In Episode 82 of Heavy or Not, Mark Rauterkus and Barry Healey break down how relegation and promotion work in European soccer and why these concepts could transform American sports. They dive into the mechanics, incentives, and how a U.S. version might look.

• How parachute payments soften the financial blow for relegated clubs

• The playoff system that lets teams 3‑6 fight for promotion

• Real‑world examples: Wolves beating Man U, Canadian owners climbing from the bottom

• Why a tiered "two‑tier" college football model could succeed in the U.S.

• Applying relegation concepts to MLB and other American leagues to curb public‑funded stadium builds and keep competition fierce.

Details of the college football reform structure elsewhere at the Substack and also with the Sports Reform web site, https://4Rs.org.

Also see:

• https://rauterkus.substack.com/p/fsb-regional-pods-explainer
• https://4Rs.org

College football needs a structural reset, and Mark Rauterkus lays out a clear, geography‑first plan for a top‑flight "pod" system.

In this episode we break down the proposed 80‑team tier, regional pods, and how promotion and relegation would work.

• The 80‑team "top tier" built on performance, not brand prestige.
• Eight regional pods (Gridiron, Trench, Tackle, Pressure, Block, Blitz, Huddle, Grandstand) and their member schools.
• Promotion/relegation: yearly movement of five teams between the top tier and sub‑tiers.
• Preserving traditional rivalries and reducing travel through geographic clustering.
• How the model controls spending, improves competitive balance, and gives every program a pathway forward.

Rethinking College Football: A Geographic Pod System for Competitive Balance and Tradition

"Imagine a season where every game matters, every rivalry lives, and the only thing that moves you up or down is what happens on the field—welcome to the pod‑powered future of college football."

In this episode you'll learn:

• The history of Cal Baptist's swim program from NAIA champs to Division I.

• How facility decisions and budgeting errors contributed to the cut.

• The impact of Title IX and NCAA rules on men's non‑revenue sports.

• Coach Friederang's perspective on recruiting, performance analytics, and athlete development.

• Community reactions and ideas for preserving swimming opportunities (club teams, alumni support, etc.).

We hit "publish" on an episode with newsworthy significance that covers the shocking cut of Cal Baptist University's men's swim & dive program. Hear from longtime CBU coaching helper, Steve Friederang, the episode unpacks the history, the politics, and the human stories behind a decision that's shaking the college‑swim world.

1. A Quick History Lesson

   • From NAIA champions to Division II glory and the bold leap to Division I—discover how CBU's rapid ascent set the stage for today's dilemma.

2. Why the Axe Fell on the Men's Team

   • Steve explains the "budget‑vs‑Title IX" crunch, the ripple effect of big‑sport revenue, and why the women's program survived while the men's didn't.

3. The Hidden Cost of Going Division I

   • Learn how NCAA rules forced CBU to treat all sports as Division I, inflating compliance costs and squeezing smaller programs.

4. What You Can Do About It

   • From sharing your own stories on our site to joining upcoming webinars, see concrete ways you can amplify the voice of "cut" programs and help protect future teams.

5. The Future of Swimming at CBU (and Beyond)

   • Hear about the club‑team proposal, alumni‑run training groups, and why some coaches argue the university should re‑evaluate its Division I status altogether.

We hate to report on this type of story again. It is more than just a single sports team. Here is another sad snapshot of how athletics, finances, and policy intersect in today's collegiate world. Enough is enough. Whether you're a swimmer, a coach, a parent, or just a curious fan, there's something in here for you. And, we're putting out a call to action with some webinars where you can share your comments.

Call to Action

1. Watch the episode now:

2. Join the conversation: Head over to HON.LAP.red, drop your name, email, and a comment. We'll add you to our mailing list and keep you in the loop for the next webinars.

3. Share your story: Got a personal experience with a program cut or a club team thriving? Submit it on the form—your voice could be featured in a future episode!

4. Spread the word: Forward this email to teammates, coaches, or anyone who cares about keeping swimming (and all sports) alive on campus.

Thanks for being part of the Heavy Or Not community. Your curiosity and passion keep the dialogue flowing.

Stay safe and buoyant,
Mark Rauterkus
Editor, Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide podcast
HON.LAP.red and this Substack!