Athletic Prowess Spurs College Applications

Item: ‘Flutie Effect’ is real, study shows: NCAA title can boost applications 8 percent /Associated Press

More Info: Gonzaga was virtually unknown in most parts of the country until it broke into the national tournament in the mid-‘90s. The Bulldogs have been in the tournament every year since 1999, and during that time enrollment has grown from just over 4,500 to nearly 7,000, said Dale Goodwin, a university spokesman. Inquiries have jumped from about 20,000 per year to 50,000, and Gonzaga attracts students from Eastern states where it doesn’t recruit.

Family Phil (who sent the link): Another reason why it’s so important for the UI to get back on track with football and basketball.

Question: Like it or not, does the “Flutie effect” underscore the need for Division 1 schools to field top-notch football and basketball teams?