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Early college changes policies on athletics
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Written by Lauren Stepp, Creative Director
Nothing was said as rain drops rushed down sophomore Hunter Denney’s back while she stood in a huddle along with fellow women’s varsity soccer players. All were silent, with only their grim faces shouting feelings of disappointment.
East Henderson held a one point lead over West at the home game on March 30 at the beginning of the second half. However, despite all challenges including weather conditions, the Lady Falcons held a goal of beating the Eagles — a significant rival.
“In soccer you should have the momentum to go score another goal and try even harder after a setback. We wanted to win, but the question was whether or not we were going to put in the effort. But we went back into the game with a hunger to play,” Denney said. “We eventually took the lead and won, 3-2. It felt so good. Everyone deserves to be on a sports team. People should have somewhere to go where they feel like they are part of something.”
Nevertheless, a recent decision made by principals and the senior staff of Henderson County Public Schools some students will not have an opportunity to participate on sports teams. When the North Carolina High School Athletic Association began the conference reclassification process for the 2013-2017 school years, it was discovered that only a small number of students from the Early College program participate in athletics at their home schools
The early college program was implemented in the fall of 2009, allowing students to take college courses as well as the traditional high school curriculum at Blue Ridge Community College. The process takes an additional year, but it allows student to obtain an associate’s degree upon graduating. Initially, early college students were allowed to compete on sports teams at the high school in their home district.
“I am a part of the last year of students the county is going to grandfather in and allow to participate in athletics. I run cross country for West, and feel that athletics benefit my grades and make me a better person,” Early College sophomore Alex Hardison said. “Everyone should have this opportunity; just because someone wants to participate in this program and work a bit harder does not mean they should have to sacrifice something that will ultimately be beneficial to them. Students should have the opportunity to voice their opinion in this matter.”
The early college course load differs significantly from standard high school classes. Transportation also weighed into matters, for most lacked the time and means for the away-game commute.
“Early College is a choice,” Principal Dean Jones said. “These students acknowledge that they are going to be in a different environment. The college curriculum is very taxing, and time limits can become more apparent. We weren’t getting a lot of participation, so it just doesn’t make sense. However, from this point on, those who apply to be in the program will know upfront that that’s not an option. If being part of the college atmosphere and curriculum is what they want, then they need to understand that the athletics do not come with that.”
Though controversial, this decision appears to be permanent, at least for the four year 2013 to 2017 school period. Both Jones and Hardison agree that with such inconsequential participation in athletics, a change such as this will not significantly influence athletic performance.
“This will not affect athletics at all, especially with the low number of kids who participate. However, in the coming years it may in fact make a difference,” Hardison said. “But, I feel that over all the decision was a bad idea. It is going to be very negative because it is going to deter students from coming to this school in the future.”
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