Formerly known as the Western Intercollegiate Conference, Big Ten Conference is the oldest Division I collegiate athletic conference in the country. Formed in 1896 by the Universities of Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and many more, it hosts a wide range of events across a myriad of sports.
With such a fast-paced environment, Jared Kamrass reports that there’s always a lot for fans to catch up on. Here are the latest hottest topics.
UCLA’s Move to Big Ten Is Set to Be Fantastic for Supporting Student Athletes
UCLA and USC plan to switch from the Pac-12 conference to the Big Ten, which may have unbelievably positive effects on the schools’ athletes.
Traditionalists reportedly don’t appreciate that the move will eradicate age-old rivalries between geographically close and convenient teams. However, most believe this rationale hasn’t been the case for years. Now, it’s about money, and the revenue the schools stand to acquire in moving to the Big Ten proves essential for their athletic departments.
While USC’s private school status simplifies decision-making, things are more complicated for UCLA — it’s a public institution tied to the University of California system.
That said, USC, UCLA, and other Pac-12 members aren’t impressed with media and TV revenue from the conference in recent times. So, moving to Big Ten could see media contracts give them almost $1 billion per annum.
Furthermore, the switch will ensure UCLA can offer enhanced resources to players who need them to compete at elite levels, such as specialists, tutors, support staff, virtual tutoring, and so much more.
Next Commissioner to Have Direct Experience in College Athletics
With the Big Ten Conference searching for its next commissioner, Gary Barta, the Iowa athletics director, stated he wants to see them employ somebody with direct experience in college athletics.
Barta’s comment comes after non-traditional commissioner hires by Pac-12 and the Big 12 in the past 24 months. The Big 12 hired a former entertainment agency executive, and the Pac-12 chose an MGM Resorts mogul.
While Barta isn’t the Iowa representative who will be casting the vote, he’s certainly providing feedback in the hopes they’ll make a solid decision.
Two Ohio State Women Earn Big Ten Weekly Honors
Lena Hentschel received Big Ten’s Women’s Diver of the Week, and Katherine Zenick achieved the conference’s Women’s Swimmer of the Week after a meet victory over Michigan a few weeks ago.
Ohio State obliterated the Wolverines, earning its first win against Michigan in Ann Arbor. In fact, it was also the first time they won against Michigan in two consecutive dual meets.
Zenick won the 100 fly, reaching the wall in a cut time of 53.36 and finishing third in the 40 free with a time score of 22.59. The formidable swimmer was also on the winning 400 free relay and 200 medley relay teams, proving an integral component of both.
As for Hentschel, she won the one-meter and three-meter dives, earning a total score of 353.48 and 302.40, respectively. Both of her scores ensure she qualifies for NCAA Zones.
