Something high school athletes should never forget
File this one somewhere in your brain and remember. Always remember. When you’re old, and your back is bending and the glory days of yesteryear are just a fleeting memory, just remember what the Augusta County school system decided to do.
Sure, they’re not going to get rid of any “non-revenue” sports ... or so they say right now. But they are going to scale back those “non-revenue” sports. (And just so you’re in the know, when they say “non-revenue” sports they should just cut to the chase and say “The kids that don’t make us any money,“ because it is what is. And that’s what it is.)
I feel for coaches like Fort Defiance girls cross country and girls indoor-outdoor track coach Dave Stewart. Aside from being one of the nicest, most humble coaches in the area, he’s also managed to win five straight district titles in the three sports he coaches. I feel for Stuarts Draft cross country and track guru Allen Clifton. I also feel for Stuarts Draft volleyball coach Kami Meeteer.
Why? Because all three of them had to put a good face on the news that their sports with kids that don’t make the school system any money (see, we’ll call it like it is, even if the Augusta County school system won’t) would be scaled back with less meets and less matches. They had to smile at this because, like you and I, they also knew what the alternative was — axing sports played by kids that don’t make the school system any money.
Basketball and football? Well, the school system makes money off those athletes hard work and dedication. So the district’s athletic director Bill Schindler said these two sports are off the chopping block. For the rest of you, yeah. Not so much.
So don’t forget this, current crop of high school athletes. Always remember this year adult problems, you know, like budget shortfalls and money, suddenly were thrust upon you even though you had nothing to do with them.
The year YOUR school system deemed you not important enough because the sport you happen to play doesn’t make them any money.
And don’t worry, you’ll be in charge soon. And that’s when it will be even more important not to forget this middle finger the school system just gave you.
Oh, and click right here so you can see how much these people who deem you not money makers make per year. Seriously, just search the names of these decision makers. Just because you’re in high school, doesn’t mean you can’t have ammunition.
