Athletics vs. Academics
By: Mario Boone
Updated: September 4, 2009
A new state law in Texas allows student athletes to double the number of credits they can earn for participating in sports. Previously students only received two credits toward graduation. The change has stoked arguments between people for and against the new rule.
Principal Bill Harp of Pleasant Grove High School says it's about leveling the playing field for athletes. Currently students in programs like band and drama already earn four credits. Harp says the change will simply put athletes on the same playing field with students in the other extracurricular activities.
Glyndis Luter has a son who played sports when he was in high school. Luter says she disagrees with the new law because athletes already practice after school. Her thinking is since it's after school you shouldn't get extra credit for it.
Athletics director and Pleasant Grove football coach Kevin Davis says student athletes will take real classes like weight lifting and P.E. where they will be evaluated based on performance. Davis says it won't be a class for athletes to hang out during the school day. He supports the new law.
Cole Riddell is a baseball player for Pleasant Grove and also supports the new law. Riddell believes the extra credits will help boost his GPA. The new law went into effect September 1st.
Principal Bill Harp of Pleasant Grove High School says it's about leveling the playing field for athletes. Currently students in programs like band and drama already earn four credits. Harp says the change will simply put athletes on the same playing field with students in the other extracurricular activities.
Glyndis Luter has a son who played sports when he was in high school. Luter says she disagrees with the new law because athletes already practice after school. Her thinking is since it's after school you shouldn't get extra credit for it.
Athletics director and Pleasant Grove football coach Kevin Davis says student athletes will take real classes like weight lifting and P.E. where they will be evaluated based on performance. Davis says it won't be a class for athletes to hang out during the school day. He supports the new law.
Cole Riddell is a baseball player for Pleasant Grove and also supports the new law. Riddell believes the extra credits will help boost his GPA. The new law went into effect September 1st.
