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Athletes recognize academic goals
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| By: TOM GOETZ, DAILY LEADER Sports Editor |
June 29, 2009 |
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Running back Semmie Smith of Brookhaven and basketball forward Ann Shelby Davis of Wesson are both outstanding senior athletes who are looking forward to their final season of high school competition before moving on to the college level. They both recognize the importance of working hard in the classroom, too.
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Semmie Smith, Ole Brook's 1,000-yard running back, anticipates a strong senior season. He was recognized as The DAILY LEADER's Most Valuable Offensive Player on the 2008 All-Lincoln County Football Team.
Smith realizes the importance of academics as college coaches contact him about his future on the gridiron. His ACT score and classroom GPA become as important as 100-yard rushing performances.
"Classroom work is very important," said Smith. "It's important as ability on the field. You can't be a good player and a bad student and expect to go somewhere."
Smith has grown physically and mentally during his previous 2 varsity seasons. He wants to become the best student/athlete possible.
"How you play and what you do in the classroom are equally important," said Smith. "Nowadays, it's more important than being on the field."
Asked about his favorite courses, Smith said he likes biology. He enjoys history, too.
Ann Shelby Davis is an honor roll student with a 3.5 GPA. She was selected Most Valuable Player on the DL's 2009 All-Area Girls Basketball Team.
Asked about the change in eligibility for student/athletes, Davis said she favored the new grade requirements.
"I agree with it. If you want to be an athlete, you should be able to make good grades. If you don't work hard in the classroom, you don't deserve to play sports.
"You need to work hard because it is a privilege to play sports."
Academic excellence has become a Wesson trademark. The Lady Cobras maintained a scholarly 3.5 GPA as a team during their march to the Division 6-2A Tournament championship and a berth in the state playoffs.
Davis said Wesson coach Hugh Webb demands a good effort on the basketball court and in the classroom. "Coach Webb always asks to see our grades when we get our report cards. If we have a bad grade, he will go talk to the teacher to see what can be done to improve."
Special tutoring is available at most schools when a student struggles with a particular subject.
Athletes striving to achieve freshman eligibility on the college level have received extra help thanks to a rewarding program of instruction provided by the Cellular South Gameplan educational initiative. They have an opportunity to prepare themselves for the ACT examinations that students take in preparation for obtaining college scholarships
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©The Daily Leader 2009
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