Anonymous wrote:Wouldn't our society be in better shape, however, if all these professional athlete-wannabes were scientist-wannabes?

And you know these "professional athlete wanabees" are not "scientist wannabes" how?

I went to a DC private - played varsity sports - have a degree in science.
My brother went to a MoCo private - played varsity sports - has a degree in science.

IAC athletes aspire to be professional athletes? Yea - I want to be a professional Lacrosse player and make $20K/year. NOT!

There are very few WCAC athletes that aspire to be professional athletes but everybody knows the 1 in the school that actually has the chance. (unless you are talking Damatha - oh yea - we don't talk about any schools unless they are in the IAC)

Wouldn't our society be in better shape, however, if all these professional athlete-wannabes were scientist-wannabes?

Anonymous wrote:Long ago, I dated one of the top athletes at a very large state school. Extremely nice guy, but his life experience had been extremely limited by the number of hours he'd had to put into his sport. He had not had time to read, discuss, or think about major issues, much less form opinions. I think that is the problem I see with an undue focus on sports. It can lead to a one-dimensional approach to life.

And I suggest the brilliant kid scientist, artist or musician is no less one-demensional. Just in a different way. The fact is that, to be really really good at something, one must be one dimensional to some extent. And understanding that fact and the need for dedication and focus is a lesson to be learned.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And people wonder why the United States is lagging behind other countries?

Good point.

If you survey U.S. graduate schools and research labs in areas pertaining to science and technology, you will find US high school graduates to be under-represented. This can, and has been, traced back to the how we establish priorities, motivate and educate kids in k-12 system.

I am not suggesting athletics has no place in school. It is just that, it should not detract a majority of students from striving for academic excellence.

Hilarious.

That's what you think is going on with the majority of the students at these schools?

How many do you imagine are actually "Striving for academic excellence"?

Nationwide: less than 1%. In "top" schools around here:< 5%. My point exactly.

If you don't think obsession with sports isn't out of hand at some schools, just look at Landon's most famous alumni.

Clearly at schools like Landon and Damatha, if some of the posters here are representative, not many.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And people wonder why the United States is lagging behind other countries?

Good point.

If you survey U.S. graduate schools and research labs in areas pertaining to science and technology, you will find US high school graduates to be under-represented. This can, and has been, traced back to the how we establish priorities, motivate and educate kids in k-12 system.

I am not suggesting athletics has no place in school. It is just that, it should not detract a majority of students from striving for academic excellence.

Hilarious.

That's what you think is going on with the majority of the students at these schools?

How many do you imagine are actually "Striving for academic excellence"?

Both are important in the balancing of students and their lives.

It comes down to making money-how much does the spring concert bring in compared to the Dematha -Gonzaga basketball game a few weeks ago?

Anonymous wrote:And people wonder why the United States is lagging behind other countries?

Good point.

If you survey U.S. graduate schools and research labs in areas pertaining to science and technology, you will find US high school graduates to be under-represented. This can, and has been, traced back to the how we establish priorities, motivate and educate kids in k-12 system.

I am not suggesting athletics has no place in school. It is just that, it should not detract a majority of students from striving for academic excellence.

Anonymous wrote:And people wonder why the United States is lagging behind other countries?

I don't wonder why. I have friends from those countries. I have one friend who was the only person from her town EVER allowed to go past an 8th grade education.

I agree about being able to perform under pressure, a great life skill. However, I guess the same can be said for acting in plays. Sports tend to have unanticipated pressure though.

If channeled properly, sports are a wonderful experience for kids and can provide a lot of the skills mentioned earlier (and some great memories). It's all about striking a proper balance and being well-rounded.

Finally, I do think sports can be a good outlet for some kids who may stray in the wrong direction...i.e. it can keep them out of trouble.

And people wonder why the United States is lagging behind other countries?