SO last night I got to thinkin'- and put pen to paper. I'm going to write to Excelsior and suggest this idea. Since they are a business I need to frame it to them in a manner that "will benefit them."
Basically... It benefits EC because A. it gives them free positive advertising.
B. Gives them an edge on recruiting (over other distance schools.) C. Helps to pair EC with traditional schools (in terms of perception.) Etc, etc.
In reality it benefits EVERYONE. It gives those who are athletically inclined the chance to absorb more of the college experience. We (those of us in Distance edu) don't do this because of limited options we do this to INCREASE options.
We are a fraternal organization of hard-chargers built upon the pillars of motivation, dedication, drive, and perseverance. Why not showcase it in other arena's?
To close with the letter I'll soon send them: I said this (true) "I was recently featured on the cover of a national magazine during a marathon wearing a white shirt. Too bad it wasn't an Excelsior shirt- it would have been free national advertising." I closed with Brian's idea of the Globes. It's absolutely perfect!
I'm going to start a thread on this topic. In a few days I'm going to copy the supportive replies and enclose them with my letter.
-Here's to collegiate athletics- Go Globes!
