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Jordan Loo
Dr. George
English 4700
April 16, 2014
American High School Sports: The Hindrance in Public Educational Funding?
In recent years, American high school students standardized test scores have dropped
notably in academic world rankings. There is much speculation as to why this is occurring.
Many believe that America has ceased to improve and become content with its current status.
There are those that give the credit to other countries for increased academic improvement.
Another popular argument among these assumptions is that of the influence of high school
extra-curricular activities and sports in government funding. Amanda Ripley of the Atlantic
Journal argues that school-sponsored sports programs should be seriously curtailed America
should learn from South Korea and Finland and every other country in the top tier of
international test scores, all of whom emphasize athletics far less in school(1). Ripley has
written multiple articles explaining the deficit in American academic performance because of
school sponsored sports. Looking further into Ripleys notion I found many pros and cons of
having sports programs intertwined into American high school programs. Some of the biggest
factors of having these sports programs is the physical, social, and mental health benefits
American teenagers receive by competing on these programs. Also there are many other

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factors that are influenced by these programs that go beyond the high school level . Amanda
Ripley makes a few points as to why America would be better off exterminating all high school
extra-curricular programs. Her biggest concern is that sports programs are receiving much
more funding than the average student. Although high school sports and other extracurricular
activities can take time and money away from academics, the benefits from participating in
these activities allow for an enriched and prosperous future for America.
Why Research This Idea?
While most people in the stands of a Friday night football game can easily notice all of
the spectacles of the event such as the uniformed marching band, cheer squad, and of course
football team, many of these people dont think about the hours these students put into
practicing their performances for the event. I took pleasure in watching my younger brother
play in a high school football game this past fall, and I remember overhearing a few bickering
fans in the stands complain of the reckless nature of the event. First, I thought to myself that if
they were against the existence of these events, why did they pay the money to get in? As the
group of fans continued to assess the event, they continued to make comments such as, I bet
those lights cost more than the equivalent of the entire library, or The coaches must make
over $30,000 a year just to babysit these students a little longer while their parents are still at
work. Obviously, I had my objections as the bickering only escalated, but from the sounds of
the conversation behind me, I could tell that my interjection would only create a more hostile

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environment so I decided to enjoy the game instead. It is for people like the ones sitting behind
me at that football game and all those who object to public high school sports that I collect the
following information about the reason why high school sports are not only weaved into a
positive American culture, but they enrich many students livelihoods and their overall high
school experience, along with the positive opportunities that can come from these programs .
The following are main reasons which High school sports are beneficial for student athletes .
Physical Health Benefits of Participating in High School Sports
As technology improves, the youth of America rely less on creativity and adventure and
more on entertainment and machinery. Instead of running around outdoors like past
generations, children today would rather sit down and look at a screen all day long. This trend
is increasing across America and resulting in many more obese teenagers and adults. The
clearest benefits of school-based sports programs can be seen in the overall physical health of
teenagers. Over the past 20 years, many studies have looked at the correlation between the
rising rates of obesity and the declining funding for physical activity, whether in a gym class or
after-school sports programs. Young people generally get less physical activity the older they
get, but if they stay involved in sports programs, theyre more likely to reap the physical
benefits they otherwise would not receive. This certainly helps lessen one of the factors that
can lead to obesity.

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Not only does the physical activity help obesity prevention, but that activity can lead to
better eating habits. Young people involved in physical activity generally consume more fruits
and vegetables, are less likely to be overweight, and are more likely to become physically active
adults. Dr. Charles Basch, of Columbia University, performed a research study that resulted in
the confirmation of health benefits and the academic benefits to physically active youth. His
study results seemed to only reveal what we already knew about the health benefits of physical
activity, but some of the other testing results came as a surprise to many. The main argument
of his study is that physical activity affects metabolism and all major body systems, exerting
powerful positive influences on the brain and spinal cord and, consequently, on emotional
stability, physical health, and motivation and ability to learn. Therefore, physical activity clearly
influences a students academic achievement and potential. Dr. Basch points out that Physical
activity has also been reported to have favorable effects on physiological indices other than
fitness, and to improve quality of life.(6) Obviously health benefits are a major concern for
students raised in a technologically inclined time period, but what is surprising is the
relationship between physical activity and mental capacity. Dr. Baschs findings are not only
interesting but extremely frightening as well. The dangers of inactivity not only decreases the
physical health of students but also mental health as well. One good habit can lead to many
good habits, so keeping young people physically active is imperative for their overall health.
Social Benefits

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Teen girls tend to see the greater social benefits of competing in team sports . The
physical activity combined with the camaraderie and purpose lead to a winning combination for
girls. According to an article from Sports Illustrated, written by Kelli Anderson, Girls who
compete in sports get better grades, graduate at higher rates and have more confidence. The
vast majority avoid unplanned pregnancies, drugs, obesity, depression and suicide (45). The
social benefits can also lead to academic benefits. Anderson also shares that physical activity is
shown to lead to better academic performance, and when your team is performing better, on
the court and in the classroom, it adds an incentive for the individual players to do better .
Participating on a team or as an individual can also help young people improve problem-solving
skills, which translate to better academic performance. Research has shown that the longer
youth play sport, the greater attachment they have to their community. Studies using data
from the University of Marylands National Youth Survey of Civil Engagement show that sports
participants, compared to those who do not participate in sports, are more likely to register to
vote (66 percent versus 44 percent) and to follow the news (41 percent versus 27 percent) .
Self-esteem and motivation
One of the biggest social concerns with high school students today isnt just about their
physical health but also their mental health as well. Teachers and coaches look to bring out the
best in each of their players or students. For many the key to unlocking this potential comes

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from competition. Fikret Soye, author of The relationship Between Success Motivation and
Self-Esteeming Sports: A Study on Elite Athletes, created a study that analyzes the relationship
between the motivations to succeed with self-esteem in sports and determines their
correlation with age, sport experience, sport type, gender, and the level of education . Soyes
study included over 400 athletes from different athletic backgrounds and ages. Soye also takes
into account the psychological aspect of competing and motivation. There is an obvious
element of competition and motivation when it comes to sports, and the results clearly show
that the more athletes participated in organized sports the more they were motivated to
succeed in more than athletics. Competition is everywhere especially in the professional world.
Allowing youth the opportunity to experience competition at an early age will allow them the
advantage of knowing what is required of them to compete with the best in whatever they face
down the road. Healthy competition between students also allows individuals to realize that
hard work plays a major part in achieving success. Many students find the motivation to work
hard in the idea that comes from being better than the person they are competing against .
Competition (from athletics) allows average student-athletes to become elite studentathletes. For those students, competition provides a reason to keep up with their grades so
that when competition begins they will be eligible to participate. Dr. Nicolas Gillet, a sports
psychologist, studied the need for intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in order to decrease the
number of dropouts in America and the important relationship between a student and their

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teachers or coaches. He makes the assumption that many dropouts leave school because no
one is holding them accountable for their actions. Gillete declares, Autonomy support from an
extrinsic force is crucial in the success of many young students especially in America (2). Many
of those students who dropout come from low socioeconomic homes where many parents are
usually too busy working or too oblivious to care about their childs academics. Therefore,
many times a coach, a teammate, or a love for the sport are the only reasons why many lowerclass students earn a high school diploma and attend college. Ripleys argument in this matter
is that there arent nearly enough students who are motivated by sports to consider this
relevant. According to Ripley at least 60% of high school students in America do not participate
in high school sports. If you ask me 40% is still a massive number. The real question is how
much is enough? If any program has the capacity to change even one students life for the
better shouldnt it be supported?
Sports as an outlet and an opportunity for a better life
There are many student athletes who are motivated to perform well on a high school
level so that they can earn a college scholarship and then many of those students continue to
progress and work hard to become a professional in that specific sport . For example, Richard
Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks grew up in the notorious city of Compton in Los Angeles .
Sherman knew that if he didnt spend his time doing something productive he would get
wrapped up in the downward spiral of living as a gangster in Compton. Sherman stated in a

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news column from Sports Illustrated of August 2013: I was raised understanding the value of
hard work. My parents preached academics above all else. It got to the point where Id bring
home a B in middle school, even in a tough class, and get stern looks, like, that is not
acceptable. But our parents always kept us involved in sports, kept us busy. In such a bad
neighborhood, they always wanted us doing something constructive . Sherman continues to
talk about achieving the dream, and although Sherman was drafted much lower than
anticipated, he continues to work hard to make a name for himself. Without high school sports,
Richard Sherman would never have been able to afford to go to college . Because of his hard
work and expectations he set for himself, Sherman attended Stanford University where he
received a Bachelors degree in communications before entering the National Football League .
In another Sports Illustrated article titled Straight Outta Compton, author Jeff
Benedict looks into the life of another student athlete growing up in the streets of Compton:
In a neighborhood with at least three rival gangs, Kitam Hamm's every move is
orchestrated, right down to what he wears and which route he takes to school. Hamm's
12-unit apartment complex is surrounded by a black iron fence and has a single secured
entrance. It sits in a neighborhood where the streets are lined with billboards, walls
with graffiti and small businesses secured by bars and gates. For Hamm, dropping his
guard can be the difference between life and death . "We live in Blood territory, and

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there have been a lot of murders here," says Donyetta. "We don't let Kitam go
anywhere without permission. He comes home from football practice, and we eat
together as a family every night. Then he does homework. He's not allowed out after
dark. He has a very structured life (3).
That structure has enabled Hamm to excel on the football field and in the classroom . A 5'9",
170-pound running back and safety at Compton High, Hamm has a sprinter's speed and benchpresses 315 pounds. Despite missing four games with an ankle injury, Hamm rushed for 602
yards, scored 11 touchdowns and had 31 solo tackles. Hamm is on pace to graduate with a 3.8
GPA, ranks 44th in a senior class of 514 and plans to take prelaw courses in college . Sherman
and Hamm are only two examples of the life-changing opportunities high school sports
programs can provide to students who are less-fortunate that otherwise would never get a
chance for higher education and a better life.
Continued health & success after high school
It is important to keep in mind that students will one day grow up to be professionals in
their chosen career field, but they will also retire someday. Simone Dohle, a writer for BMC
Health journal, looks into what effects physical activity can cause over the duration of a
lifetime. The study found that there was no solid correlation between the activeness of seventy
year-olds who played any type of sport when they were young with those who didnt. However,

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there was a point made that those who participated specifically in a varsity sport were much
more active and healthy than the average 70 year-old. They also found that a majority of these
individuals held a more prestigious career than the average 70 year old as well . The original
hypothesis, although proven wrong, was helpful in finding the relationship between physical
wellness down the road and those who participated in varsity athletics. Dohle concludes:
These findings offer some compelling suggestions about how to target young adults at risk for
long-term adult inactivity, chronic diseases, and premature death. In particular, these are youth
who are not involved in organized sports such as varsity athletics (33). Again to emphasize the
importance of a physically healthy livelihood, it is imperative to point out the benefits of being
physically active. The only government funded options in high school that allow students to
participate in a physically demanding activity (other than gym class) come from the sports
teams.
America Shouldnt Compare Itself to Countries Following Different School Systems
Sometimes it is easy to compare two things that seem the same when in fact there are
many factors that make them completely different. The biggest credibility Ripley carries is the
results from international standardized tests. These numbers carry value because America isnt
on top as it usually is in most world rankings. The problem isnt the students, but the visionless
value put into the test results. There is much more to the equation than many care to see .

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School programs around the world are incredibly different than American schools. While many
international students may score better on a test, it is important to also notice other
differences as well.
American students and Japanese students are frequently tested and compared to each
other. However, the average day of an American teenager is exponentially different from that
of a typical Japanese teen. Marcia Johnson, a Ph.D. from Stanford University, reveals the typical
life of a high school student in Japan as she studied their lifestyles during the duration of a few
years. While Johnson has no preference for criticizing Japanese culture, she gives insight into
the life of a Japanese teenager. Though most high schools in America have teacher oriented
classrooms, those in Japan are usually run by the students. Instead of students running around
to their next classroom as they do in America, those in Japan stay in a single homeroom for the
entire day while the teachers rotate from one classroom to another. Japanese students go to
school sixty days more a year than American students which also plays a part in their academic
achievement. However, although they run an organized and productive school system, the
students only have a half hour a day for social activities and rarely go on dates . These types of
situations prove to be the cause for such a high suicide rate in Japan. Johnson explains that
there are no school related teams but rather clubs. In further detail Johnson describes the
nature of these clubs:

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Club activities take place after school every day. Teachers are assigned as
sponsors, but often the students themselves determine the club's daily activities .
Students can join only one club, and they rarely change clubs from year to year .
In most schools, clubs can be divided into two types: sports clubs (baseball,
soccer, judo, kendo, track, tennis, swimming, softball, volleyball, rugby) and
culture clubs (English, broadcasting, calligraphy, science, mathematics, and
yearbook). New students usually are encouraged to select a club shortly after
the school year begins in April. Clubs meet for two hours after school each day
and many clubs continue to meet during school vacations. Club activities provide
one of the primary opportunities for peer group socialization . Most college
bound students withdraw from club activities during their senior year to devote
more time to preparation for university entrance examinations. (4)
In most places in the world, like Japan, sports become something that students must grow out
of such as when children are expected to grow out of carrying around their favorite doll or
blanket. Thankfully, such is not always the case in America. Although most Japanese tend to
eat healthier than most Americans, the loss of a physical outlet such as sports allows for
depression and stress to invade the lives of many Japanese adults.
Depression and suicide

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Steven Simonitch, reporter for Rocket News 24, displays statistically how students from Japan,
South Korea, China, and the United States of America compare to one another on an emotional
scale according to an academic Japanese corporation called MEXT. They performed a survey
among students from each country and calculated the results. Unfortunately the original
document is in Japanese but a link can be found on the page to see the original research . This
article shows the results of the survey with yes or no answers to I believe I have worth as a
person, and I think I am a good person. From these results, American students score a much
higher score of what they think of themselves ranging in the eighty percentile compared to
South Korea and China who averaged in the thirties and forties. This test proves that there is
more to measure the potential success of students than just academic tests and measuring
what they are capable of rather than strictly what they know should be valued more than
international test scores. There have been many theories as to why sports can have an antidepressing effect on teenagers. Some explanations propose that active or athletic lifestyles are
indirectly related with suicidal thoughts or attempts. For example, researchers have proposed
that the interpersonal support that sports participants receive from coaches, teammates,
parents, and friends may provide athletes with a therapeutic support base that reduces the risk
of suicide during difficult times. People who are regularly physically active may also gravitate to
or possess other positive lifestyle behaviors that reduce their risk for suicide . Again, physical
activity is also associated with numerous mental health benefits, including enhanced emotional

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health, improved cognitive functioning, and better quality of life. These benefits could mediate
a lower risk of suicide among physically active people than people who are inactive .
The problem with international tests and rankings
Kelly Gerard looks at the flaws in the international testing and ranking program PISA. Although
Gerard finds a few flaws in the system she explains that there is really no full-proof way to
accurately compare students from different countries. Obviously one of the hardest obstacles is
the language barriers and creating tests that are completely equal. Also depending on who
exactly is tested will be the factor in the overall ranking as well. For within each country,
especially the U.S. there is a huge gap between the top students and the lower ranking
students. Depending on how many students are needed to accurately represent each country is
one of the biggest factors in debate today.
Ripleys Main Points
In the first line of Amanda Ripleys article The Case against High-School Sports" she states:
The United States routinely spends more tax dollars per high-school athlete than per highschool math student -- unlike most countries worldwide. And we wonder why we lag in
international education rankings? Obviously Ripley argues that high school sports are overly
favored in the United States. Ripley believes that high school sports and extra-curricular
activities are hindering American high schools instead of enriching them and should be taken

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out of public school programs. Can you imagine high school without sports? Football launches
the rhythm of the school year, binding the students in spirit, rallying the community and giving
life to many other extra-curricular programs that shape a young American's teenage years. But,
in some countries, where students do better in school than they do here, there's not even a
word for ' school mascot.' That's because there's no sports in school. As Amanda Ripley noted
in her book The Smartest Kids in the World, the best schools in the world are just that,
schools, not all-inclusive entertainment centers. So if we look at schools as having a single
purpose which is to learn Science, writing, and arithmetic I would agree we are wasting
government funding. Ripley followed up her book with a cover piece in The Atlantic that noted
how many resources are committed to sports, and how often sports gets in the way of a
school's primary mission: educating our children. From coaches who are bad math teachers to
multi-million dollar stadiums, it's worth asking whether sports continue to play a positive role in
our schools.
Ripleys View on School Finances
Ripley claims that if the money used for the average high school athlete were used in other
categories that the United States academic rankings would rise to the top, but instead we
waste our time and money on extracurricular activities that only create more problems
financially. Ripley looks into a few circumstances when a private school in Texas eliminated
extracurricular activities, and according to her research, their academic scores improved. I

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wanted to find out who decides where government funding is sent. It is interesting to find that
these records are publically accessible. I found that, for the most part, the government allows
the states to do whatever they deem necessary with federal funding. Therefore, I find it
interesting that Ripley has to make a stand against American high schools when the majority
has elected to implement sports into their school programs. Another interesting fact that
would hinder Ripleys argument can be found on the public website www2.ed.gov, which is the
official site of the U.S Department of Education, revealing that the United States government
spends the third most amount of money per student in the world behind Switzerland and
Norway.
High School Funding
Aaron Bracamontes, reporter for El Paso Times, gives great insight into the funding and
budgets of a few different school districts in and around El Paso, Texas. The funding comes
down through the districts, and the principal decides how to budget the money. Because of the
flexibility the principals have, many chose to enhance their strengths rather than try to save
their weaknesses. For example, in all but one school in the region, the budget is mostly directed
to the football squad. However, the one school that doesnt spend a majority of their budget on
football spends it on cheerleading because their schools cheer squad is nationally ranked .
Many of these schools also have strong academic programs, but football is usually still given the

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most money followed second by cheerleading. The problem with this freedom is that there are
multi-million dollar high school football stadiums being constructed every year in order to keep
up with other schools or even try to exceed these rival schools in who has the best facilities.
This in fact is what is happening more and more across the United States which is why there are
activists like Amanda Ripley, many high schools are indeed wasting government money. For
example, there is a high school in Allen, Texas It is owned and operated by the Allen
Independent School District. It is home of the Allen High School Eagles. The stadium opened on
August 31, 2012. Eagle Stadium is notable, and controversial for its size. It has a capacity of
18,000 spectators, the fifth largest high school stadium in Texas, and the largest which serves as
home field for only one high school. Its cost of completion was just under $60 million. The
18,000 seats include 9,000 home-side seats (including 1,000 reserved for the Allen Escadrille
[the marching band]), 4,000 end-zone seats for students and general admission, located in the
north end zone, and 5,000 visitor-side seats. Beneath the stadium there are areas for wrestling,
a golf simulator practice area, and a weight room. Although the stadium is owned by the school
district much of the funding came from taxpayers dollars as they voted on whether or not to
build the stadium. There is currently a stadium in Katy Texas that has passed another vote and
will start construction this year. That stadium is estimated to cost upwards of $67 million. In
these scenarios I believe that there should exist a regulation on facility spending, whether it is a
ratio between school expenses and sports expenses or to create a specific human resources job

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to supervise these situations something needs to be done. Multi-million dollar high school
stadiums are unnecessary and wasteful.
The Negative Sub-Culture of Many Athletes
From personal experiences, there are a few other negative influences to the high school
athletes lifestyle. Many student athletes are labeled jocks and tend to socialize primarily
with other athletes. This culture of student athletes labeled with a negative stereotypical
behavior isnt completely false. Dr. Bryan Denham, professor at Clemson University, points out
that one of the biggest downfalls of competitive high school sports is the collective abuse of
drugs and alcohol. His research reveals statistics about a 2008 study of the abuse of alcohol and
marijuana in accordance with specific high school sports teams and the races of the athletes .
According to Denham, many [high school American] male athletes have problems with
substance abuse whether for personal use or to fit in with the group . The biggest group of
marijuana abusers come from baseball players and weightlifters (2). Overall there was a strong
case for male and female alcohol consumption and marijuana specifically related to high school
sports teams. While living in Hawaii as a middle school athlete, I had access to marijuana and
alcohol from teammates and their older siblings, being a religious and law-abiding citizen, I
never needed to take them up on their offers and was never judged because of my decisions.
When I moved to Utah my junior year, I thought that this access would be absent. However,

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not only was there access to marijuana and alcohol but harder drugs like cocaine and heroin
were much more present among athletes from southern Utah high schools. The peer pressure
from my new teammates was much more burdening from those in Hawaii . Because Utah is
classified as a religious state, most of the athletes used drugs in secret and relied on a small
group of friends and teammates to participate, it was a rite of passage. The interesting part is
that my other friends who were non-athletes remained in denial that this type of behavior ever
took place.
Other Opinions
Dr. Daniel H. Bowen, former professor at Rice University, and Dr. Collin Hitt, of the
University of Arkansas, wrote an article titled "High-School Sports Aren't Killing Academics" in
direct response to Amanda Ripleys article The Case against High School Sports. The multiple
authors argue and show proof that Ripleys thesis is faltered. Because Ripley believes that
sports undermine the academic mission of American schools the authors put this belief to the
test by sharing student testing statistics from across the country. Ripley argues that Mississippi
students test as low as students in Tobago and Trinidad which is true but she reveals that there
are states like Massachusetts who compete with the top academically renowned countries like
South Korea and Japan. Obviously when fighting for change a person would want to present
important information regarding their views on the subject, however, in Ripleys case, her
accusations and statistics being half true lead to wonder what else she is hiding.

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Conclusion
So how can schools best use this information? With budget cuts across the board in
many school districts, administrators must make decisions that will benefit the short-term and
long-term well-being of their students. If the school thinks they have to trade physical
education or sports in order to get better test scores, they may be heading down the wrong
path. Physical activity can be added to the school curriculum without academic consequences
and also can offer physical, emotional, and social benefits. High school sports programs are
good for the individual and the whole.
The most valid argument Ripley shared was the unbalanced school funding taking place
in parts of the US. It can be difficult for schools to make decisions regarding funding, especially
when test scores decrease. But if administrators can keep the big picture in mind, and factor in
how the many benefits of physical activity and sports programs can help students, the good test
scores will follow. The life lessons that are learned by participating in high school sports
programs are much more valuable than an international standardized test ranking. Student
athletes learn positive and healthy habits that carry them through the rest of their lives and are
enriched by the relationships and values formed while they participate in high school sports
programs.

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Works Cited
Anderson, K. The Power of Play. Sports Illustrated, pp. 44-63. (2012, May 7).
Basch, Charles E. "Physical Activity and the Achievement Gap among Urban Minority Youth ."
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2014.
BENEDICT, JEFF, and ARMEN KETEYIAN. "STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON. (Cover Story)." Sports
Illustrated 115.22 (2011): 82-90. Academic Search Premier. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.
Bracamontes, Aaron. "High School Athletics Funding: EPISD, SISD Divide Equally, YISD Leaves up
to Principals." El Paso Times.com. El Paso Times, 7 Oct. 2012. Web. 27 Jan. 2014.
<http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_21718092/high-school-athletics-funding-episd-sisddivide-equally-yisd-leaves-up-principals>.
Daniel H. Bowen & Collin Hitt. "High-School Sports Aren't Killing Academics." The Atlantic.
Atlantic Media Company, 02 Oct. 2013. Web. 09 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2013/10/high-school-sports-arentkilling-academics/280155/>.

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Denham, Bryan E. "Alcohol and Marijuana Use Among American High School Seniors: Empirical
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Gerard, Kelly. "From The Editor - Pisa Is Not Perfect but Rankings Are Here to Stay." Resources. TSL Education, 29 July 2013. Web. 27 Jan. 2014.
<http://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resource/From-The-Editor-Pisa-is-not-perfect-butrankings-are-here-to-stay-6344643/>.
Gillet, Nicolas, et al. "The Role of Autonomy Support and Motivation in the Prediction of
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Johnson, Marcia L., and Jeffrey R. Johnson. "SPICE." Daily Life in Japanese High Schools -.
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<http://spice.stanford.edu/docs/142>.

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Ripley, Amanda. "The Case against High-School Sports." Atlantic Monthly (10727825) 312.3
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Soye, Fikret. "The Relation between Success Motivation and Self-Esteem in Sports: A Study on
Elite Athletes." International Journal of Academic Research 3.6 (2011): 41-46. Academic
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U.S. Department of Education, 10 Facts about K-12 Education Funding, Washington, D.C., 2005
http://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/fed/10facts/index.html?exp=3