Why did involvement in sports become such a popular standard for acceptance to big name colleges?

I know you don't absolutely have to be involved in a sport to get in, but it does certainly help. I also know that schools are big into their sporting events, which I've always found to be neat and fun to attend, but my question is, why and when did that become such a primary factor? Not that I'm against it! I think sports are great, even though I don't play on a team.

Why did involvement in sports become such a popular standard for acceptance to big name colleges?
Basically with sports it's because it really shows that you are good at balancing your time. Not only are you able to handle your academics, but you do so while attending practices and games that can sometime go as late as 9 or 10 on a school night. You don't have to be involved in a sport, but it does help.





And in regards to a primary factor, sports are a huge revenue builder for schools. Your larger, more well know football schools earn millions of dollars on tickets sales and for appearing in bowl games on television. And with the added exposure it helps to increase prospective student interest in the school. Which is why the better schools, outside of the Ivy Leagues, that most students want to attend are those with the good sports, ie: basketball and football programs.
Reply:Sports bring money into colleges in all different ways. There are ticket sales and sponsorship agreements, but the big donations flow from alumni when their teams win. Being able to play for a revenue team has always been a big boost to getting into colleges.