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In a significant shake-up of the collegiate athletic landscape, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) announced on Friday that it is expanding its membership to include Southern Methodist University (SMU), Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley (Cal). This expansion increases the ACC's total membership to 18 schools, effective from the academic year 2024-25. SMU will officially become part of the ACC on July 1, 2024, with Stanford and Cal joining a month later on August 2, 2024. All three schools will have full voting privileges in the ACC’s board of directors. The announcement marks a pivotal moment in college sports, bringing notable changes to the traditional geographic and competitive alignments. Stanford and Cal's departure from the Pac-12 Conference is particularly impactful, leaving the 108-year-old conference with just two remaining schools, Oregon State and Washington State. The shake-up further illustrates the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics and represents the latest step in what has been a series of shifts among conferences over the years. While Stanford and Cal join the ACC from the West Coast, the inclusion of Dallas-based SMU marks another significant geographic expansion for the ACC, which has roots in North Carolina's Tobacco Road. The move effectively stretches the ACC’s footprint westward, adding new dimensions of competition and viewership. Notre Dame, located in Indiana, was previously the westernmost member of the ACC, while Louisville held that title among football members. Interestingly, a straw poll conducted over three weeks ago indicated some initial resistance to the expansion from ACC schools like Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina, and N.C. State. However, the stance of N.C. State changed, allowing for an official 12-3 vote that approved the new additions. Financial incentives appear to be a driving force behind these seismic shifts. The ACC and its current member schools are expected to benefit from a new pool of revenue. SMU will forgo broadcast media revenue for its first nine years in the conference, while Stanford and Cal will earn partial shares for the first several years. This financial arrangement aims to close the revenue gap between ACC schools and their counterparts in other major conferences like the SEC and Big Ten. The addition of these schools to the ACC is part of a broader trend in the world of college sports, as conferences expand to strengthen their competitive and financial standings. Even if major schools like Florida State or Clemson were to leave the ACC, the conference now has the "heft," in numbers and prestige, to maintain its standing. For the schools involved, the move also aligns with their broader institutional objectives. SMU, for example, sees joining the ACC as the culmination of a long-term quest to become a part of a Power Five conference. Overall, the expansion reflects the dynamism and complexity of contemporary college sports, offering new opportunities and challenges for the ACC and its new members as they navigate an ever-changing landscape.
In an astounding display of talent, tenacity, and determination, Simone Biles secured her record 8th U.S. championship title on Sunday, a decade after her initial rise to the pinnacle of gymnastics. Now 26 and a newlywed, Biles's consistent performances and unparalleled skills have led many to regard her as the greatest gymnast of all time. During this championship event at the SAP Center, Biles secured an impressive two-day all-around total of 118.40, a significant four points ahead of runner-up Shilese Jones. Leanne Wong clinched the third spot, increasing her prospects of joining a third consecutive world championship team. Biles's recent victory is a testament to her resilience and dedication, especially after her two-year hiatus following the Tokyo Olympics. Despite her break, she has once again established that in the world of gymnastics, she remains unmatched. This win makes her the oldest female gymnast to clinch a national title since the USA Gymnastics began hosting the event in 1963. With this win, she has surpassed Alfred Jochim's record of seven titles, set between 1925 and 1933. Interestingly, Biles is not solely focused on her historic numbers. "I don't think about numbers. I think about my performance," she mentioned. Consistency and the quest for self-improvement seem to be her guiding forces. The world of gymnastics has witnessed tremendous evolution over the years, and Simone Biles has been at the forefront of this transformation. Whereas most gymnasts at her age are trying to maintain their prowess, Biles is continuously pushing her limits. While she's kept most of her training routines a secret, it's evident she's adopting a unique approach to her preparation. Even as age is a factor many athletes reckon with, Biles showcased her exceptional skill set with her Cheng vault, beam, and floor routines during the championship, all of which were applauded and recognized as the top performances of the night. Looking forward, the spotlight is on Antwerp, Belgium, where Simone Biles will be competing in late September, aiming to add to her already incredible collection of 25 medals, 18 of which are gold. But Biles wasn't the only shining star of the night. Shilese Jones, at 21 years, displayed remarkable prowess on bars, earning herself the top score in that event. Several others, including reigning Olympic champion Sunisa Lee, Leanne Wong, Jade Carey, and Jordan Chiles, are also gearing up for the next set of challenges in their gymnastics journey. In essence, Simone Biles's latest triumph is a testament to her undying spirit, incredible talent, and commitment to the sport. Her journey serves as an inspiration not only to aspiring gymnasts but to all who believe in pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.