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  • Essay / The Importance of Athletic Programs - 1451

    Sports programs have been a part of colleges for many years. This has led to most of the renowned schools becoming popular due to their successful sports programs. They attract and attract students. They have the ability to create an atmosphere that nothing else can, while bringing an entire student body together. Sports programs also allow students to receive an education that would not typically be possible for them. Sports programs are beneficial for colleges. Athletic programs give schools national exposure, which leads to more applicants, resulting in many benefits for the school. In the article “The Importance of Collegiate Athletic Programs for Universities,” Dr. Sabrina Prieur, a college professor and athletic administrator, states that “[SuccessfulLinda Emma states in her article that “team spirit and the fan loyalty that comes from it can infect a campus and a community. [Large universities] have sports cultures that represent enduring brands that engulf surrounding cities and permeate their states” (Emma). She says sports teams can create excitement and allow students and fans around the world to bond by supporting their favorite schools. Fans and students come together at sporting events, tailgates and viewing parties to support their favorite school. In his article “College Athletics: Necessary, Not Just Nice to Have,” Robert J. Sternberg, dean and senior vice president at Oklahoma State University, says: “The spirit [generated by athletic teams] is also transmitted on non-match days. Some might think that such an attitude is hardly appropriate for an institution dedicated to the development of the life of the spirit: but I would take with spirit the enthusiasm and passion of the schools on a daily basis. It makes campus life much more fun and builds morale and a sense of identification with the institution” (Sternberg). He suggests that school spirit makes the school a better place to live overall. College sports teams have great school spirit, especially when their teams are successful. A successful sports team is something the entire community can rally around. Being a StudentIn the NCAA article “The Value of College Sports” it states “Overall. NCAA student-athletes graduate at higher rates than college students in general. Nearly 13,000 student-athletes returned to campuses to complete their degrees over the past decade after completing their athletics eligibility” (NCAA). This statistic shows the importance student-athletes place on academics. This also shows the academic success of student-athletes. These student-athletes focus just as much, if not more, on academics as they do on sports. They understand that they are students first and athletes second. Another statistic from the NCAA article shows that "more than 150,000 college athletes receive $2.7 billion in athletic scholarships each year from NCAA member colleges and universities" (NCAA). This large number of student-athletes receiving scholarships includes many people who would not be able to attend college without these athletic scholarships. They allow people who would regularly not be able to get financial aid just for their grades to have some help paying for college. Academics is not something that is forgotten by these student-athletes, as they often succeed in.