Several years after the Bermuda Hogges were formed as Bermuda's first semi-professional football team, it seems the jury is still out as to whether or not that was a positive move.After all, crowds at home games have been disappointing and results have hardly been encouraging.Paul Scope has done everything he could possibly have in providing the financing which has allowed the side to travel extensively across the US, often playing as many as five games in one trip. We all know what the hotel, air fare and food expenses amount to.Running a team like the Hogges does not come cheaply, particularly when there's little revenue coming in from the turnstiles.On the field it may have been discouraging, yet off the field Hogges could have been a victim of their own success.It was hoped Hogges would be a stepping stone for players who wanted to take their game to a higher level.And, thanks to Scope's contacts, Bermuda now has more players with professional clubs overseas than ever before.Nakhi Wells is at Bradford City, Reggie Lambe at Toronto FC after a spell with Ipswich Town and goalkeeper Freddy Hall recently played for Northampton Town.Meanwhile teenagers Dale Eve and Jonte Smith have sidestepped the Hogges completely by signing professional terms at Stoke City and Crawley Town, respectively.Others have also piqued the interest of English coaches.Had all of these players been on the Hogges roster, who knows what the club might have achieved.Add in the players at college overseas, it could have been a formidable team.Of course, the Hogges also double as the national team and while some of the players might not have been too competitive in the USL Premier Development League in which they now play, they add experience to a Bermuda team which, had it not been for the Hogges, would virtually have been stagnant.Teams rarely come to the Island to play the national team unless it's an international tournament and lack of finances has prevented the Bermuda side from travelling abroad.Bermuda Football Association have relied heavily on the Hogges to keep their national team match fit.That could pay dividends at this summer's Digicel Caribbean Cup when it's likely that players such as Wells, Lambe, Hall and Eve might not be available. It will depend on their respective clubs.Jonte Smith has already said he may have to put Crawley before Bermuda.It's arguable as to whether some of the Caribbean teams Bermuda might meet in that competition are as strong as those who Hogges play against in the US.Providing overseas club trials for young players and keeping the national team alive are good reasons why the Hogges should continue.But given results this season, Scope may have to decide whether he can deplete his bank account any further.* * * *Bermudians came out in droves to watch the recent Carifta Games.It will be interesting to see whether they return to the National Sports Centre this evening and tomorrow for the National Track and Field Championships which could be just as competitive.Certainly the Bermuda athletes need all the encouragement they can get in a last-gasp bid to qualify for the London Olympics.Some 20 overseas athletes, also hoping to book their ticket to the Games, will be on hand to push themselves and the local athletes to the limit.Every single Bermudian who has aspirations to make the Olympic standard has flown back to the Island to compete, the first time that's ever happened.In the past the Nationals have often been no more competitive than a regular meet,This year it's much different.Long jumper Tyrone Smith, the only Bermudian to have so far qualified for the Olympics, is making a rare appearance on local soil.It's much the same with Aaron Evans, Aranxta King, Tre Houston, to name just a few.Also on hand will be May 24 Derby champion Ashley Estwanik as she attempts to break the women's 1500 metres record.Ashley represented Bermuda at the Beijing Olympics four years ago.Little has been mentioned as to whether she could qualify this time around and she's said little as to whether it's in the back of her mind.We could find out this weekend.And we can also find out whether a track and field contingent could be on the plane to England.Bermuda athletics has been strongly represented at previous Olympics, and at times we've been medal contenders. World indoor triple jump champion Brian Wellman and high jumper Nicky Saunders, the Commonwealth Games gold medallist, immediately come to mind as does Troy Douglas who is the only Bermudian to have reached three Games semi-finals.Can Bermuda produce another star? It's worth finding out over the next two days.