NSR salutes the second-tier athletes that create the foundation for more talented athletes to garner the attention and praise

The spotlight always shines on our sports stars.  This coming weekend’s Super Bowl and the hype surrounding it personifies the way Americans go about deifying those at the top.  But a closer view of the athletes in support roles at every level of athletics makes us realize that they are the ones providing the infrastructure … Read more

New NCAA rule loosens initial contact restriction for DI coaches in some sports

NCAA members could have packed their bags last Wednesday afternoon and the Association’s national conclave would have been considered a major success after just one day of meetings.  By agreeing to permit Division I coaches in designated sports* to begin making initial contact with high school juniors on September 1, a full ten months sooner than was previously allowed, college recruiting’s gatekeeper … Read more

NCAA football should commit to early signing period

We are three weeks away from the only football signing period the NCAA has for the class of 2014, February 5 through April 1.  With no fall early signing period permitted, Division I and II football programs are busy solidifying their verbal commitments, soothing nervous recruits and parents, fending off encroachments from other programs on those same … Read more

Fall high school sports are the year’s most anticipated and best

Across America high school athletes have been sweating their hearts out.  For weeks now, they have been humping it in pre-season conditioning workouts, drills, practices and scrimmages in anticipation of what historically is the most exciting time for prep athletics – fall sports.  With last year’s seniors graduated, as fans our spirits are renewed by the upcoming group.  … Read more