The UO School of Law's Summer Sports Institute just crossed home plate to wrap its inaugural year, and participants are calling it a win.

Watch a story on the program's opening year, from Eugene's KEZI-TV, here.

"I think it's phenomenal, because there aren't a lot of law schools that offer curriculum in sports law," Nona Lee, general counsel for baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks and an institute guest speaker, told KEZI reporter Jennifer Richardson.

About two dozen law students from across the country arrived at the UO on July 5 for the five-week program, which was the first of its kind on the West Coast. The institute wrapped up Aug. 11.

"We (got) to be part of something brand new," student Ryan Rourke of Seattle told KEZI. "I don't think any other university is really doing this."

Students heard from sports law experts and athletes, practiced negotiation and visited historic Hayward Field during the IAAF Junior World Championships. Other activities included tours of the Autzen Stadium complex and a trip to Portland to see the Nike campus in Beaverton, the Portland velodrome cycling arena and a Portland Timbers soccer match. They even did some rafting on the Willamette River.

The law school plans to make the institute an annual event and expects double the students next year. This year's class already has volunteered to spread the word about the program.

"Our students, our faculty and our guests made this a success," institute director and UO law professor Rob Illig said. "I think everyone was thrilled with how it went and how much everyone got from the experience."