I've never understood why the American model of mixing academics with athletics came to existence. I understand why it continues, of course, since the status qu

I've never understood why the American model of mixing academics with athletics came to existence. I understand why it continues, of course, since the status quo nearly always does. The Australian(/European? I'm not sure) model of having schools only passingly involved with athletics, and then having the athletics clubs and associations as separate entities just makes much more sense to me. First, it allows for amateur sports to continue well past high school/college, allowing those who compete for fun and fitness to do so. Sports, after all, shouldn't just something you watch on TV once you're out of school. Second, apart from providing a fun diversion to students in much the same way as a video gaming club might do, why should any teaching institution be involved in sports? Surely that's outside the core mission.