Last Friday night, many of the top scholar-athletes from Ohio were honored by the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Six central district students were recognized for their stellar work in the classroom as well as the sports arena, and Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel also was honored at the event. He talked about the high correlation between being strong in academics and being talented athletically. The high school students I have chosen for this summer series are all good students in their schools, and this week, they highlight the importance of getting good grades.
Dominic Jones, Brookhaven football -- More than sports, academics are the key to success. In sports, injuries can happen at any time and your career can easily be done. With academics, no one can take your knowledge away."
Patrick Roan, Westerville North boys soccer -- "Doing well in school is extremely important. Academics open the door to the future -- whether it is a job or going to college."
Hanh Tran, Worthington Kilbourne boys track and field -- "Academics is one of the most important things in life because it's one of the few reliable aspects of life in America. Plus, academics will open up your mind and world if you let it."
Nate Cass, Upper Arlington boys swimming and diving -- "Academics are extremely important because you can figure out what you want to do with your life once competitive sports are done."
Ashley Trimble, Hamilton Township girls track and field -- "I want to be considered a leader at my school, and if you want to get the respect of younger students you have to be much more than just a good athlete. You have to set an example in the classroom and hope those students that admire you will follow your example."
Andrew Moses, Watterson football -- "Academics are the most important thing in school. Sports are great and something that can bring you great enjoyment, but once your playing days are done, life begins and you need that education you got in high school and college."
Kelly Quinn, Dublin Coffman girls soccer -- "School is the most important aspect of anyone's life. It should always be a priority no matter what, because at any given time in a sport you could be seriously injured and your athletic career could be completely over. What then would you have to fall back on? Of course, your education, which will give you other options."
Alex Daniels, Marion-Franklin football -- "Grades are everything. It becomes really simple: If you don't have the grades to play your sport you can't be on a team. Young people need to understand that."
Jamelle Cornley, Brookhaven boys basketball -- "Academics are very important, because, without academics you have no successful future. Academics will take you everywhere and anywhere."
Marshae Dotson, Mifflin girls basketball -- "I feel being a student-athlete is an extremely tough task. Time management is very important when you are a student-athlete and you have to balance academics and athletics. I am still learning how to manage my time."
Madora Mak, Upper Arlington girls tennis -- "Academics are important because they help you overcome challenges in your life, such as earning a job or providing for yourself and others."
Carly Truitt, Marysville girls golf -- "Academics have always been important to me. While going through the college recruiting process last year, I realized that the fact that I was an excellent student opened a lot of doors. There were schools that wouldn't have even recruited me if I didn't perform well in the classroom."
Next week, the athletes talk about how they handle disappointment and defeat.
I'll see you at a game.
Larry Larson is a former athletic director at Grandview High School. He can be heard as "Mr. High School Sports" on WTVN 610 AM.
