NCAA

The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) is the world's largest volunteer collegiate association, comprised of 1,200 institutions, organizations, conferences, and individuals. Formed on March 31, 1906, it is currently under the leadership of Myles Brand and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The NCAA gives out a total of 88 awards annually: 44 of those (and the majority) being for women, 41 for men, and 3 for Skiing, Fencing, and Rifle in which women and men compete together.

In 1973, the NCAA introduced Division I, II, and III into the mix, with Division I consisting of the larger schools such as Clemson and UConn, and Division II and III consisting of smaller schools such as Winona State and Calvin. Football saw further Division I classifications in 1978, with the addition of I-A and I-AA. Division I and II schools are given the option to offer scholarships for students playing an athletic sport, but Division III schools are excluded from this right. Today, Division I has a total of 33 conferences (dividing the teams into regions or sections), 3 FCS Football-only conferences, 7 hockey only conferences, and 5 international/foreign equivilent associations to its credit.

For Basketball, the winning trophies are similar to those of the Olympics in terms of color: gold for the winner, silver for the runner-up, and so forth, though in the 90's and onward, the Championship trophy differs from the Regional and National trophies in that it has a crystal basketball and neck, with a black marble base.

But there's more than trophies to be won at the games. Each one has a different award waiting to be given to those who have really earned it. They are:

The Theodore Roosevelt Award – The highest honor presented to students who are a varsity-letter winner in college and is a distinguished citizen of national reputation and outstanding accomplishment. The Top VII Awards – Given to 8 outstanding senior student-athletes of the preceding calendar year Silver Anniversary Awards – Recognizes up to 6 distinguished former students on their 25th anniversary of graduation Award of Valor - Based on heroic action occurring in the academic year preceding the Honors Celebration. It is not, however, given annually. Inspiration Award – Based on inspiration occurring before the Honors Celebration. Also does not occur on an annual basis. NCAA Awards

ESPN currently holds the most televised media rights to the NCAA with a standing of 67 championships. CBS comes in second at 21. CBS is most prominent for men's basketball, while ESPN has rights to most other sports and divisions. In radio, Westwood One holds all exclusive broadcasting rights to both men and women's Final Four and Men's College Baseball. Those with an internet connection can watch games for free on NCAA or ESPN's websites respectively.

Created by: HeatherAkena