The Ivy League is interesting because it refers to a sports league, but those colleges are commonly known for academics
I was not aware of that. Seems kind of contradictive. 
Yes, those colleges are known for low acceptance rates and exclusivity. People are usually impressed if you say you want to one.
I agree. Mainstream sports do not come quickly to mind when you think of Ivy League. Perhaps polo or rowing would though.
College rowing (United States)
Rowing is the oldest intercollegiate sport in the United States. In the 2002–03 school year there were 1,712 male and 6,690 female collegiate rowers, representing just over 2 percent of total college athletes. Some growth in the sport is evidenced by the fact that in the 2017–18 school year there were 2,244 male and 7,277 female collegiate rowers; noting also that while women's rowing has been classified as a Championship sport since the 1996–97 season, the men's rowing is not.
Women's college rowing
phrase 'Ivy League education' is an oxymoron when compared to the benefactions to mind and soul the colleges in this book bestow. Not only are they better, but they want you, and you will love them for making a new and better you. Your satisfaction will be lifelong."
Colleges That Change Lives, Inc..
Following Loren Pope's message, Colleges That Change Lives, Inc. (CTCL) was founded in 2006 as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the advancement and support of