AS a former Assistant Dean of Admission at Colgate University, I can confirm
the fact that there are no Athletic scholarships at Colgate for any sports.
All financial aid is based on need, as determined by information provided
on the standard FAF (financial aid form) and Coglate's own financial aid
form.  What is true about financial aid is that there is preferential
packaging for certain categories of students (athletes, top academic folks,
and other highly desirable acceptees).  Athletic financial aid packages would
be heavy in the direct grant category of aid with little or no loan or work
component.  What accounts for the reality of a majority of a team (ie Football
or Hockey) receiving free or nearly free rides is that many Division I level
athletes with no demonstrated need, who would not be offered aid at a place
like Colgate, would choose to attend a school where need is not an issue, and
therefore they would receive financial assistance.  Of course this is not
always the case.
 
As is the case with many schools high profile sports tend to have a larger
number of athletic aid packages available to them then do lower profile ones.
 
I believe you will find this general scenario to be the case at most "need
based" schools.