Sunday, May 5, 2024
Student athletes often balance multiple responsibilities – from their classes, jobs, and personal lives to sports and other extracurriculars.
Despite the busy schedules, Gatesville High School athletes have averaged a 90% and above passing rate for each nine-week grading period since the 2021-2022 school year. With a 93% passing rate for the most recent grading cycle, Athletic Director Rickey Phillips explains Hornets Athletics academic expectations and how they prepare student athletes for their future beyond high school.
“One of the first goals of our athletic program is to establish the importance of academics,” he said. “Establishing the importance of excelling in the classroom and being a good student first.”
Although the University Interscholastic League (UIL) has academic requirements, such as No Pass No Play, Gatesville’s athletic program has its own standards when it comes to athletes maintaining grades.
“If a student is not on the academic ineligibility list but is failing two to three courses between grading periods, our coaches at the high school and junior level are more than likely not going to allow that athlete to participate until those grades are satisfactory,” Phillips said. “We want our athletes to understand the importance of maintaining a high level of academics year-round.”
Along with tutoring and after-school programs, Phillips adds that coaches and teachers offer support to students who are struggling.
“They go above and beyond to help all students be successful and excel in the classroom,” Phillps said. “Same for our campus administration that is constantly finding ways to help students that are behind or need additional help academically.”
This year, student athletes make up 60% of campus enrollment. Phillips said around 466 students participate in at least one sport, and four out of every five athletes play in multiple sports.
“We have so many student-athletes that are involved in other groups and extracurricular activities that GHS offers and that have jobs,” he said. “The young folks that represent Hornets Athletics are committed and dedicated. They are organized and great time managers.”
Senior student Bethany Penrod, who is involved in soccer, cross country, and student council, said the support from her team and coaches helps when it comes to balancing a busy schedule.
“It helps when you have a good environment,” Penrod said.
Sean Aguilar, another senior athlete who plays on the football, track, and baseball teams, said taking OnRamps college courses through the University of Texas has helped him form more efficient study habits.
“Definitely try to stay on top of stuff and don’t procrastinate,” he said. “I have two off periods, and I use that for studying and homework to create good study habits.”
While academics are at the forefront of the school’s athletic program, Phillips emphasizes the link between athletics and academic achievement and how the two often complement one another.
“Kids that are smart in that classroom are probably going to understand the game or the sport a little better too, because they're thinkers and they're learners,” Phillips said.
Whether or not students continue athletics following graduation, Phillips said the goal is to help prepare students to become productive citizens outside of a sports or academic setting.
“We talk about how your behavior here may reflect the first job interview you go to or your grades here or whatever college you’re trying to get into,” Phillips said. “Your grades here, your behavior, are going to have an impact on what you do beyond the walls of GHS when you graduate.”
