Running Through Barriers: The Story of Mohammed Bati

Mohammed Bati is a runner who never stops. He runs 150 miles every week. He is a student at Augsburg University. He studies political science and nursing. He works at night. He works at an assisted living facility. He supports himself. He is 26 years old. He came to the U. S. from Ethiopia in 2018. He speaks little English then. Now he is a citizen. He is tough. He is known for his hard work. He is known for his character. He is known for his commitment to running. Bati needed money for school. He needed $6, 000. He could not pay. He could not stay in school. His coach asked for help. A GoFundMe was started. It raised $9, 000. Many people donated. But there was a problem. Bati is a Division III athlete. He cannot take money for school. The NCAA has rules. The rules say no athletic scholarships. The rules say no money from donors. Bati took the money. He was ruled ineligible. He cannot compete. He said, "Law is a law. " He said, "I respect the law. " But he also said, "People support each other. It is not wrong. "The NCAA has rules. The rules are different for Division III. Division III focuses on academics. Division III athletes can sign NIL deals. But they cannot take money for school. Bati's situation shows the divide. Some athletes get full rides. Some athletes get NIL deals. But Bati struggles to pay for school. The NCAA said they have dealt with 100 cases. Not all cases were about tuition. But tuition is a problem for Division III athletes. Augsburg University said they followed the rules. They said the rules create barriers. The rules limit opportunity. The rules limit access to higher education. The rules limit access to sports. Not because of performance. But because of money. Bati could try to compete again. He could ask for reinstatement. But he does not plan to. He wants to move on. He plans to graduate. He has bigger goals. Bati ran a marathon. He ran in Sacramento. He ran in borrowed shoes. The shoes were too small. He ran a 2:12:28. He qualified for the U. S. Olympic Team trials. He said, "In life, you have to go through challenges. " He said, "I see this as one challenge. " He said, "I will work hard every day. "