Eric Boggs
The Ohio State University is stepping up its commitment to excellence in athletics with the formation of a new Athletics Committee by the Board of Trustees. As college sports continue to evolve, Ohio State is determined to stay at the forefront, aligning its athletic department with the strategic goals of the university.
This new committee, led by Gary Heminger, former CEO of Marathon Petroleum, and Michael Kiggin, a founding member of the Capitol Strategy Group, is charged with ensuring that Ohio State’s athletic programs not only remain competitive but lead the nation. The committee, including other trustees like Alan Stockmeister and Elizabeth Kessler, met for the first time this week, setting the stage for a pivotal era in Buckeye sports.
During the meeting, Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork laid out the challenges and opportunities ahead. With the landscape of college athletics changing at breakneck speed, Bjork emphasized the need for Ohio State to be proactive. A significant focus was on the implications of the House v. NCAA settlement, which fundamentally shifts the college sports model by allowing schools to directly compensate athletes. This move, while historic, also comes with financial and logistical hurdles, including a $2.8 billion backpay requirement and potential revenue-sharing models that could impact how Ohio State funds its athletic programs.
Ohio State is committed to maintaining all 36 of its Division I teams, even as the new rules on scholarships and roster limits pose challenges. The university’s athletic department, which has been financially self-sustaining for over a decade, aims to continue this trend without resorting to taxpayer or tuition dollars. However, as President Ted Carter noted, some sports might evolve to resemble club sports in their operations while still competing at the Division I level.
Ohio State’s resolve is clear: to be best in class and lead the way in the modern era of college sports. The Athletics Committee’s work is just beginning, but the direction is set—Ohio State is not just keeping pace with the changes in college athletics; it’s aiming to set the standard.
