Should High School Sports be Prioritized Over Academics?
By Peyton Brunckhorst
As participation in high school sports continues, an intriguing question arises: Should high school sports be prioritized over academics?
While there is no straightforward answer, high school sports should not precede academics. High school sports offer many benefits for students with one of the most significant being promotion of increased physical activity. Participating in sports not only helps students develop athletic skills but also increases stronger cardiovascular health. Moreover, engaging in physical activity is beneficial for the body in many different ways.
Additionally, participating in sports promotes good team skills, getting along with others, and also better mental health. Engaging in these activities teaches students how to communicate properly with others and work on problem solving. These skills are not only beneficial to your performance in sports, but they are good long-lasting skills to have throughout your life. Furthermore, for some students, sports provide a good boost for self-confidence and also a feeling of belonging. A strong sports program can create a good community within the school and also good school spirit. Some athletes may receive scholarships that open the door for higher education thus supporting their academic goals.
On the other hand, academics are the primary purpose of schooling. The main purpose of any education system is to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed for academics and beyond. Without a well-structured schooling system, students would struggle to acquire the skills needed for their future careers and personal development.
Academic success is usually linked to future opportunities like access to colleges and universities or high-paying jobs. Academic achievements open the doors to a variety of career paths that require education beyond high school. Additionally, not every student has the same interest in sports. For some, sports are more of a distraction than they are fun.
While sports can be beneficial they should not take over academics.
