March Madness receives the 5 Questions
Posted by tom | Mar 24, 2009I enjoyed applying Andy Crouch's Five Questions to March Madness. I have more to say, but it's time to make a campus run. If you have interest in the topic, below's one of my responses ... to read more of my thoughts and to take part in the conversation, visit http://www.culture-making.com/five_questions/.
5. What new culture is created in response?
The winner of the title receives the glory, but so do the other teams which participate. As mentioned by Carl Holmes, certain teams come in with an advantage. As teams win more and more they grow in their ability not only to recruit for, but also to invest in their atheletic programs.* The money comes from alumni, sale of merchandise, and increased earnings from the tournament itself (individual schools and conferences).
The recent concern regarding athletics and academics has appeared to increase the graduation rates, but there is much work to be done in this area, http://www.tidesport.org/Grad%20Rates/2009_Mens_Bball_PR.pdf
But for one who enjoys the game and watching it in community, there is still something about the shared legends, stories of victory, shaping of dynasties/stars ... March Madness history, http://ncaahistory.com/
*George Mason claims overall admissions spike after ‘06 Final Four run.
