Sports Studies Commons^™

Rapid Weight Regain Is Not Linked To Success In Professional Ufc Fighters During Competition, Antonella V. Schwarz, Peter J. Byers, Lauren Stern, Gabriel J. Sanders, Tobin Silver, Jose Antonio, Corey Peacock

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Although previous research has explored rapid weight loss (RWL) and rapid weight regain (RWRG) of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes, there is a lack of research analyzing this in fighters for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). There is also a lack of literature analyzing how RWRG in MMA athletes affects performance outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare official versus fight-night weigh-ins and whether the percentage change influenced winning or losing records in UFC athletes. Methods: Twenty-four official and fight-night weights were obtained utilizing the commission-calibrated scale. Paired Samples T-Tests were utilized to determine if official …

High School Sport Specialization Associated With Missing Time With Friends And Frequent Travel, Madison N. Renner, Kevin M. Biese, Eric G. Post, Mayrena I. Hernandez, Emily C. Srygler, Stephanie N. Adler, David R. Bell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Physical consequences of youth sport specialization have been established, yet the psychosocial demands remain largely unexplored. Hypothesis: Missing time with friends due to sport demands and frequent out-of-state travel is associated with sport specialization classification for each high school grade, and this association remains after stratifying for gender and sport level. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: Six hundred sixty-eight (349 female) Division I and club sport athletes from a large midwestern university completed a retrospective survey assessing sport specialization classification and the travel and social demands of sport participation for each high school grade. To measure the social and travel …

Ua80/1 Meeting Minutes, W Club

University Organizations

Minutes of the January 2025 W Club Board of Directors meeting.

A Comparative Study Of Leadership Styles Of U.S. Olympic Swimming Head Coaches, Stephanie Barnes

Masters Theses

The role of leadership is paramount in successful sport coaching. The current study explored the realm of coaching in swimming to gain a deeper understanding of the unique and diverse leadership styles of U.S. Olympic Head Swimming Coaches. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological research design using a case study approach with two specific cases. Purposeful sampling was utilized to investigate two former U.S. Olympic Head Swimming Coaches with a combined 80 years of elite professional swim coach experience. Through semi-structured interviews and detailed questions, meaningful insight was gained into coaching practices, athlete interactions, and self-perceived effectiveness. Data analysis utilizing …

The Likelihood Of Sport Fans Selecting A Team To Follow Based On Uniform Color, Frederick G. Grieve, Daniel L. Wann, Logan M. Grieve, Jordan M. Pearsall

Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the relationship between color and supporting sport teams. Some reasons why individuals support teams are team identification, need to belong, and the minimal group paradigm. Participants in this study (final sample N = 131) completed a questionnaire packet to assess their selection of teams because of uniform color. Participants provided their favorite team and demographics, then completed the SSIS, SFQ, vignette, and TAS. Results from the current study indicated that some participants selected a team based on color. Those who did select a team based on color reported that they would …

Juegos Panamericanos Y Parapanamericanos 2023. Estudios Sobre El Impacto Social, Turismo, Voluntariado, Y Equilibrio De Género, Gonzalo A. Bravo, Daniel Duclos-Bastías, Jorge Silva-Bórquez, Jose María López-Gullón, Jose Miguel Vegara-Ferri, Salvador Angosto-Sánchez, Melissa L. Roco-Olivares, Patricio A. Rubilar-Arancibia, David Gallegos-Meza, Natasha Santos-Lise

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

During the Santiago 2023 Pan American and Parapan American Games, held between October and November of 2023 in Santiago, Chile, six researchers from universities in the United States, Spain and Chile, conducted data collection for four research studies. These studies focused on: (1) the Games’ social impact on residents; (2) tourist profiles and their evaluations of the event; (3) volunteer motivations, empowerment, satisfaction, and future intentions; and (4) progress toward gender equity in Pan American sport organizations. Over 13,000 responses were collected. Findings on social impact showed improved public perception, enhanced infrastructure, a better city image, and a stronger sense …

The Functional Fitness Of The Community Dwelling Older Adults In Shan Dong Of Mainland China In Comparison With The Population In Hong Kong, Zongtao Li, Yu Teng, Huigang Wang, Hao Liu, Lei Zhao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Purpose: To compare the functional fitness (FF) of the community dwelling older adults in Shan Dong (SD) of mainland China with their peers in Hong Kong (HK). Methods: 1887 older adults living in SD were measured with Senior Fitness Test (SFT) One sample T test was used to determine the age grooup difference in each FF component between the population of SD and HK. Results: Compared with their HK peers, SD older adults showed higher performance in the task of 30s arm curl, but lower abilities in 30s chair stand, back scratch, chair sit & reach, and 8 ft …

Students' Perceived Value And Emotions In Turkish Physical Education: Testing Moderation By Gender And Sports Involvement, Mehmet Ceylan, Kelly L. Simonton

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Physical Education (PE) has been recognized as a key element in developing student enjoyment for physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits. Student emotions may dictate learning and motivation, but less is known regarding the perceptions of value and control that shape these emotions. Specifically, within certain K-12 PE national curriculums and cultures, the goals and objectives of PE, along with its emphasis on physical activity and sport, may influence the emotional response of students and their perceived value of PE. If students feel a lack of value, negative emotions, and marginalized by the content then it is unlikely their experiences …

How Agency From Precollege Experiences Empowers Black Student-Athletes To Succeed And Find Belonging At Pwis: A Phenomenological Study, Deborah V. Hogan

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

In the ever-changing college football landscape, Division I (DI) student-athletes seek to maximize their athletic and financial potential while navigating the academic and social challenges of college life. For Black student-athletes (BSAs) at predominantly White institutions (PWIs), the campus racial climate shapes their college experience and sense of belonging. The current phenomenological study explores how DI Black football student-athletes (BFSAs) use agency from precollege experiences to navigate racial climates and find belonging at PWIs. Using Critical Race Theory (CRT) and sense of belonging frameworks, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 former BFSAs from DI PWIs. The study revealed three main …

Ua19/16/5/13 Athletic Media Relations - Baseball Film/Video/Audio File, Wku Archives

WKU Archives Collection Inventories

Film, and video of WKU baseball games.

Ua94/6 Coach Bill Powell Tribute, Wku Archives

Student/Alumni Personal Papers

Alumni tributes to WKU swimming coach Bill Powell.

Ua19/16/5/16 Athletic Media Relations - Volleyball Film/Ideo/Audio File, Wku Archives

WKU Archives Collection Inventories

Video of WKU volleyball games.

Ua19/16/1/1 2025 Hilltopper Baseball Media Guide, Wku Athletic Media Relations

WKU Administration Documents

2025 baseball media guide produced by WKU Athletic Media Relations, includes athletic records and statistics, photographs, schedule and information regarding opponents.

The Legend Of Taylor Heinicke: An Autoethnography Of Unexpected, Passionate Fandom, Brendan O'Hallarn

Communication & Theatre Arts Faculty Publications

Passionate fandom is not a novel phenomenon in the field of sport. The fervor of fans builds stadiums and has allowed the sport industry to grow exponentially in the past few decades. Scholars have examined the passionate fan through many theoretical lenses, but comparatively little scholarship has looked at sport fandom fervor from inside. An autoethnographic examination of my unexpected journey as a fan of journeyman National Football League (NFL) quarterback Taylor Heinicke demonstrates how fandom can stir passions and create rituals in sport followers. A multimedia diary of Heinicke's unexpected ascension to starting quarterback of the Washington Commanders provides …

The Effects Of The Image Attributes Of Golf Star Athletes Supported By Adult Amateur Golfers On Sports Participation Desire And Continuation Intention, Ji-Hye Yang, Ga Young Kim, Hye Jin Yang, Chulhwan Choi, Chul-Ho Bum

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

The image attributes of sports star athletes demonstrate positive effects on sports fans' psychological factors. In the context of golf, fans are also influenced by the players they support, experiencing a range of emotions. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of the image attributes of golf star athletes—supported by adult amateur golfers—on the desire for sports participation and the intention to continue. This study involved 356 adult amateur golfers in Korea (253 male, 103 female). Questionnaires were used to measure participants' perceptions of image attributes, their desire for sports participation, and their intention to continue participating in the …

A Study Of Differences In Enjoyment, Exercise Commitment, And Intention To Continue Participation Among Age Groups Of Adult Amateur Golfers, Hye Jin Yang, Ji-Hye Yang, Chulhwan Choi, Chul-Ho Bum

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Golf is one of the leisure sports that offers various benefits and has become a popular public sport with participation from people of various age groups. A total of 262 questionnaires were distributed online, with 240 valid responses collected after excluding 22 with non-responses or partial answers. The results showed statistically significant differences in enjoyment by age group, except for recognition from others. Regarding physical health, those in their 60s and above had higher mean scores than other age groups, and those in their 50s scored higher than those in their 30s. Stress relief was greater among those in their …

Examining The Socioemotional Outcomes Of Social Justice Efforts On Social Media Users: Evidence From The Nfl's Inspire Change Initiatives, Yoseph Z. Mamo, Justin Haegele, Christos Anagnostopoulos, Kwame Agyemang

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Despite the growing interest in social justice activities, there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding their impact on various stakeholders, particularly social media users. We gathered longitudinal data from the NFL's @inspirechange X (former Twitter) account, a designated social justice communication handle, between August 2019 and March 2023. During this timeframe, the account garnered 20,967 comments (including original tweets and retweets) from 11,481 distinct users, but our analysis focused on 5851 comments deemed usable from 3632 unique users. Drawing on the social exchange theory, sentiment analysis, and thematic analysis, this study examines social media users' sentiments toward the NFL's …

Goal Setting In Sleep And Nutrition To Improve Perceived Performance In Active College Students, Cameron F. Timmons

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This study looked at goal setting in sleep and nutrition on healthy active college students aimed to improve their perceived performance, resting metabolic rate, body composition, and overall well-being. The six-week-long intervention had two groups: a control (n=5) and intervention group (n=6). Both groups received an initial coaching session and guidance for self-motivated online goal setting, completed weekly check-ins asking about their sleep and nutrition quality and quantity, and perceived performance, then they would set small goals aimed at improving their sleep and nutrition. The control group set their own goals every week with their online weekly check-ins, and the …

The Impact Of Guided Goal Setting On Mood And Exercise Performance In College-Age Active Individuals, Payton R. Heaney

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Mental health challenges are common in college students and student athletes, yet finding accessible and effective methods to improve mood and mood disorders remains under-researched. Mood is closely related to perceived performance, making mood improvements even more important for active college individuals. This study examined whether guided goal setting and health coaching could significantly improve mood as well as perceived performance. Sleep and nutrition were targeted as key factors due to their well-researched connection to mood. Participants of this study were 25 healthy active college individuals aged 18-35. The sports and activities represented in this study were a mix of …

The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On College Sport Communications, Will Barnhart

Masters Theses

As Artificial Intelligence technology (AI) becomes increasingly accessible, the importance of understanding its impact on peoples’ work lives is also increasing. One field that has received very little attention in relation to this subject is college sport communications. Prior research has focused on AI within the closely related fields of journalism and public relations, but no previous studies have been conducted on AI and college sport communicators specifically. To address that knowledge gap, this study surveyed members of the College Sport Communicators (CSC) on their attitudes toward AI and their usage of such technology. The data analysis showed that while …

An Analysis Of Possession Outcomes Following Turnovers And Throw-Ups In Sub-Elite Gaelic Football, Kate Emma Timmons, Kieran Collins, Shane Mangan

Other resources

This study investigated possessions following turnovers and throw-ups in sub-elite Gaelic football, an area only explored at elite level. A total of 1,735 possessions from 48 championship matches involving 67 teams from the 2023 and 2024 seasons were analysed. Binary logistic regression was employed to model the key predictors of successful possessions following turnovers. Turnovers won in contact significantly increased the likelihood of a score (p=.012), while possession duration between 31–90 seconds was associated with higher scoring rates (p < . 001). Although descriptive statistics indicated that more passes led to more scores, the regression analysis revealed possession sequences of 1-10 passes were more likely to lead to successful possessions (p = .004). The first action following a turnover significantly predicted possession success. Periods of 1-90 seconds ball out of play increased scoring odds (p < .001). The findings of the current study provide novel insights into transition play and possession effectiveness in sub-elite Gaelic football, with practical implications for coaching and analysis.

Lingering Legacy: The Impact Fan Reactions Had On Media Framing In The Rossi-Marquez Rivalry, Maryann Lozowski

Honors Theses and Capstones

This study examines the influence that fan commentary has on media framing in sports journalism, especially in times of intense rivalry. The rivalry chosen for this specific study was Marc Marquez-Valentino Rossi as seen in the MotoGP championship. This research discusses the cyclical nature between the interaction of fan and media while shaping popular narratives in sport. A qualitative analysis of media headlines and fan comments was conducted comparing those found at the start of the rivalry in 2015, with reporting at its height, to that of the legacy reporting seen in the years that followed. Findings in this study …

Youth Golf Program Retention, Madison Zehr

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This study investigates the declining retention rates of students in First Tee of Tennessee, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching golf while fostering character development in children ages 4-18. First Tee, established by the World Golf Foundation in 1997, has provided golf and life skills education to over 300,000 young people nationwide. In Tennessee, the program is managed by the Tennessee Golf Foundation (TGF) and operates across five regions: Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, and the Tri-Cities. Despite its positive impact, program administrators have noted a significant retention challenge—student participation decreases by 50% each season.

To understand the causes behind this …

The Relationship Between Nutrition Knowledge And Dietary Behavior Of Student-Athletes, Kerry A. Smith, Kathleen Fritch, James Rost, Amy Jo Riggs, Juliann Sergi Mcbrayer, Monika Krah

Georgia Educational Researcher

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary behavior while controlling for academic major, year, and gender among Division III student-athletes. Sufficient nutrition is essential for athletic performance, injury reduction, and overall health. However, student-athletes face unique challenges that can disrupt optimal nutrition, including poor nutrition knowledge and access to available resources. While several studies have examined the relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary behavior, no known studies have addressed this among Division III student-athletes. This non-experimental correlational study examined dietary behavior using the Rapid Eating and Activity Assessment for Participants (REAP-S) and …

Evaluating Employee Turnover And Fundraising Metrics In Youth Sports Programming, Kennedy Wise, Russell Schwartz, Brant Simmons, Ty Wellemeyer, Janaya Summers, Robbie Matz

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This study examines key aspects of nonprofit success at First Tee, a youth development organization that teaches life skills through golf. First Tee operates five branches in Tennessee—Chattanooga, Nashville, Tri-Cities, Knoxville, and Memphis—each with varying efficiencies and costs. While previous research highlights the program’s positive impact on youth development, little is known about how employee satisfaction and fundraising strategies affect its long-term sustainability. Using a mixed-methods, concurrent design, this study incorporates semi-structured interviews with Regional Directors and key employees, alongside job satisfaction survey data from staff. These methods assessed operational effectiveness, job satisfaction, and fundraising strategies to identify opportunities for …

Psychological Impacts In Exercise Riders And Professional Jockeys Following Injury, Kelley M. Renner

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

One of the most well-known equestrian sports, horse racing, is not only a cornerstone of Kentucky’s economy, but also a vital part of its culture, with professional jockeys playing an essential role in the local communities and traditions that define the state. Despite its popularity and financial impact, mental health challenges within the sport have continually been shrouded in silence and ignored in research (Ball et al., 2007). Equally concerning is the high injury prevalence, and psychological impact of these injuries (e.g., psychological distress, depression, anxiety, loss of identity, and self-esteem (King et al., 2022; Losty et al., 2019; McConn-Palfreyman …

The Lived Experience Of Fly Fishing And Its Significance For Cultivating A Communion Of Subjects, Eric Landon Mcduffie

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Inspired by the lived fly fishing experiences encountered with my grandfather and the spiritually ecological writings of Thomas Berry, I explored how the sacred art of fly fishing connects participants with the natural world from a universal perspective given to us by Thomas Berry in The New Story. Berry described three principles that make up the entire universe: Differentiation, Subjectivity and Communion. I wanted to understand how lived fly fishing experiences fit into Berry’s three universal principles and how an individual’s lived fly fishing experience(s) cultivate(s) a “Communion of subjects.”1 Answers to these two questions informed five initial approaches to …

Sport-Related Concussions In Division Iii Athletes: A 10-Year Prospective Analysis Of Trends And Incidence, Shaylyn R. Thorne

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Sports-related concussions (SRCs) among college athletes remain a growing area of concern due to a myriad of potential short and long-term implications. Understanding concussion trends and incidence in collegiate sports is critical for guiding prevention and management strategies. This study examined concussion injuries among NCAA Division III collegiate athletes at a single institution over a 10-year period. Analyses focused on trends in concussion incidence across sports, genders, and changes associated with institutional and NCAA policy updates. Results indicated that concussion incidence varied across sports and time, with higher rates in contact sports such as football and soccer. Significant differences occurred …

The Science Of Gaelic Football Match‑Play And Recommendations For Future Research Directions: A Narrative Review, Kate Timmons, Kieran Collins, Shane Mangan

Articles

In recent years, research in Gaelic football has increased. However, the relationship between training demands and match-play demands is not fully understood and requires further investigation. Due to the stochastic nature of the sport, distances covered in match-play have a positional profile and a reduction in match-play running performance has been observed. The physiological demands of match-play at each level remain underexplored. Likewise, performance analysis is a growing area in Gaelic football, with performance indicators, such as possession, productivity, shot efficiency, and kickouts, providing valuable insights to players and coaches during and post-game. This review synthesises current literature on physical …

Grounded In Motion: Finding Calm Through Daily Stretching, Everett H. Tai

ENGS 15.11: Design and Education

This lesson targets undergraduate students, reframing stretching as an essential, evidence-based habit for long-term wellness and stress management. The lesson's primary goal is to empower students to confidently design and consistently apply a personalized routine that protects their mobility and independence. Students will master the core science, understanding that dynamic stretching may augment performance pre-exercise, while shorter static stretches can be performed without compromising muscle performance, and post-exercise stretching can reduce muscle pain perception. This lesson emphasizes proper execution, requiring students to warm up first with 5 to 10 minutes of light activity with focus on technique. This practical knowledge …