The two points are related. Track& Field doesn't get scholarships because it isn't a
money sport. And it isn't a money sport because it doesn't generally draw spectators
because, for example, last chance qualifer meets are a joke that nobody comes to see.
Casual spectators want to see races not time trials. Regional meets are not perfect
but they are a step in the right direction. Tell Joe Sixpack that the top finishers in
a race qualify for nationals and the race becomes interesting. Tell him the automatic
and provisional qualifying marks with adjustments for altitude, etc. and his eyes
glaze over. Anything that puts more fans in the stands puts more pressure on the NCAA
to give track & field a fair deal.
Ed Koch
------Original Message------
From: "Michael J. Roth" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Track Listserve <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: April 13, 2001 12:25:35 AM GMT
Subject: t-and-f: NCAA regionals, etc
The Regionals system is not going to increase the performances of
athletes whatsoever. Return the scholarship numbers to what they were
in the early 80's and that will make the difference. If you look at
collegiate perfomances, esp. the disatances, the level of excellence
drops off as the scholarship allotment was withered away in favor of the
"money" sports. The more athletes that don't have to work at McD's to
make ends meet in college, the better the performances will be. It is
the same w/ the open elites as well.
MJR
