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SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
compiled by STEVE ULRICH
No publication covers NCAA Division III better. #whyD3

😎 G’day, Thursday.

📆 What’s Happening Today. The DIII Strategic Planning and Finance Committee meets virtually at 11 AM EDT,

🔈 What We’re Hearing. “It’s a team game and I always play for the guy next to me.” - Keystone senior DL Jayvon Swann

🎶 Your Morning Pick Me Up. Ready To Go. Republica

Top Story

1. Will Schumer Go Long For College Sports?

Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is about to step into a political minefield as the Senate takes up a college sports bill as soon as next week — with perhaps as many reasons for his caucus to oppose it as support it.

Senators return to Washington on Monday to a three-week window for legislating before they depart until November — and internal splits on both sides of the aisle are threatening passage of legislation to impose new federal rules on an industry worth tens of billions of dollars.

Schumer must decide if he wants to steer his members toward helping Republicans reach the 60-vote threshold on what could be the sweepiest bill the chamber passes before the midterms.”

» State of Play. “One Democratic Senate aide with knowledge of the negotiations believes there’s enough opposition within the party to tank the measure on the floor as a coalition of labor rights groups and the Congressional Black Caucus warn the bill is exploitative.”

» What They’re Saying. “A good number of Democratic offices aren’t eager to tick off the AFL-CIO and NAACP, screw over college athletes and deliver Trump and Senate Republicans a major political win weeks before midterms,” another Democratic Senate aide with knowledge of the negotiations said.”

» Yes, But. “Even if the bill were to eke by in the Senate, a hefty amount of opposition in both parties is bound to create an uphill battle in the House, where Majority Leader Steve Scalise has been less than enthusiastic about the package.”

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2. Hill Named NCAA Vice President of Men’s Basketball

Mike Hill has been named the vice president of men’s basketball for the NCAA, where he will oversee the Division I, II and III Men’s Basketball Championships, as well as the National Invitation Tournament. Hill will replace JoAn Scott, who retired last week after working at the NCAA since 2013. Hill will report to Dan Gavitt, the NCAA’s senior vice president of basketball.

Hill will serve as a primary liaison to the Division I Men’s Basketball Committee in managing the business and selection, seeding and bracketing process of the Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. He will also be a primary liaison to the Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee, which governs and oversees men’s basketball playing and practice seasons, playing rules, and legislation/policies to ensure fair competition and enhance the student-athlete experience.”

» What They’re Saying. “What an honor to help steward one of our nation’s most iconic sporting events and serve a game that has meant so much to me and so many others,” Hill said. “I’m grateful to Dan Gavitt and Charlie Baker for the opportunity, and I can’t wait to get to work alongside our basketball staff, committees and community to further elevate this beautiful game.”

3. Keystone College Comeback Starts With the Ones Who Stayed

Ethan Sadler, Keystone | photo by Timothy R. Dougherty

“Junior running back Ethan Sadler gets asked a lot about why he stuck around Keystone College last season.

There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the school, questions on if it would even stay open due to financial issues and the threat of losing its accreditation.

Fortunately, the school’s doors didn’t close. But because of the uncertainty, a number of students left and the football team played a JV/club schedule in 2025.

That didn’t matter to Sadler.”

» Why It Matters. "I get asked a million times about it. I always tell people it’s about the guys in the room,” Sadler said. “We had about 20 guys that said they were going to dig their heels into this and put all their eggs into one basket. It’s something people usually advise against. We formed a unique relationship and to come out on the other end of this, it builds a bond that not many can say they have,” Sadler added. “Years down the road, if I have a flat tire. I know one of my teammates will come with a tire iron to help me out.”

» The Big Picture. “The door to victory opened as the Giants rallied for a last-second win over Alvernia in their season opener. With just five seconds on the clock, Keystone ran one final play, and Sadler caught a Hail Mary pass from Frankie Leyshon in the back right corner of the end zone for a 25-21 win.”

» Quotable. “Like Ethan said, it’s about your brothers in the room,” Jayvon Swann said. “You have hope and confidence if you stick it through. I always knew I was going to stick it out. I had no desire to leave. They would have to close the school for me to leave.”

4. Lightning Round

» Field Hockey. Shenandoah sophomore forward/midfielder Kierney Weigle and Stevens senior midfielder Lauren Flynn were honored as the NFHCA DIII National Players of the Week.

» Fundraising. “The Trinity College Athletic Department established a new annual fundraising record during the 2025-26 academic year. Combining gifts to the Athletic Director's Fund for Excellence and Athletics Equity Initiatives, along with "Friends of" each varsity athletic program, the Athletics Department raised $2.27 million.”

» Admissions. “Momentum for banning legacy admissions practices has seemingly tapered over the past two years, as legislation has stalled in state legislatures, the fate of bipartisan congressional bills is in doubt, and the Trump administration hasn’t indicated any interest in taking up the issue.”

» Financial Aid. “Starting in fall 2027, Wellesley College will guarantee a tuition-free education to students whose families have a total annual income of $200,000 or less with typical assets.”

5. Comings and Goings

ALBERTUS MAGNUS - Angelo Rossetti named head women’s tennis coach
ALFRED - Jordan Crouch named head tennis coach
BRIDGEWATER - Grace Warren named assistant swim coach
CAL TECH - Doc Eslinger will depart as head men’s basketball coach to take assistant position at an Ivy League institution
DUBUQUE - Fernando Villaescusa named head women’s wrestling coach
RPI - Stephen Thirolle named head women’s tennis coach
SAINT JOSEPH - Megan Bosworth promoted to associate AD for internal operations
SUFFOLK - Ed Leyden will retire as head women’s basketball coach

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