Reply to Why would a school place athletics on an equal or even higher footing than academics?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Let me ask the question a different way. If you had to bet on the future professional success of two students, one that excelled in high school sports or one that excelled in academics, which would you pick?

Which student would you think more likely to peak in high school.

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No offense, but that question is ridiculously broad.  Success depend on many things, including blind luck and YOUR definition of success.  I have fought this fight in the College forum. Full disclosure….I have 2 kids in college.  One is an athlete (honor roll student in HS) and the other is a non-athletic artist on academic scholarship.  Both went to a local private high school that is known for its athletic success and its arts program.

I know many people in my professional life who are academically brilliant on paper but cannot effectively manage people or projects, don’t see the big picture strategically and do not function well on a team.  I also know of some brilliant academics who have mastered these skills.

I know of some brilliant athletes who have travelled the world because of their sport, can talk to anyone, and can rally people to the team’s cause.

How in the world can anyone predict that a kid peaked in high school or how successful that kid is going to be?  Too many things can come into play.

I have seen both sides of this argument and, in my experience, the people who criticize the “emphasis” on athletics tend to have children who are non-athletes and do not see firsthand the positive impact they can have on a particular student. 
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