DETERMINATING IF CERTAIN DIVISION II ATHLETES HAVE A GREATER WINGSPAN TO HEIGHT RATIO COMPARED TO A GENERAL COLLEGE POPULATION**

Abstract

In the National Basketball Association, it is commonly observed that players\u27 wingspans are longer than vertical height, while in the general population these values are very similar. This study aims to determine if the wingspan-to-height pattern holds true for Division II men\u27s and women\u27s basketball players. Furthermore, the study will investigate if this trait is present in athletes from other sports (including soccer, volleyball, cross-country, golf, baseball, softball, lacrosse, and tennis) and in specific positions within those sports. Participants will complete a survey inquiring about current and past athletic participation. The survey will be followed by conducting measurements of each subject’s wingspan and height. Analysis of data will include appropriate statistical tests depending on the data collected. If data exhibit normal distribution, a student t-test or ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey will be used; should data not pass normality, a Mann-Whitney or a Kruskal-Wallis with post-hoc Dunn will be used