The Importance Of Athletic Programs

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Athletic programs have been a part of colleges for many years. It has led to most big name schools being popular because of these successful athletic programs. They draw in and attract students. They have the ability to create an atmosphere that nothing else can, while bringing an entire student body together. Athletic programs also allow for students to receive an education that typically would not be able to. Athletic programs are beneficial to colleges. Athletic programs give schools national exposure which leads to more applicants, which leads to many benefits for the school. In the article “The Importance of College Athletic Programs to Universities”, Dr. Sabrina Prieur, a college professor and athletics administrator, states that “[Successful
Linda Emma states in her article that “Team spirit and its derivative fan loyalty can infect a campus and a community. [Big name colleges] have sports cultures that represent long-live brands that engulf surrounding towns and permeate their states” (Emma). She is saying that sports teams can create excitement and allows for students, and fans everywhere, to bond together by supporting their favorite schools. The fans and student body come together at sporting events, tailgates, and watch parties all to support their favorite school. In his article “College Athletics: Necessary, Not Just Nice to Have”, Robert J. Sternberg, Provost and Senior Vice President at Oklahoma State University, says “The spirit [generated from sports teams] carries over to nongame days as well. Some might feel that such an attitude is hardly becoming of an institution dedicated to developing the life of the mind: but I would take the excitement and passion of the schools with spirit any day. It makes life on the campus much more fun and boosts morale and a feeling of identification with the institution” (Sternberg). He is implying that school spirit makes the school a better place to be overall. College sports teams have great school spirit, especially when their teams are successful. A successful sports team is something the entire community can come together around. Being in the student
In the NCAA’s article “The Value of College Sports”, it states “Overall. NCAA student athletes have graduate at rates higher than college students in general. Nearly 13,000 student athletes have returned to campuses to complete their degrees in the past decade after finishing their athletics eligibility” (NCAA). This statistic goes to show the emphasis that student athletes put on academics. It also shows the success academically that student athletes have. These student athletes are just as focused on academics, if not more, than they are with sports. They understand they are students first and athletes second. Another statistic from the NCAA’s article shows “More than 150,000 college athletes receive $2.7 billion in athletics scholarships each year from NCAA member colleges and universities” (NCAA). This large number of student athletes receiving scholarships includes many people that wouldn’t be able to attend college if it weren’t for these athletics scholarships. They allow for people who regularly wouldn’t be able to get financial help on grades alone to have some assistance paying for college. Academics are not something that is forgotten by these student athletes, as they often find success in the classroom as well as the playing

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