The Second Half
March 30, 2012
As local print media collapse and school sports receive less and less complete and competent coverage, and more and more immature and inappropriate treatment, the MHSAA has moved to help fill the void.
The “Second Half” is a place where people can find the essential information about school sports in a safe setting at MHSAA.com.
Geoff Kimmerly, previously the high school sports editor for the Lansing State Journal, is the man behind this mission at the MHSAA. With the help of several other staff, Geoff is originating or aggregating both video and editorial content and stories by or about student-athletes, as well as stories and Q & As with coaches. All sports are covered, and always consistent with our core values for educational athletics.
With your first cup of coffee each day, visit the Second Half at MHSAA.com.
System Failure
October 19, 2012
Almost every week we learn of another college or professional athlete who has exploded in rage, abused a fan or friend, been busted or broken parole, been stopped for speeding or DUI.
Among very many reasons why, one of the greatest may be this: we taught them to behave this way . . . the system caused them to become this way.
Sometimes the positive character traits taught through high school sports are overwhelmed by the extravagant attention given to athletes by the media, college recruiters, ranking services, agents, promoters and sporting equipment/apparel companies. Good kids begin to believe the hype, thinking they're not only above the crowd, but above the law. They go from being self-confident, to self-centered, to self-serving.
There are good reasons that, in school sports, we attempt to restrain the hype and deflect attention from individual to team. We could use some help at home and in the media.