Athletics

 A letter from the PIAA

The Doctor’s Orders….
Last weekend, schools across Pennsylvania opened up the high school and junior high school athletic
season with some great events: Cross country, football, field hockey, volleyball and soccer. Crowds
comprised of moms, dads, grandmoms, grandpops, high school sports fans and myriad others all
anticipated and watched great performances by those involved. It was a tremendous start to another
great year of interscholastic athletics.
The beauty of interscholastic athletics is not only participation in a sport, but the life lessons that are
learned as part of the activity. Students engaged in goal setting, teamwork, cooperation with others,
working within the framework of rules and being a good sport are all developed through athletics.
These all transfer to life lessons that make interscholastic athletics one of the oldest gifted programs in
the world.
Furthermore, student‐athletes who are good sports are positive role models within our schools and
their community. Integrity, fairness and respect are principles of good sportsmanship. With those
elements in place, the spirit of competition thrives, fueled by honest rivalry, courteous relations, and
graceful acceptance of the results.
So thank you to all student‐athletes who are participating in a sport this school year and a special thank
you to all moms, dads and others who are re‐arranging schedules, transporting students, washing
uniforms, having late/early meals, preparing fields and courts and working the concession stands to
make this experience one that is positive and fulfilling for everyone.
Best wishes from PIAA to all through the 2012‐2013 school yea