Academic V. Athletic Responsibilities
November 25, 2008
Every athlete remembers the time when the sport they played was not something that defined them and their schedule. Those were the days when practices were twice a week, sixty minutes of carefree fun and enjoyment. Yet the days of pee wee and little league games seem like fading memories in contrast to the ruthless and competitive world of high school sports, especially those at Neuqua Valley, legendary for its desire to win. By the time the athlete has advanced onto a high school team, the sport has evolved into a time consuming, competitive race to be the best, leaving many students with a hard decision; which is more important, school or sports?“At times, my grades are affected because I have a lot of practice, then I don’t have time to do homework,” said Lisa Raaf, a sophomore on the JV Gold swim team. Her words echo the feelings of many student athletes who find it difficult to find enough time and stamina for schoolwork. With lengthy practices, the stress of competitions, and the pressure to become a better athlete, it is no wonder that grades are often on the losing side of the battle between balancing schoolwork and athletics.
The faculty’s response to this dilemma lies in the schools athletic policy. To play their sport, each athlete must pass certain requirements, which consist partly of passing five classes. If this requirement is not met, than no matter how skilled the athlete is, they are not permitted to play, no exceptions. Through the school policy, the coaches and teacher hope to ensure that a student-athlete is reaching his or her full academic potential.
Although these rules are put in place for the benefit of the school’s athletic community, some students seem to think this rule unnecessary. “It’s affected me in a positive way because it gives me more of a sense that I need time management and no procrastination,” says John Mordach, a sophomore, in reference to his sport, swimming. He like many others, believe that sports isn’t just a high school hobby, but a growing experience that teaches much more than the rules of the game. To these people, sports are not the reason their grades are low, sports are the motivation for improving their grades.
By Molly Leger, staff writer
