positive change due to the elevated compensation for athletes and increased attention on golf’s biggest tournaments. Following this discussion, the geopolitical impacts, as well as the ethical issues, tied to LIV are examined. Since LIV poses little to no threat to international …

The Straining Effect Of House V Ncaa On College Athletics Departments, Sullivan W. Scott

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis examines the implications of the House v. NCAA ruling on collegiate athletic departments, particularly in light of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation and the NCAA's new revenue-sharing model. Through analysis of programs like Tennessee, Arkansas, and Auburn, this research reveals how schools are attempting to rethink revenue strategies, leveraging corporate partnerships, subscription models, and donor collectives to remain competitive. It also highlights disparities between Power 4 programs and smaller Division I schools, raising concerns over widening resource gaps, Title IX compliance, and roster reductions. Ultimately, this study concludes that while NIL reforms address athlete equity, they also …

Rigged Or Random? How Angry Bettors, Game Fixing, And Controversy Affect The Integrity Of The Sports World, Ryan S. Bostik

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper explores how the legalization of sports betting has fueled fan outrage, athlete harassment, and mistrust in professional and collegiate athletics. It explores the psychology of sports gamblers, the role of social media and online betting, and recent scandals in the sports world. It also highlights the measures being taken by the NCAA, government, and professional sports leagues to protect athletes and maintain integrity. This paper ultimately questions whether true integrity can be maintained in a sports world increasingly influenced by gambling.

Corporate Partnerships: The Heartbeat Of An Organization, Turner J. Symancyk

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

A deep-dive into the world of Corporate Partnerships for large sporting events. This thesis includes day-to-day responsibilities and takeaways from a ten-week internship with the 2024 Men's Basketball Final Four event.

Sports Betting, The Gateway Drug To A Gambling Addiction: A Study Of The Implications Of Sports Gambling On Societal Well-Being And Its Effects On The Younger Generation, Ellison Lewis

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction

It is everywhere you turn. In recent years we have seen unprecedented growth in the advertising, activities, and addiction of gambling. To put it into perspective “the AGA reported that total revenue from land-based casino games, sports betting and iGaming reached $66.52 billion for the calendar year, a 10% gain from the previous record set in 2022.” Of that, $10.92 billion came from sports betting specifically which was a 44.5% increase from the prior year (Reynolds, 2024). Factors contributing to the rise include the increase in gambling advertisements, the legalization of sports betting, and the removal of environmental barriers …

Identifying Trends Among University Club Athletes, Emma M. Griffin, Laura Jean Burton

Honors Scholar Theses

This study explores the factors influencing students’ decisions to join and remain involved in club sports at the University of Connecticut. Drawing on survey data and in-depth interviews with current club sport athletes, the research investigates how demographic, socioeconomic, and personal background variables such as prior sport involvement, academic motivations, and social aspirations shape patterns of participation. Findings suggest that students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds and those with significant competitive youth sport involvement comprise most club sport athletes, often citing a desire for balance, community, and stress relief as key motivators to joining. These results align with prior literature on …

The Impact Of Social Media On Fan Engagement In College Sports: A Focus On Student Fan Interaction, Lindzy K. Cortés

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

In the digital age, social media has become an essential tool for shaping how college students interact with their university sports teams. This study explores the role of social media in influencing student fan engagement at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), with a focus on perceptions, behaviors, and platform preferences. Using a mixed-methods approach, data was collected through a campus-wide survey (n=122) and ten in-depth interviews with student fans and athletes. Results indicate that Instagram and TikTok are the most effective platforms for capturing student attention, particularly when content includes behind-the-scenes access, humor, and player-led storytelling. Students who …

The Value Of Occupational Therapy In Designing Accessible And Inclusive Sports Programs, Brianna Mccollum

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

This capstone project focuses on promoting inclusive and accessible sports opportunities for children with disabilities through the development of two resources: a youth baseball implementation manual and an after-school program planning resource, both utilizing an occupational therapy design. Existing literature indicates a strong benefit for children with disabilities to participate in inclusive programing, including fostering social inclusion, increasing self-confidence, and enhancing overall wellbeing. Despite these benefits, many communities still lack access to such programs. Costs, accessibility, and staff training significantly impact the successful implementation and sustainability of these programs, as limited funding, lack of inclusive design, and insufficient staff training …

Administrator Reflections On Youth Sport Programming: Moving Forward After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Alysha Matthews, Meredith Wekesser, Karl Erickson, Scott Pierce, Adam L. Kelly

Journal of Youth Development

AbstractYouth sport has been a context where positive youth development (PYD) can be promoted (Fraser-Thomas et al., 2005). However, for youth sport to effectively foster PYD, all adult leaders need to understand and invest in the approach. The youth sport context is a large system that encompasses multiple stakeholders across the developmental lifespan of athletes (Dorsch et al., 2022). Much of PYD research reflects the contributions of parents and coaches (e.g., Harwood et al., 2019; Vella et al., 2011), yet often overlooked is the administrator role in PYD. Administrators are tasked with communicating and reinforcing organizational missions across stakeholders for …

Exploring The Status Of Women In Collegiate Sports Leadership Positions: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Danielle Tucker

Education Doctoral

Despite an active legislation that mandates impartiality on the basis of sex under any educational program, many schools still have discriminatory policies (Fabrikant, 2018). Many times, the policies benefit the dominance of men as coaches and athletic administrators, which displays an unequal representation on the leadership side of college sports (Belkoff, 2020). The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the status of women in collegiate sports leadership positions within an athletic program in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division I level. Through interviews with six to 10 women who were women executive leaders currently …

Strength Over Specificity: Building The Athlete, Not The Skill In Strength And Conditioning, Jack E R Krueger

Leadership Education Capstones

This mixed-methods study explored how athletes, sport coaches, and strength and conditioning coaches perceive the role of general strength training versus sport-specific training in athletic performance. The research was guided by two questions: (1) To what extent can foundational strength and power gains achieved in the weight room influence sport-specific skills? and (2) How do key stakeholders perceive the benefits of general strength versus sport-specific training in the context of sport performance? Data were collected through an anonymous online survey distributed via the Strength Coach Job Network Discord server, Instagram stories, and word of mouth. The final sample consisted of …

Recreational Runner Participation: Barriers, Benefits, And Best Foot Forward In Josephine County, Adam Boothe

Leadership Education Capstones

Running, a simple yet powerful activity, has the potential to significantly enhance physical and mental well-being. While many individuals in Josephine County enjoy running as a recreational pursuit, a cohesive running community remains absent. This research aims to delve into the factors hindering the formation of such a community and explore the potential benefits of participating in a recreational running club.

The Coping Strategies Of Collegiate Football Student-Athletes With Mental Health, James Williams

Leadership Education Capstones

This study explores the mental health challenges faced by Division II collegiate football players, their coping mechanisms, and the adequacy of institutional resources. Through qualitative interviews with student-athletes, the research examines their experiences, stress levels, and perceptions of support systems. Findings indicate that anxiety, stress, and performance pressure are prevalent among players, with 58.3% reporting anxiety symptoms and 50% experiencing football-related stress. Despite 91.7% of respondents being aware of campus mental health services, comfort levels in discussing mental health remain moderate, and coaching support is perceived as only somewhat effective. The results highlight that while individual coping strategies exist, psychological …

Aspiring Leaders And Future Visions About Leadership Communications, Conner Haggerty, Dylan A. Sawicki, Jared Gerke, John Langan, Kaitlyn Mj Calabrese, Kyle Borske, Mattie Schimenz, Barbara Holmes

Leadership Education Books

The spring 2025 Leadership Education LDRS 615 graduate course student writing project focuses on the leadership communications and the future. Graduate students enrolled in this class chose as a topic: Aspiring Leaders and Future Visions about Leadership Communications. Interest in this topic emerges from discussions regarding the new digital tools and mediums implemented in the 21st century.

Upon completion of the Organizational Leaders program, new leaders will add voice and expertise to creating new visions for the workplaces of tomorrow. These graduate students point out that the future is here and the requirement to send clear communications to others remains …

Comparative Analysis Of Regression And Random Forest Models For Player Performance Prediction In The Mls, Joshua Clement Madeti

Senior Honors Theses

Advanced technology and analytics have transformed the world and have benefited several industries throughout, the sport industry being one of them. Data is constantly generated during sports and requires post-game or post-season analysis which is crucial to team and player success. In this paper, the researcher will focus on the impact of analytics on soccer and soccer players. With over three billion active fans, soccer is the most famous sport in the world yet, when it comes to analytics, it is lagging. The thesis includes a comparative study of multiple linear regression and random forest regression to explore whether these …

Health Information Seeking Behaviors And Consumer Reponse To Scope Of Practice Expansion, Benjamin Kim

Economics Honors Theses

This paper leverages state level variation in scope of practice (SOP) regulation to identify the effect of expanded SOP on healthcare consumer interest. Focusing on google trends search intensity as a proxy for consumer interest this paper utilizes a two-way fixed effects model to estimate the consumer response to healthcare policy. Further I utilize an event study framework to detect a treatment effect of SOP. I find no statistical evidence of an effect of SOP on search intensity utilizing the event study framework. The two-way fixed effects model indicates a positive effect of SOP on consumer interest without controls but …

Aiming High: A Narrative Inquiry Of Christian Music Educators’ Higher Purpose, William E. Rhoden Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Educators in the United States may question music education’s higher purpose, considering high-stakes testing and an emphasis on non-musical subjects. This qualitative narrative study examines three American protestant Christian music educators’ perceptions of music education’s higher purpose and compares them to Martin Luther’s (1483-1546) writings. The researcher conducted interviews with three participants to record the story of how they developed their higher purpose for music education. The data was tabulated and coded for thematic analysis. This study supports a Christian defense of continued music education in America’s schools, distinguishes modern Christian perspectives, and offers a fresh understanding of the historical …

Optimizing Parasport: A Comparative Study On Experience And Perception Variance Across Practiced Models, Aidan Crawford

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Organizations that provide sport for people with disabilities (referred to as parasport) have evolved significantly over the past century, with various models shaping the experiences of athletes with disabilities. Previous research examining parasport has mainly looked at participation barriers and individual outcomes of physical health or psychological well-being; however, little research has examined how different organizational models of parasport influence athlete experiences and perceptions. The purpose of this study is to examine three distinct models of parasport--mixed participant approach (MPA), segregated disability sport (SDS), and adaptive sports (AS)-- to assess their potential in providing equitable, enjoyable, and health-promoting experiences for …

Comparing Crawling Development In Children With Limb Loss/Limb Difference To Typically Developing Children, Larissa Brehm, Analise Oliver, Maya Tulchinsky, Diana Mansouri, Mark Daniel Geil

Symposium of Student Scholars

The CDC removed crawling as a milestone for children developing as of 2022[1], due to insufficient data and definitions. The purpose of this study was to collect data using a pressure mat and quadrupedal gait software on infant crawling patterns in children with limb loss or limb difference (LLD) and typically developing (TD) children in order to understand both how children with LLD crawl, and which parameters detect differences. The data collected was then converted into measurable outcomes such as cadence, velocity, weight distribution, and stance support.

The long-term objective of this study is to understand the quantitative parameters that …

Effect Of Volume On Pacing During High Intensity Functional Training, Haja Kabba, Caralynn Doese, James Henley, Kristyn Mcgeehan, Wil King, Gerald Mangine

Symposium of Student Scholars

Each high-intensity functional training (HIFT) workout may vary its structural design, incorporate different exercises, and prescribe different intensities and volumes. This creates infinite possible combinations, and with so many dynamic factors, it is unclear how each change alters how one completes a workout. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of altering volume only on HIFT pacing. Ten men and nine women (27.0 ± 7.6 yrs, 173 ± 8 cm, 79.3 ± 11.0 kg) with ≥6 months of HIFT experience completed two experimental workouts that differed in volume. Participants completed five rounds of power cleans (men: 52.2 …

Ua12/2/2 Talisman: Connection, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Spring 2025 Talisman:

• Alali, Cecilia & Ragan Harrington. Connection
• Hardesty, Emma. On a Roll – Dungeons & Dragons
• Muscutt, Carson. Grinding Through Life – Molotov Skateshop
• Cox, Kate. Stopwatch
• Harrington, Ragan. 1 Campus, 7 Strangers – Logan Hesse, Nicholas Basile, Spencer Winterbottom, Alliyah Jones, Alex Gehring, Annie McClurg, Rowan Finley
• Vickers, Abigail. Forged in Combat – Mixed Martial Arts
• Wood-Morris, Oli. Survivors to Neighbors – Bosnian Refugees
• Jordan, Shylin. Severed Roots
• Bivens, Emily. Behind the Screen – Social Media
• Dean, Clarissa. Shear Talent – Shake Rag Barbershop
• Sutton, Avery. For the Love of the Old – Thrift Shopping
• Phelps, Maggie. …

Cuju: The Ancient Chinese Game That Held An Empire Together, Enzo H. Smith

Young Historians Conference

This paper explores how cuju, an ancient sport known as the predecessor of modern football, evolved from the Han to Song dynasties (206 BCE–1368 CE) as a unifying force in imperial China. Calling upon primary sources such as ancient cuju manuals and various art pieces suggests this sport's importance went beyond a leisurely practice. Using academic journals about Chinese history and the development of cuju from different academic fields and, most notably, the FIFA museum’s online exhibit of cuju, the reason cuju had such a strong place of value in Chinese society was apparent. Beginning as a combat exercise in …

The Utah Statesman, April 28, 2025, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.