tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8895200797299787815.post-75806651748085607612007-09-25T17:19:00.000-05:002007-09-25T17:19:00.000-05:00Let me begin by stating that I believe athletic costs should be reduced commensurately with the cut in academics.<BR/>Many high school students perform academically in order to compete in athletics. What would be the COST of losing a number of students be if sports were greatly reduced? Not everyone can achieve academically but athletics keeps many students attending school and exerting at least some effort in the classroom to remain eligible<BR/> to compete.<BR/>The benefits of athletics are touted by our presidents; the last six or so playing collegiate athletics. I have seen them attribute much of theirconfidence to lead, function under pressure, work with others, recover from defeat, etc.<BR/>If Oshkosh were to cut into athletics to the point of eliminating some high school sports parents moving into the Fox Valley would settle in a neighboring district which offers their child the opportunity to experience athletics.<BR/>The reason the WIAA was formed and districts join was so the school kept some ownership of the activities. Without such control, traveling teams, who would exist regardless, could be scheduling games at nights and times without limitation which would adversely efect the student-athlete's ability to function in the classroom the next day.<BR/>We must realize that athletics are one of many extensions of the curriculum. I don't think they should be the "holy cows" of budget discussions but neither should they be viewed as a side issue with little academic-related value.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com