Digital Commons Network^™

Flipping Commitments - Exploring Factors Behind College Football Recruiting De-Commitments, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

While recruiting de-commitments are widely reported in the media, there is little scholarly research on their causes and implications. This study will help fill that gap by analyzing the factors influencing de-commitments in Power Four football.

From Snacks To Seats - Examining The Influence Of Concessions On Return Attendance For Liberty University Hockey, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study will explore the correlation between attendees’ levels of satisfaction with concessions at Liberty University men’s club sports D1 hockey games and their return attendance at future games. The insights derived from this research will inform collegiate hockey programs’ event concessions and attendance practices.

From Tradition To Transaction - The Role Of Nil In Shaping College Football Recruiting Culture, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study assesses how current changing rules with NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and revenue sharing are impacting the recruiting world—specifically how they influence prospective NCAA Division I football student-athlete decision-making. The topic is timely and ethical, addressing how recruiting strategies and athlete priorities are shifting due to evolving NCAA policies. It has drawn attention from fans, staff, and athletes, and even reached the Supreme Court, making it a relevant and impactful area of inquiry.

Leadership, Culture, And Sustained Success - Comparative Case On Belichick's Patriots And Reid's Chiefs, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study examines how transformational leadership and organizational culture contribute to long-term success in the NFL, focusing on two exceptional franchises: the New England Patriots under Bill Belichick and the Kansas City Chiefs under Andy Reid. By using the Multi-Factor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI), the research analyzes leadership behaviors and cultural values through player interviews, press conferences, NFL Films, and archival data. The rationale is to understand how leadership and culture—not just talent or tactics—drive sustained excellence in professional sports, offering insights applicable to both sports and non-sports organizations.

Nil And Gender Equality In Division 1 Athletics - Intergrating Institutional Support, Marketplace Dynamics, And Athlete Earnings, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study explores gender-based disparities in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities within Division I athletics, focusing on differences in institutional support and funding. The rationale highlights the unequal distribution of NIL earnings between male and female athletes and the need for more equitable access. By examining both quantitative earnings data and qualitative athlete perceptions, the study aims to promote fairer NIL practices across collegiate sports.

Private Equity And Llc Models In College Athletics - Emerging Revenue Strategies In The Power Four, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

Prompted by the University of Kentucky’s formation of a not-for-profit LLC as a revenue strategy, this study investigates the impact and future implications of LLCs and private equity in NCAA athletic departments. The rationale is rooted in the growing financial pressures and opportunities following the House settlement, with athletic directors seeking innovative ways to generate revenue. This research aims to understand how these models affect revenue generation and distribution across Power Four programs.

Social Media Behaviors & In-Person Attendance - A Mixed-Methods Study Of Small-Market Nba Teams, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study examines how social media behavior influences attendance at small-market NBA games. Social media behavior is categorized into two areas: marketing and fan engagement. The rationale stems from the inconsistency in attendance among small-market teams and the lack of research focused on these markets. Understanding how digital engagement affects live attendance can help teams refine their marketing strategies and boost ticket sales.

Social Media Marketing And Fan Engagement - A Quantitative Study Of Nba Strategies, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study investigates how different forms of social media marketing—specifically pictures, graphics, and reels—impact fan engagement in the NBA. As digital platforms increasingly replace traditional media, understanding which strategies most effectively engage fans is crucial for sports organizations. The study is grounded in existing research and uses Instagram analytics to assess engagement metrics, offering practical insights for marketing teams.

The Beauty Of Uniquity - A Regression Analysis Of Mlb Pitchers With Anomalous Arm Angles, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study examines the effect of arm angle on pitcher success and the potential for injury prevention based on arm angle. With the rise of advanced metrics like Statcast, pitcher mechanics—especially arm angle—have become key indicators of performance. The research explores how different arm angles influence pitch movement, velocity, and injury risk, suggesting that pitchers with a “low ¾ arm angle” may best balance performance and long-term arm health.

The Correlation Between Tommy John Surgery And Pitching Velocity, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study investigates the relationship between increasing fastball velocity and the rising number of Tommy John surgeries (UCL reconstructions) among Major League Baseball pitchers. The rationale is to understand whether higher pitching velocities contribute to injury risk and to equip coaches and trainers with tools to identify warning signs and prevent future injuries.

Televised Youth Sport And Athlete Well-Being - A Study Of The Little League World Series, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study analyzes the commercialization of the Little League World Series (LLWS) and its psychological effects on young athletes, including stress, identity, and enjoyment. The rationale stems from growing concerns about media pressure and public attention on children in sport. The study is ethical, feasible, and valuable for understanding how televised youth events may impact athlete well-being and development.

Event Tourism And Hotel Revenue Management - The Impact Of College Graduations On Lynchburg's Lodging Industry, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study explores the economic impact of college graduation weekends on hotel revenue in Lynchburg, Virginia. While hotels commonly adjust rates in response to seasonal demand, little research has focused on how recurring events in college towns influence revenue management practices. The project is both relevant and ethical, seeking to understand how hotels can maximize profitability during graduation weekends without engaging in price gouging. Ultimately, the findings aim to provide valuable insight into sustainable revenue management strategies for hotels in college towns.

The Shifting Landscape Of Ncaa Recruiting - Nil's Impact On Division 1 Football In Mid-Major Schools, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study examines how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies have reshaped recruiting outcomes at mid-major NCAA Division I football programs. The rationale is to understand how mid-major schools can leverage NIL opportunities to compete with Power Four institutions by building local partnerships and customized athlete branding, despite having fewer resources and less media exposure.

Traditions, Belonging, And Intent To Return - Testing Predictors Of Fan Loyalty At Liberty Football, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

This study explores how fan traditions and a sense of belonging influence long-term loyalty among Liberty University football fans. The rationale is to understand the psychological and sociological factors that drive fan engagement and return intent, which can inform marketing strategies and improve fan retention.

Sport Leadership Summit Summary, Liberty University

Sport Leadership Summit

Monday, October 27, 2025

8:45 – 9:10 a.m. – Check-In

9:15 – 11:45 a.m. – Panel Discussions

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch & Keynote

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Research: Oral Presentations

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Panel Discussions

4:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Wrap-Up

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

8:45 – 9:10 a.m. – Check-In

9:15 – 11:45 a.m. – Panel Discussions

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch & Keynote

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Research: Poster Presentations

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Panel Discussions

4:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Wrap-Up

The Echo: October 27, 2025, Taylor University

2025-2026 (Volume 113)

No abstract provided.

Games Played In The Off-Season: A Teaching Case Study On Major League Baseball Arbitration And Game Theory, Rebekah Ansbro

The COSMA Journal

Each January and February, professional baseball players with three to six years of Major League service time endure a process exclusive to Major League Baseball (MLB): arbitration. Though arbitration itself is not an unfamiliar form of dispute resolution, the structure MLB employs in contract arbitration is unlike any other industry, as it incorporates an all-or-nothing result that does not allow arbitrators to “split the pie” between parties. Because of this, teams and players are not only responsible for preparation of their own arguments and filed salary, but also for anticipation of their opponent’s filed salary. The hurdle of needing to …

The Echo: October 20, 2025, Taylor University

2025-2026 (Volume 113)

No abstract provided.

2025-10-17 Minutes Of The Executive Committee Of The Academic Senate Senate, University Of Dayton. Academic Senate. Executive Committee

ECAS Minutes

Approved minutes of a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Academic Senate of the University of Dayton.

Implementation Evaluation Of Blood Flow Restriction In The Rehabilitative Setting, Corbit Franks, Madison Wellborn, Matthew A. Chatlaong, Daphney M. Carter, William M. Miller, Matthew B. Jessee, Robert E. Davis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Blood flow restriction refers to a training/rehabilitation method consisting of an external pressure system applied to a limb to partially inhibit blood flow to the tissues. Though much research has been conducted concerning the use of blood flow restriction, there is limited research concerning why clinicians may or may not utilize it. Objective: The current qualitative study utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to investigate why clinicians may or may not implement blood flow restriction in the clinical setting. Methods: A semi-structured interview addressing twelve implementation constructs within four domains (Intervention Characteristics, Outer Setting, Inner Setting, and Characteristics …

Managing User Conflicts In A Water Aerobics Program On Behalf Of A Veteran’S Group: A Short Case Study, Hadley Blankenship, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., Jason L. Scott

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This article captures an experience in conflict management that happened during the summer of 2024 as a recreational therapy intern with an adaptive sport and recreation organization located in the Southeastern United States. The backdrop to the case is that a recreational therapy intern worked with various special needs populations – mainly with paraplegic (adult and youth) athletes and veterans. In many organizations, user conflicts and poor communication regarding service provision and scheduling hinder the implementation of programs for special populations, such as veteran groups. In this case, a problem occurred with the scheduling of a water aerobics program for …

Diversity In Aquatics:4th Special Issue, Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D., Angela K. Beale-Tawfeeq, Steven N. Waller Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The theme of this special issue is “Building a Community of Champions.” The purpose of this theme is to highlight and promote a civic engagement perspective that engages, advocates, and supports communities of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) in addressing the national, regional, and local evolving health-related issue of drowning. Aquatic Settings have been a pivotal focal point of social justice, water safety, and public health, not only in the past but also in our present day (Beale-Tawfeeq, Quash, et al, 2023 and Waller and Bemiller, 2023). Diversity In Aquatics (DIA) strives to positively impact the field of aquatics …

If We Tear It Down, We Might Build You A New One: The Troublesome Use Of Eminent Domain And Urban Neighborhood Swimming Pools, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., James H. Bemiller

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Public swimming pools are a vital part of America’s recreation and sport culture since the early 1900’s. Municipal swimming pools were initially built to provide recreation and hygiene to urban communities, regardless of race or class. However, a complex history of segregation, civil unrest, suburbanization, and funding challenges has resulted in a significant decline in public pools, depriving many communities of vital recreational spaces. In many communities, options for sustaining the operation of swimming pools have resulted in pool closures. Unfortunately, once swimming pools close, especially those in aging neighborhoods in central city areas, they are seldom resurrected. They quickly …

Promising Practices For Increasing The Number Of Equity-Owed Lifeguards In Canada And The United States Of America, Sofia Pantano, Audrey R. Giles

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Currently a shortage of lifeguards exists in Canada and the United States (US) (Frommer, 2023; Santucci, 2024), and those who are working as lifeguards often do not reflect the diversity of the communities they serve (Martinez, 2020). Increasing the number of lifeguards from equity-owed groups is a potential way of increasing the lifeguard workforce and decreasing the shortage of workers in these important roles, as well as a moral imperative. In this paper I explore challenges to and promising practices aimed at increasing the representation of members equity-owed groups in lifeguarding. I begin with an overview of lifeguarding in Canada …

Adopting Stuart Hall’S “Race, The Floating Signifier” As A Conceptual Framework Within Aquatic Research And Education, Kurt J. Cordice

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

During his 1997 lecture at Goldsmiths College in London, Stuart Hall, renowned for his contributions to sociology and cultural studies, offered his argument that the concept of race functions as a Floating Signifier. In this essay, Stuart Hall’s Race, the Floating Signifier is presented as a strong conceptual framework to support more accurate and effective positioning of race as an important consideration within aquatic research and education. Evidence from a range of disciplines, including historical research, is presented to establish both the importance and challenge of race within aquatic research and education. This evidence is also used to demonstrate …

Building Swimming Skills In A Community Based Program For Black Youth: An Evaluation, Tyler Lennon Md, Mph, Ashley Hayes Mph, Leonardo Barrera Mph, Amy Hill Ms, Mph, Andy Miner, Michelle Macy Md, Ms

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Black youth in the United States disproportionately experience fatal drowning at rates up to five times higher than their white peers. Eliminating these inequities requires new approaches that address historical and structural barriers of learning to swim. The objective of this study was to evaluate the three-week long swimming component of a community-based discovery program to empower Black youth in Evanston, IL. Participants were Black youth ages 8-10 years enrolled in summer 2023 and 2024. Swim skills were assessed by instructors using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Water Competence (PSPWC). Caregiver surveys, collected post-intervention, also assessed perceived changes in swim …

An Innovative Approach Addressing Childhood Drowning: Making Use Of Collegiate Aquatic Facilities And Expertise, Gennette Cordova, Natasha Lloyd, Chezik Tsunoda

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The silent epidemic of childhood drowning, and the racial disparities associated with it require scalable and innovative approaches that both break cycles of exclusion and circumvent our societal tendency to overlook drowning as a matter in need of urgent resolution. No More Under, a Seattle-based water safety organization whose mission is to eradicate childhood drowning, has launched the Swim Safely Series. The series is a national program uniquely poised to overcome the various barriers associated with racial and socioeconomic drowning disparities by tapping into underutilized collegiate aquatic spaces and merging water safety with mentorship and social intervention.

An Examination Of The Experiences Of An African American Male Diver On A Power Four Swim Team: An Elite Interview, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Despite the incremental increase in the number of Black people who are learning to swim, the number of Black divers has not kept pace. In the NCAA Database, swimmers and divers were not segmented; thus, they all appear in the category of “swimming” by race and sex. When viewing the 2024 Division I NCAA Demographics Database, 89 (.02%) of 4307 student-athletes participating in swimming were Black women. For men, the data is equally dismal, revealing that 81 (.03%) of 2,608 student-athletes who were identified as swimmers were Black. The purpose of this research note is to examine the developmental experiences …

Board Of Trustees Agenda, Oct. 10 2025, Indiana State University Board Of Trustees

Board of Trustees

No abstract provided.

The Evolving Demands And Resources Of Live Entertainment: The Development Of A Job Demands Resources Sport (Jdrs) Model, Janelle E. Wells, Cheryl E. Gray, Elizabeth A. Taylor

Department of Psychology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Utilizing the job demands resource (JDR) model, as a basis to learn and better understand the workplace experience of employees in live entertainment, we developed a model specific to sport. Through a three-stage process, the scale was measured and validated with collegiate sport employees. The first stage included subject matter experts (n = 69) openly listing job demands and resources in their workplace, then the second stage included two samples of employed graduate students (sample one: n = 101; sample two: n = 112), and finally phase three included two samples of collegiate sport employees (sample one: n = 249; …