Sports in high schools are becoming a more and more controversial topic every day in the United States. Students and teachers believe that schools are spending too much money on athletics and not enough in the classrooms. For example at Premont High School they spend more on a football player than a math student. “Football at Premont cost about $1,300 a player. Math, by contrast, cost just $618 a student”. This shows how a school will favor their school football team over classrooms. I believe that Ripley is wrong in saying high school sports should be taken out, they are a huge part of the high school atmosphere and teach kids valuable lessons about teamwork and social skills not taught in the classroom.

            The social skills that are taught through a high school sport are incomparable to any that you learn in a classroom. It teaches you how to communicate and work with others. Having social skills is a key part of life; you need to be able to communicate with people at job interviews, meeting, etc.

            One of the most important lessons of high school sports is teamwork. Team work is an essential part of life. Coming together to work as one to complete projects or work on a big presentation is essential. Playing on a team sport teaches you team work in the most fun way possible. You make many friends through sports; I have even met some of my best friends through high school sports.

            Another valuable lesson taught through sports is character. To be on a high school sports team you must respect the coach and others on that team. You must also do well academically. Most coaches believe that academics come before sports. This motivates student-athletes to do better academically so they can do what they love after school, and on the sports fields. It is also a great way to boost school spirit. Schools come together to supports their local high school sports teams and it is a great environment for everyone.

            High school sports in my opinion are a great part of the high school experience. The things you learn through them are necessary to succeed in life, and are taught in a fun way. A student-athlete must focus on grades too, so they still do well in classes as well on the fields.