Being an Athlete Is an Accomplishment

Being a college athlete is an accomplishment to be proud of and provides personal benefits to the student. Every year more than 360,000 students partake in intercollegiate sports programs endorsed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (Athletic Participation and Wellness 153). The benefits that come from being talented and dedicated to a sport includes scholarships and social interaction with schools and people. However, many are concerned with how it may conflict with their educational goals. It can easily become a priority over what is required to succeed in college academically. Many argue that college athletics corrupt the student’s potential in education by devaluing scholarship in favor of athletic competition. College athletic programs are often highly beneficial to the public. They often provide additional channels for college fund raising. Additionally, college athletics also provides an avenue for higher education for future professional athletes. College athletes are presented with many opportunities, experiences, and even experience some downfalls. One of the downfalls is that the perceived value of athletic scholarships is steadily decreasing. According to Ashley Benjamin, athletic competition is on the rise. It detracts from the student’s academic opportunities; therefore, academic pursuits are not treated as a priority (10). Competition for athletes today has become more of a challenge than ever. Every year across the country, more athletic scholarships are awarded than academic scholarships. In view of that, many students feel pressured to be successful in a chosen sport rather than focusing their efforts in the classroom. They often forget about the future value of a
Brayer 2 good marketable education. Athletic scholarships should be awarded in addition to academic scholarships in recognition of a student’s performance in the classroom. Opposing sides of college athletic programs argue, “College athletics programs have become too commercialized and at odds with the educational values of the nation’s schools. By devoting enormous attention and resources to sports, colleges and universities have neglected their academic mission. Moreover, the creation of an “athlete culture” has proven detrimental to the development of a vibrant campus” (College Athletics Programs 1). While the athletic competition to be successful has steadily increased, athletic programs are highly beneficial to the public. Benjamin states, “…college campuses have argued that athletics are educational for participants; athletics provide a source of entertainment and serve a unifying function for the university; and athletics generate direct and indirect revenue” (11). Over the years, federal lawmakers have sent strong signals that college sports generate a great deal of revenue, not only for the college, but for many local businesses (Athletes' Hours Renew Debate Over College Sports 2). Many colleges spend a vast amount of money on their school’s organizations with regard to the athletic facilities, coaching staff, and equipment. They are then able to produce substantial revenue from their intercollegiate athletic programs through ticket sales and team memorabilia when it is made available. The tremendous economic impact is reflected when one considers the differences between the United States collegiate athletic programs and college athletic programs in other countries. Athletic programs provide an avenue whereby the students, faculty and alumni can share a common interest and display a sense of pride. All over the country people are seen with school banners, logos on their cars, shirts, hats, towels, jackets and even kitchenware as a sign of pride. It is imperative in the student’s learning experience and personal development that (s)he is engaged in purposeful activities that contribute to desired outcomes (Student Engagement and Sport Participation 316). Brayer 3
Athletes that decide to further their experience in their sport continue to the professional level. Without the help of the collegian skills it is highly doubtful they will advance to the professional arena. College athletics acts as a supply system to the professional ranks where the finest athletes are chosen to compete. The selection process for athletes to advance to the professional level is usually done through a lottery system or is based on the professional team’s performance in the prior year. Unlike the United States, many countries’ professional sports athletes are obtained from various government sports organizations. Many governments go beyond simply providing sponsorship for their athletes, and they often provide housing and other amenities for the remainder of the life of the athlete and their family. An example of this can be found in the Olympics, where athletes from all over the world who are paid professionals, compete head to head with collegiate athletes from the United States that are barred from professional competition in their own country. These government sponsored organizations act as a conduit to showcase the country’s best athletes. Benjamin says, “College sports often are the only way for many high school athletes to hone their talents. All professional sports organizations should take a cue from sports such as baseball or tennis, which have incorporated minor leagues for upcoming players without scholastic aspirations” (10). Very few athletes are fortunate enough to make it to that level. However, everyone has an equal opportunity to display their talent. If invited to compete at the professional level they can then make the decision to further pursue their sport. In order to achieve this, it takes more than just help from a coach to be made into a successful student athlete, let alone a professional athlete (Class and Cleats 24). Ultimately, it takes personal dedication, focus, family support and talent to be successful. Although students may experience a measure of fulfillment through the athletic program, many do not view themselves as college students. Wolverton reports,” The NCAA surveyed
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21,000 student-athletes and the majority viewed themselves as athletes and not students” (A1). Many athletes find themselves wrapped up in their passion for their sport that many lose focus on why they came to school in the first place. “Several college players gave an account of spending about fifty hours a week practicing and playing on top of classroom activity” (A1). The NCAA argues that the many hours of practice does not leave adequate study time for the student. When the time is made available, the students come back often too worn out from the practice, and are not able to study. Though the student may exert vigorous physical effort towards athletics, the student’s study time should be made a priority. “Many argue that student athletes have difficulty keeping up with the academics” (A1). The college athlete should prioritize their time as follows: Everyone has the same 168 hours a week and it is their choice in how they choose to allocate that time among their priorities. When planned out thoroughly, forty-five hours are spent on training, fifty-six hours for sleeping, twelve hours for the in class full-time student, and fifteen hours to be used at their discretion. Out of 168 hours, that leaves thirty-six hours for study time. Without question, there is not a lot of time to play around. Participating in school athletics is comparable to having a full-time job during school. The athlete should have a plan mapped out to maximize the success of their college experience. If there is any time to be focused, it is during college. As a collegiate athlete with limited time to devote to studies, there is not room for a lot of extracurricular activities. Planning your future success is an immense undertaking. The process of going off to school, spending a minimum of four years on the field and in the classroom requires a tremendous amount of money, effort and time that cannot be recaptured. Therefore there is not time to be foolish and short-sighted. There have been countless studies focusing on the negative aspects of college student athletes. Yet, few studies have been conducted to determine how students make use of their time
Brayer 5 outside of sports participation. In addition, there is little documentation showing how athletic experiences influence student learning, personal development, and fulfillment with their school athletic experience. “…studies that controlled for college characteristics found that participation in intercollegiate athletics was positively associated with satisfaction with the college experience, motivation toward degree completion, persistence. Completion of the bachelor’s degree, and gains in internal locus of attribution for success during the first year” (Athletic Participation and Wellness 158). This study found that on average, athletes across the nation’s division levels and institutional levels did not differ from their peers on involvement in efficient educational practices, such as academic dispute, communication with faculty, and involvement in active learning. Greater contributions may need to take place as well as critical thinking, logic, reasoning, and educational success whereas effective results are shown by the student’s demonstrated values, attitudes, and beliefs. These outcomes are important not only for the student but also for society. Maintaining a positive outlook on various situations that the student may face can set the stage for personal development and growth which contribute to personal and academic success. People in general have become increasingly skeptical about the quality of academics for college athletes. They are also cynical about the role of athletics in American colleges and universities. Instead of being negative about how athletes compare to student peers, athletic administrators can enhance their involvement with the student athletes in setting a path for people to interact more for those who spend a large quantity of time on athletic-related activities. Athletics will forever be a part of the American culture and society. Collegiate sporting events bring together students, as well as people across the nation. For many, it becomes a shared experience and a fond memory that will be reflected on throughout the years. A homerun, field goal, or touchdown can be a joy-filled moment. The event is memorable because of the shared
Brayer 6 pride all experience in their school and the people who enjoyed the ride with them. Balance is an important factor in school and especially in college. Having a full time job or being a collegiate athlete involves time management to ensure academic integrity. Opportunities should be taken when they present themselves and fit in with one’s future goals. Too many people have regrets when they are older. While many are young and have the motivation and skill, there is nothing wrong with having a little competition and fun when paving their lives for the future. Living life involves doing what makes one happy, both in the short-term and long-term.