PREPNET / SPEAK OUT

Are there athletes who receive preferential treatment at your school? If so, in what ways are they treated differently?

TREVOR JONES

Newport Harbor, Track and Field/Football

I think it might seem like some people get special treatment because those are the people that are the go-getters. Those are the people that know what they want and are willing to go out and get it. It might seem like they’re getting special treatment, but they’re probably not.

SEBASTIAN GALMARINI

Santa Margarita, Soccer

For the most part, no. Teachers might let a football player turn a project in a day late sometimes. But I think it’s fair because they are out there on the practice field sometimes for four and five hours. That only gives them a few hours to do their homework.

NANCY HATSUSHI

Costa Mesa, Basketball

I can’t positively say there are a group of athletes, or specific athletes, who get treated differently than anyone else. I think everyone gets treated equally. It’s not like one team is better than the other, and they are treated more special than the other teams. I think varsity athletes do get a little more respect, but I don’t think it’s like the JV players feel they are being shortchanged.

GINA MCASKILL

Cypress, Soccer

They might be respected more, but they don’t get any kind of special treatment. But at our school we have students who are good in so many different things, not just sports, that everyone is treated the same.

BOB HILLMAN

Villa Park, Former walk-on

assistant basketball coach

Unfortunately I do know high schools where this is happening. It is quite a shame, as the student athlete is the real loser in all cases. It is also true that the key to developing discipline for success of a student athlete is a strong work ethic, and thirst for knowledge.

NEXT QUESTION

What types of training or experience should walk-on coaches be required to have?