Academics vs Athletics

For the past while I have wrestled with the relationship between academics and athletics in our high schools today. As a coach of a sport (lacrosse) that is ever expanding on the national scene, gaining notoriety and seeing massive spikes in registered participants I wonder if we need sports in school. The overhyped, glamorization of prep athletes today has made me question whether academics truly remains the number one priority of our society.

Too often in my teaching career I have been approached by students and in some instances coaches about being able to help a student out to be eligible for a game that week. In recent years this pleading has increasingly annoyed me that an opportunity should be provided to a student who (often) was unwilling to take care of what should be their first priority...academics.

Instead of honoring those that win the big game, why don't we do a better job of celebrating those that perform well in their field of excellence, academics? I love sports and wouldn't be the same person without them, however it is my knowledge and skills that I acquired over the years that pays the majority of the bills!