Post by xfacecradle on Jun 30, 2005 7:43:29 GMT -5
Through the years, growing up in St. Ignace, a school with an undeniably respectable athletic program, I accomplished much through my athletic career. My resume includes All-American Honors(100 Career Wins), Several Individual Honors including Most improved Wrestler, and Dedication award in wrestling. I love the sport and I cannot get enough of it. Participating in ultimately every sport that my school offered at least one year from Middle school up until the present, I have grown accustomed to fairness and equal opportunity for all athletes no matter what conditions.
But up until my freshmen year, I was totally unaware of an undue travesty that takes place in the High School Sports of Michigan. Several Upper Peninsula sports are not allowed to compete downstate. This is downright unfair.
Undoubtedly there have been countless athletes that have been overlooked by collegiate programs due to the fact they are only U.P Champions, and not D1, D2, D3, or D4 champions. The level of competition in the U.P is not very high right now, especially with certain sports. Wrestling for example currently has only 17 schools putting out high school squads. Being unable to compete in the lower peninsula is discrimination of geographical location, which is in violation of the Constitution, denying us the right of equal opportunity: to compete with Lower Peninsula athletes.
I know a lot of schools are tightening up on budgets right now, and this change would not help, but I am quite sure if a change was to take place here in St. Ignace, the response for fund-raising would be tremendous. I would expect no less from other communities across the Upper Peninsula to help the kids out. This is for the betterment of myself and countless Upper Peninsula athletes.
Do NOT deny these kids the endless advantages that competing in the Lower Peninsula could bring. I talk about athletic scholarships, which I know is a concern for parents of standout athletes. I speak from the voices of hundreds of competitors across my area in Michigan that change is needed. Please consider discussion of this matter at your next available opportunity.
Thank you for taking time to read my letter. I appreciate the opportunity to voice the opinion of myself and many other U.P Athletes.
Very Truly Yours,
____________
But up until my freshmen year, I was totally unaware of an undue travesty that takes place in the High School Sports of Michigan. Several Upper Peninsula sports are not allowed to compete downstate. This is downright unfair.
Undoubtedly there have been countless athletes that have been overlooked by collegiate programs due to the fact they are only U.P Champions, and not D1, D2, D3, or D4 champions. The level of competition in the U.P is not very high right now, especially with certain sports. Wrestling for example currently has only 17 schools putting out high school squads. Being unable to compete in the lower peninsula is discrimination of geographical location, which is in violation of the Constitution, denying us the right of equal opportunity: to compete with Lower Peninsula athletes.
I know a lot of schools are tightening up on budgets right now, and this change would not help, but I am quite sure if a change was to take place here in St. Ignace, the response for fund-raising would be tremendous. I would expect no less from other communities across the Upper Peninsula to help the kids out. This is for the betterment of myself and countless Upper Peninsula athletes.
Do NOT deny these kids the endless advantages that competing in the Lower Peninsula could bring. I talk about athletic scholarships, which I know is a concern for parents of standout athletes. I speak from the voices of hundreds of competitors across my area in Michigan that change is needed. Please consider discussion of this matter at your next available opportunity.
Thank you for taking time to read my letter. I appreciate the opportunity to voice the opinion of myself and many other U.P Athletes.
Very Truly Yours,
____________
