Sports Studies Commons^™

Analysis Of The Motor Fitness And Strength Of The 1992 Through 1995 Western Michigan University Football Teams, Erick W. Schork

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the motor fitness and strength characteristics of the 1992 through 1995 Western Michigan University football teams. Specifically, performance of the class of 1995 and various playing positions were compared to the performance of the entire team over a 4-year period. Approximately 100 members of the 1992 through 1995 Western Michigan University football teams were measured on tests that determined physical strength and motor fitness ability. These tests included the bench press, squat, hang clean, 20-yard shuttle run, 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and 300-yard shuttle run. ANOVAs or chi-square tests were calculated to …

Counseling College Athletes: Career Choices Based On Motivation, Interest, Gpa, And Academic Major Among Selected Division I, Ii, And Iii Institutions, Don D. Dawson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to provide descriptive and statistical data to identify any differences in three college divisions of men's basketball and baseball student athletes as they related to career decision making in their career interest, academic major and grade point average.

Concepts of this study were originally tested by Dr. Joseph Scott Paul (1986) in his doctoral dissertation, The Intercollegiate Athlete as a Student in Higher Education: An Analysis of Career Expectations, Interests, and Academic Majors.

This study will include men's basketball and baseball student athletes at three different institutions in three different divisions. The research describes …

Proposition 48 And Proposition 42 In The Ncaa: A Social Constructionist Case Study, Kevin R. Cole

Masters Theses

The controversy surrounding the creation and implementation of two National Collegiate Athletic Association student-athlete eligibility rules, Proposition 48 and Proposition 42, was the focus of this study. The two rules required that a student's scholastic grade point average and SAT scores be factored into scholarship and athletic admissions decisions. By describing the unfolding social process respecting the creation of these two eligibility rules, this study addressed issues vital to rule creating processes in general.

The social constructionist perspective was utilized as a theoretical guide for this study, allowing for the examination of claims makers and their social claims regarding the …

A Comparison Of Personality Traits Of Female Athletes With A High Incidence Of Injury To Those With A Low Incidence Of Injury, J'Nise A. Ramsey

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant difference in the personality traits of collegiate female athletes with a high incidence of injury when compared to female athletes with a low incidence of injury. Fourteen female intercollegiate athletes completed a personal information questionnaire and Cattell's Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire during a one hour session of testing.

The mean raw scores of the two groups were analyzed to determine if they differed statistically. The mean raw scores were then converted to mean sten scores under the recommendations of Cattell. A visual depiction of the mean sten …

Prevention Of Head And Neck Injuries At The High School Level Of Football: Implementation Levels And Perceived Importance Of Established Recommendations, Jill D. Heikkila

Masters Theses

The occurrence of head and neck injury in football has prompted various authorities to outline recommendations which can be used as a guideline for the prevention of such injuries. The seven recommendations included for study in this research were classroom education of athletes, correct technique emphasis, enforcement of established rules, conditioning of neck musculature, medical coverage of events, athletic training services, and the proper fit of helmets. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether coaches of high school football programs were implementing the commonly cited recommendations for preventing head and neck injuries. In addition to levels of …

Biomechanical Analysis Of The Volleyball Overhand Floater Serve, Jian Lu

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate biomechanical factors associated with successful overhand floater serves. Specifically, the study investigated the kinematics of the server at ball-hand contact. Six subjects performed floater serves for this investigation. Subjects served three trials under each of the following conditions: (a) short and long serves and (b) three ball-valve positions at ball-hand contact. Threedimensional cinematographic methods were used to obtain the data. Descriptive statistics were utilized to compare floater and nonfloater serves with respect to distance and ball-valve position. The results showed that (a) more long serves were classified as floater compared to short …

An Interactionist Perspective On Centrality And Racial Discrimination In Professional Baseball, David S. Czurak

Masters Theses

The structuralist version of centrality has measured racial discrimination in professional baseball for the past two decades. Its reliance on positional groupings, based on location, has resulted in a count of racial occupancy at these locations, often without a comparative racial baseline. The structuralist premise has accused baseball of playing field discrimination, citing it as a black versus white issue while discounting other motivations. From a symbolic interactionist perspective, this structuralist account of centrality is flawed in that it lacked action. Nor has it correctly identified what is central to baseball, and many of its findings have been inconclusive. An …

Kinematic Analysis Of Sprinting With And Without The Speed Chute, Douglas Roy West

Masters Theses

The problem under investigation was to determine if kinematic differences existed when sprinting with and without the speed chute. Eight Western Michigan University Track and Field Athletes were filmed at 100 frames per second as they sprinted two trials with and without the speed chute.

Three ANOVAs and descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the effects of sprinting with and without the speed chute. Descriptive statistics provided information for numerous dependent variables. Although statistically significant differences (R < .05) existed between sprinting with and without the speed chute, those differences may not be practical for the coach to use in terms of evaluation of sprinting technique, because the differences would be difficult for the human eye to see. Therefore, the speed chute may be a viable training tool as kinematics were only minimally affected.

Investigation Of Past Performance And Sources Of Motivation On Team And Self-Efficacy Of Collegiate Soccer Players, Kevin P. Demers

Masters Theses

This study investigated the relationship between past performance and sources of motivation on team and self-efficacy of collegiate soccer players. The subjects of this study were 92 male collegiate soccer players who participated in MIAA competition in the fall of 1992. Data were collected from team and self-efficacy questionnaires modified for this study. A sport motivation scale from Butt's (1987) Sport Protocol was also used to collect data. The findings of this study indicated that (a) past performance is the primary variable in predicting team efficacy; (b) the coach's rating of player ability was a stronger source of self-efficacy than …

The Biomechanical Analysis Of Two Types Of Place Kicks: The Toe And Instep Kicks, Kaylynn Albers

Masters Theses

This study described the biomechanical differences between two styles of the place kick; the toe kick and instep kick. The biomechanical variables included joint angles, velocities, and displacements. Five high school age subjects kicked five trials of the toe kick and five trials of the instep kick at both 20 and 35 yards. The place kicks were filmed with a high speed camera, digitized and analyzed with peak 4.2 computer software.

The findings for joint angles were consistent with those found in the literature. The velocity for the kicking foot and the ball were lower in this study than found …

The Life And Athletic Achievements Of Thomas Dwight Eddleman, Diana Eddleman Wilson

Masters Theses

This study documents the life of Thomas Dwight Eddleman who is possibly the greatest all-around athlete in the history of Illinois. Eddleman's diversity made him legendary as a high school athlete from Centralia, Illinois, in the early 1940s, and at the University (Champaign-Urbana) where he earned eleven varsity letters in football, basketball, and track. While the paper focuses on his sports' achievements, it includes a discussion of his "early years." It continues with a commentary on his contributions to society as the Executive Director of the Fighting Illini Scholarship Fund at the University of Illinois from 1969-1993.

Comparison Of The Selection Process For International Special Olympics And Olympic Track & Field Athletes In The Great Lakes Region, Lisa M. Billman

Masters Theses

The purposes of this study were to determine if the selection process used to choose track and field athletes for the International Special Olympics Games follows the same guidelines as those of the Olympics and to determine if three groups (i.e. Special Olympics area directors, undergraduate students, and adapted physical education professionals) view the best athletic performance as the foremost criterion for advancement to Special Olympics international competition.

A four part questionnaire was developed to determine knowledge regarding the purpose of Special Olympics and attitudes of Special Olympics area directors, adapted physical education professionals, and undergraduate students regarding the selection …

Assessment Of Sex Equity In Athletics In Illinois Educational Service Center #13 Schools, Wayne C. Scarlett

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine sex equity compliance and sex equity achievement in athletic programs in grades 5-8 and 9-12 attendance centers in the eight county area served by Illinois Educational Service Center #13. Champaign, Douglas, Ford, Iroquois, Kankakee, Livingston, Piatt, and Vermilion Counties were included in the study. An 18 question survey instrument, keyed to the 1990 Illinois Sex Equity Rules, was sent to building administrators in all attendance centers in the eight county area that contained grades 5-8 and/or 9-12. The survey asked administrators to provide, by grade and gender, numerical information on student …

A Comparison Of Personality Traits Of Female Interscholastic Athletes And Female Intercollegiate Athletes Involved In Basketball And Softball, Katheryn M. Myers

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare personality traits of female high school athletes to female collegiate athletes.

Eighty female athletes participated in the study. Forty-two of them competed at the high school level and thirty-eight participated at the college level. The high school subjects came from either Arcola, Casey/Westfield, or Charleston High School. The college athletes came from either Eastern Illinois University or Illinois State University. All athletes participated in either softball or basketball.

The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire was administered to each of the subjects. Following Cattell's recommendations, raw scores were used for statistical analysis. Form A …

Communication Through Athletic History At Eastern Illinois University: 1899-1988, Michael H. Chron

Masters Theses

This study is divided into 14 chapters, with an introduction, the 12 different sports categories and the year-by-year results, and a conclusion. The sports are arranged into chapters in accordance with the scheduling of the academic year.

The method of research involved collecting and classifying source materials, and interpreting and presenting these facts and findings. This method is critical in synthesizing the development and history of intercollegiate athletics at Eastern Illinois University.

This documented data will serve as a public relations project for the athletic department as a recruiting tool for prospective athletes and coaches who contemplate coming to Eastern …

School-Centered And Individual-Centered Benefits Derived From A Selected Secondary Level Intramural Program, Glenna Kathleen Lewis

Masters Theses

An analysis of student perceptions regarding the following research questions constituted the basis of this study: (1) To what extent does an intramural program attract the lost athlete? (2) What school-centered benefits were derived from an intramural program and to what extent? (3) What individual-centered benefits were derived from an intramural program and to what extent? The North High School (NHS) Intramural Program in Downers Grove, Illinois was selected as the basis for this study. Surveys with instructions for distribution only to intramural participants were completed by freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Data revealed the lost athlete was attracted to …

A Cinematographical Analysis Of The Execution Of Three Types Of Pitches Using The Windmill Style Softball Delivery, Bonni L. Kinne

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to identify the specific kinematic and kinetic variables associated with a successful fast ball, drop ball, and rise ball using the windmill style softball delivery. The subjects chosen for the investigation were female pitchers who participated in the Women's National Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament held in Buffalo, New York from August 17, 1984 to August 24, 1984.

After analyzing the data obtained from these subjects, the investigator concluded that: (a) there is a great deal of variability between the fast ball pitching mechanics of elite windmill style softball pitchers; (b) the success of a drop …

A Study Of Students' And Teachers' Perceptions Of Eligibility For High School Athletics And Other Extracurricular Activities At Windsor High School, David Rodney Delacruz

Masters Theses

This study was conducted for the purpose of gaining insights into the present perceptions of Windsor High School students, faculty, and principals from National Trail Conference schools regarding extracurricular eligibility. To accomplish this purpose, three surveys were administered to Windsor High School students and faculty. Additionally, a separate survey was sent to other schools in the National Trail Conference. The four surveys were:

Survey I - Administered to Teachers and Students

Survey II - Administered to Teachers

Survey III - Administered to Teachers

Survey IV - Sent to Principals of National Trail Conference Schools

Of the 140 students enrolled at …

A Feasibility Study On The Inception Of A Nine-Hole, Par Three Golf Course At Eastern Illinois University, William Derek Cunningham Hilton

Masters Theses

This study was designed to determine the feasibility of installing a nine-hole, par three golf course at Eastern Illinois University. An analysis of selected feasibility factors included a population and age distribution survey for Charleston and Coles County; a topographical survey of the proposed new golf course site; an inventory of existing area golf courses; and, a demand analysis to ascertain the need for a new golf course.

Census figures were used to estimate population and age distribution trends in Charleston and Coles County. The topographical survey was comprised mainly of a soil sample analysis of the proposed site. Selected …

The History Of Boys Basketball At Oakland High School From 1958-1979, Linda Kathleen Andrews

Masters Theses

This study is an historical account of the boy’s basketball program at the school from 1958-1979, with particular attention given to the 1958-1959 season. Even though the school had participated in interscholastic basketball since 1922 the school experienced its two best winning seasons for boy’s basketball during the time period of 1958-1979.

The study consists of six chapters. Chapter 1 is an introductory chapter followed by four chapters on the coaching eras of eight of the basketball coaches at the Oakland, Illinois High School. Chapter six is a summary containing an overview of this study.

The chapters on the coaching …

Dr. John Milton Strahl: His Life And Professional Contributions To Physical Education And Athletics At Greenville College, John Andrew Holak

Masters Theses

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study was to collect and arrange information leading to a compiled history that would accurately record the life and professional contributions of Dr. John M. Strahl to physical education and athletics at Greenville College. Another intent of the thesis was to bring into focus the significant effect of one man on an institution of higher education, a national organization, and numerous students and colleagues.

Procedure: The historical method of research was used to compile the biographical information necessary to complete the study. The primary source of information was Strahl; however, extensive use …

A Survey Of Selected Illinois High School Girls’ Track And Field Programs, Sally J. Smith

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to assess the current status of the high school girls' track and field programs in Illinois. Track and field for Illinois high school girls' has been in existence for seven years and is recognized as a growing sport. Coaches throughout the state were selected to participate in the study and a questionnaire was used to gather information. Information was gathered concerning the initial organization of the girls' track and field program in each school, the percentage of male and female coaches, their educational and coaching background, teaching loads, other coaching duties, number of participants …

The History Of Basketball At Stonington High School, John Anthony Demichael

Masters Theses

The paper consists of eight chapters. Chapter 1 is an introductory chapter followed by six chapters on the coaching eras. Chapter 8 is a summary containing recommendations and problems involved with writing the thesis.

The chapters on the coaching eras are organized by coaches rather than by decades or by any certain number of years. The number of years covered in each chapter ranges from five to ten years with the exception of Chapter 7 which spans twenty-one years. No more than three coaching eras are included in each chapter. Chapter 2 includes the coaching eras of Guy Lowry (1917-1924), …

The History Of Intercollegiate Track And Field At Eastern Illinois University From 1967 Through 1976, Johnie H. Meisner

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The History Of Men's Intercollegiate Athletics At Danville Junior College, Danville, Illinois, Terry T. Hill

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Variability Of Personality Traits In College Cross Country Runners, Richard William Bowman

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of The Growth Of Organized Professional Baseball 1955-1970, Thomas E. Mcdevitt

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Life Of Dr. Maynard "Pat" O'Brien And His Professional Contributions To Eastern Illinois University In The Areas Of Physical Education And Athletics, John Melvin Craft

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Comparison Of Various Practice Methods Used In Learning To Shoot Free Throws, Stanley Joseph Tomlinson

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Survey Of Sport As An Art Form, R. Garey Hodge

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.