Sports

from Park Cities People September 2022

by People Newspapers

Community

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: BETTS FINDS NICHE IN NIL LANDSCAPE

Former ESD receiver adeptly balances college football with endorsements

By Todd Jorgenson

People Newspapers

Jack Betts went to Amherst College looking to make his mark as a wide receiver, not an entrepreneur.

Three years later, the former Episcopal School of Dallas student from the Park Cities has caught only one pass but has secured dozens of endorsement deals enabled by the 2021 passage of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations for NCAA athletes.

While balancing the rigors of football and academics, Betts has become a social media ambassador for brands ranging from PSD Underwear to Omaha Steaks — usually earning commissions or free products in exchange for pre-arranged viral shoutouts.

“I’ve always been interested in the business side of things,” said Betts, whose parents are both attorneys. “I’ve viewed it as a continuous internship. I’m really getting to understand the internals of what it’s like to run a startup.”

Such arrangements are unusual at schools like Amherst. The Massachusetts campus has about

ESD alum Jack Betts has embraced the introduction of NIL to the college

sports landscape as an entrepreneurial venture. (COURTESY PHOTO)

2,000 students and competes at the NCAA Division III level.

However, Betts has become a pioneer in the NIL space. He’s attended national conferences, been interviewed on podcasts and television shows, and become a resource for other student-athletes who aren’t sure how to get started.

Betts didn’t play in 2019, and the Mammoths canceled their 2020 season due to the pandemic. The NIL guidelines took effect in July 2021, and six months later, Lifestyle Bands reached out to him.

“I figured I might as well throw my hat in the ring,” said Betts, a junior English major. “Coming from the Division III level, I had very limited resources coming from my school. It’s been built from the ground out from my desk at home.”

In forging more than 30 partnerships during the span of a few months, Betts learned that you don’t need to play for Alabama or Ohio State to take advantage of the new NIL landscape.

“Why wouldn’t I be the one who breaks down that barrier? Deals aren’t exclusive to Division I and Power Five [conference] guys,” he said. “We’re talented; we’re creative. I wanted to be the one to change the narrative and break down that wall.”

During his free time, Betts became social media savvy and educated himself in brand-building and self-marketing. He launched a website. And he has more than doubled his following on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. “Starting out, there was a lot of hesitancy from these brands. It’s all about sell-

I wanted to ing yourself and presenting yourself be the one to as a professional,” change the Betts said. “Most of the time, I am narrative. these brands’ first Jack Betts Division III athlete. I have to show that I deserve to be in partnership with them.” Betts will need to focus more on football this fall. But his long-term goals include starting an academy to empower indigenous athletes looking to break into the NIL space since he has Cherokee heritage. “Down the line, the skills that I’m flexing here will be useful in the business world,” Betts said. “As student-athletes, we’ve learned to balance all of the obligations we have going on in our lives. It’s another thing I’m going to have on my plate.”

At 100, Highland Park Football Program Is As Healthy As Ever

Allen prepares to move into second among all-time coaching greats

By Todd Jorgenson

People Newspapers

Highland Park wasted no time forecasting its football dominance during its inaugural varsity season in 1923, winning nine of 11 games. Just one year later, the Scots made their first playoff appearance.

As it prepares for a 100th campaign in 2022, HP has long since become the most decorated program in the state, setting a standard for regular-season and postseason success, not to mention consistency.

To put that into perspective, HP’s alltime record of 864-262-27 means the Scots have won nearly 75% of their games (74.9%). The next closest school to the Scots’ total of 864 is Amarillo, with 808. While HP is first in wins, the school is only 17th in games played, according to research by Texas football historian Joe Lee Smith.

The Scots also have made more playoff appearances (63) and won more district crowns (56) than any other team in any UIL classification. This year, HP will start District 7-6A play on Sept. 9 against Lake Highlands.

Allen eyes another milestone

head coach — including the last 23 at HP — while Moore accumulated 426 victories over 44 years at Pilot Point, Celina, Sherman, and Aubrey. Allen’s career includes prior stints at Ballinger, Brownwood, and Abilene Cooper.

Allen already is the active leader in coaching wins after the retirement of Corpus Christi Calallen’s Phil Danaher last year. However, he would need several more years to approach the 490 victories in Danaher’s 48-year career.

At 42 years on the sidelines, Allen paces all active coaches in terms of longevity. He’s also the active leader in playoff coaching wins with 82 (all-time leader Danaher had 93).

Streaks at stake

Highland Park has won 10 games in a year 43 times — which equates to more than 40% of its seasons on record — the most prolific such mark in Texas.

The Scots will look to extend a stretch of nine consecutive 10-win campaigns in 2022, which is the most in program history. HP also will aim to continue runs of 34 straight playoff appearances and seven district titles in a row.

NEED MORE FOOTBALL?

When you get better, so do we.

Recognized for the 30th consecutive year, we’re honored to provide care ranked among the best in the nation. To find a doctor near you, visit BSWHealth.com/Dallas.