High school football is becoming a big business and the talented kids are being exposed to the true nature of sports politics way to soon. With the college recruiting process going to the extremes to land athletes the real reason for participating in the sport has been forgotten. High school athletes are already faced with the strain of balancing schoolwork and athletics, but with the way these kids are hounded by recruiter and such makes it even more stressful.
Not only are these athletes faced with the big decision of which college to attend but now emphasizes is put on the All-star games that some of these athletes play in. The top two national All-star games are the U.S. All-American bowl and the Under Armour All-American game. The country’s top athletes are wooed with sun filled locations, perks, and incentives for participating in these games. According to an article published by The Washington Post, “competition between the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, the Under Armour All-American Game in Orlando and a handful of other less prominent games has grown increasingly fierce.” At one point the All-star games were targeted toward upper classmen Senior. That is of the past now with each All-star game competing for high profile athletes. The competition starts as early as some athlete’s sophomore year. Good Counsel high school wide receiver and defensive back Kendall Fuller can attest to that. Kendall was still a high school sophomore with one season of experience starting on the varsity football team when he was approach at a scouting combine with the invitation to attend the U.S. All-American bowl.
High school sports are supposed to be fun and stress free. Your high school years should be filled of fond memories of friends and never forgetful moments. Participating in high school athletics shouldn’t tarnish that experience. High school athletics have turn into an activity that must produce a collegiate athlete receiving a college scholarship and attending a prestigious University. The purpose of the participation in high school sports is not to receive a college scholarship. The purpose of high school sports should be a continuation of the classroom so that such values as citizenship, sportsmanship, teamwork, and hard work are taught and reinforced. I’m Just saying!
