Sports and UIL: the benefits
1. Teachers/coaches are responsible and accountable for your kids. They will get them home safely and as timely as possible.
2. Be glad your kids don’t want to miss practice or be late. They are learning to be responsible and on time, as adults should be. No school in Texas has a practice for any UIL event that would cause a student to miss any class!
3. The superintendent, principals, English, math, history, science or any teacher and staff deserve time with family during holidays just as you do! They will not be gone the whole time, though. You will see many of them on duty or as spectators at the same events as your kids. They will be there in support of your kids!
4. Great things are accomplished with hard work! Be glad your kids are in an organized work environment under adult supervision, not somewhere doing something they should not or getting in trouble. In other words, they are off the streets!
5. Now you discover that this wonderful guidance for your kids is all year long!
6. Open gym is for any student in school. It is a time to work out, get in better physical shape, build self-esteem and, most important, your kids will feel better about themselves!
Did you have an inkling how great your kids will perform in their events and classes with this extra time and guidance from their teachers and coaches?
Yes, all the programs are about the kids! And the guidance, leadership and devotion to your kids is from the administrators, teachers and coaches at Lampasas ISD!
Yes, only 40 percent or less kids participate in UIL activities in Texas. I wonder if the parents of that other 60 percent know where their kids are or what they are doing after school? Are those kids off the streets? Also, check the statistics of the grades of those students who choose not to participate in extra activities.
Less than one percent of high school students make it to the college level in intercollegiate athletics or events. It is a much higher level and more demanding.
My first year teaching/coaching I had to write a short essay for the school district where I was. I honestly believe that 99 percent of Texas teachers and coaches follow this same philosophy. I quote, “My main job as a teacher/coach (every coach knows they are a teacher first and foremost) is not to win district championships, fill the cases with trophies, or raise multiple banners in the gym. If those things happen, then it adds to the glory. The greatest glory is watching these young men and women graduate, being successful, knowing that you guided and molded them to step out into the world and be responsible, productive citizens for our society and country!”
As for the $550,000 for extracurricular coaching, please understand something. Eighty-plus percent of that is their teaching salary, just as any other teacher. No more, no less! The other 20 percent is coaching stipends spread out over however many coaches/events there are. And that may include band directors, cheerleader sponsors, debate coaches, drill team directors, UIL academic coaches and any other UIL event sponsors. And that is all good, very good. All those events are just as important as sports. Just as in athletics, the kids are involved, guided and under the direction and watchful eye of their sponsors, who all do a great job with your kids! Again, kids being successful and not out roaming the streets.
And how many of you would work for a coaching increment of $3 an hour or less? Figure the time that any coach, band director, cheerleader sponsor, drill team director or any UIL academic coach spends with your kids so that they will be successful in their endeavors. I can assure you all these administrators, teachers, coaches, directors and sponsors spend countless hours and hours, days and days of time on their own to help your kids succeed. Would you do it for $3 or less an hour? I think not.
As for what is most important in school, sports or grades, of course it’s grades! Any UIL event in the state of Texas has academic standards that must be met by any participating student. That standard is you must pass. So when you see your kids participating in the band, volleyball, drill team, cheerleaders, football or any other UIL event, please applaud them and praise them. They are your kids, and they are passing!
I wish every kid in every school in Texas was participating in some kind of UIL event. All would be striving to succeed and pass so they could participate!
So make sure the next time you see your kids’ superintendent, principals, teachers, directors, sponsors or coaches you reach out and shake their hand and thank them for what they do for your kids and helping them to succeed. And please remember, there is not one of these people there for themselves. They are there for your kids! Teachers mold and shape your kids’ lives more than you know. Ask anyone in this town who had Curtis Bozarth as a mentor if he made an impact on your life!
And don’t forget, coaches are great teachers. Your kids do not play if they do not pass. Your athletic director stresses the importance of all events! And ask any of the 200-plus ladies who attended “Football 102.” I understand there were not many dry eyes at that event. They all do this for your kids! And if you don’t like what a coach is doing, go ask them about it. They will be glad to visit with you. Please remember their spouses and children hear every rude comment made in the stands at any event! They have feelings just as you! Sportsmanship is just as important in the stands as it is on the field!
In closing, please support your schools and all that the staffs at every campus do for your kids. Most of all, support and back your kids in all they do. Love them, lead them and guide them. Love our God, our country, our community and our schools. We are all blessed to live in such a wonderful place! Go Badgers!!
Patrick N. Love
P.S. Especially thank all your Lampasas school board members. They make a very special and gifted salary. They work for all your kids for free!
