As summer winds down one of my favorite times of the season begins: high school football.
High school football is a staple of the fall season; Friday night lights and homecoming encompass what is some of the best memories that high schooler's could possibly have. No matter where you live, you know that there are many divisions for sports, division one, two and so on. The bigger the school, the higher the division, but it has nothing to do with money that the high school institutions have as to what division they are in.
There was recently an article in our local newspaper that Pulaski High School in Pulaski, Wisconsin; a division one school that will be breaking ground on a $4.9 million football stadium. This stadium will include artificial turf, tennis courts, a track, as well as baseball and softball fields. Pulaski, a division one school, no doubt has the student body and popularity for these new athletic fields.
But, what has happened to high school football where the field wasn't artificial turf, they didn't have to have the best uniforms nor did they have to have multiple fundraisers to make ends meet so the school and extracurriculars could get a new stadium that looks far better than some college stadiums? Not to mention, multiple years from now and the stadium and field need maintenance and updates; who will fork over the money for that? Donations and fundraisers are great at the moment; but what happens after the fact?
When I Googled high school stadium, one of the top links that popped up was "Top 10 High School Stadiums that you must visit." The number one stadium is Allen Eagle Stadium in Allen, Texas; known as the most expensive high school stadium ringing up at $59.6 million. To me that is pretty profound that some high school stadiums are a must see, more so than some college and NFL stadiums.
Most recently I came upon a California football team that has unveiled a 28 combination uniform done by Under Armour. 28 combinations with multiple kinds of pants, jerseys and helmets.
So, how has high school football turned into a glamorous ordeal? Where football teams have multiple jerseys and helmets and a million dollar stadium that far surpasses the dollar amount of the school buildings themselves.
High school extra curriculars, like football, are often meant to build teamwork, friendship and leadership, while that is still the case, there has been an unnecessary amount of glamor, in a not so glamorous sport.
I am not discounting the hard work all these athletes, coaches and administrations do nor am I saying that these athletes, their families and the student body don't deserve these great stadiums, jerseys or recognition.
However, I am saying that high school football shouldn't be about the glitz and glamour, who has the best stadium, the best uniforms or the newest equipment.
High school football should be about friendship and working with what you have. So what, the field isn't in the best shape; you work with it. Uniforms are a little worn out; shows hard work and dedication.
The glitz and glamour of high school sports, like football, is deceiving to the public eye. While it looks great from the outside, if you look closer into it, does the glamour of this sport discredit academics? Personally, I think that it does.
High school football has turned into entertainment. While there is nothing wrong with football being entertaining, it is also unfortunate to see how glamour has taken over a good ole' fashion game.
High school football shouldn't be about the who's whose in your conference or who wore the best uniform. It should be about skill, athleticism and passion for the game.
