PREPNET / SPEAK OUT

RYAN COLE

Servite, Golf

I think that it is pertinent that high schools set a standard that must be met when dealing with athletes and their grades. Having a standard does many things such as motivating kids to do their work and maintain decent grades which in turn rewards them with the opportunity to participate in school sports. When athletes go to college there is going to be a standard that must be met, so why not start now?

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RYAN MOORE

Brea Olinda, Basketball

I think definitely, yes. School is your first priority. You never know what might happen in sports--you may get hurt or you might not keep playing. Your grades just help you be successful in life if you can’t be successful in sports. You’re not going to make all your money throughout life by playing sports unless you’re in the NBA. You have to get your education to help you get a job for the future.

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JACQUELINE PIRRO

Foothill, Water Polo/Swimming

I agree that there has to be a minimum grade-point average for students who play sports. At Foothill with our team, academics have always been emphasized. And without the proper grades, you can’t go past high school and play sports in college anyway. You have to be a well-rounded person and sports shouldn’t be the only thing.

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TOMMY PERALTA

Villa Park, Wrestling

It’s very simple. The reason you’re in school is because of academics, and not for sport. So I agree with the policy that if you want to play a sport, you have to keep your grades up. Sports is important, but school is more important.

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RALPH BEATTY

Compton, Former Walk-On Football Coach

I do believe it’s fair. They are students first and the ultimate goal is to get them into college and if they are not doing their grade work, then they are not being prepared for the next step.”

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MATT NOEL

Aliso Viejo, President,

Orange County Football Officials Assn.

Absolutely! The ability to participate in prep and college athletics is a privilege, not a right. This is why these activities are termed ‘extracurricular.’