Friday, May 3, 2013
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Note To All Student-Athletes: The Education Piece Is Here To Stay!
We've all heard stories of high school and college athletes having their schoolwork and exams taken for them by other students. Cheating in and out of the classroom in order to obtain decent grades has been going on as long as,well,probably as long as schools have existed. Therefore,cheating in the classroom in order to obtain a high enough grade to remain academically eligible to participate in collegiate and high school sports has probably been a part of amatuer athletics since the first pitch was thrown,the first basketball was thrown up in the air,and shortly after the first track meet took place.
As long as there are rules pertaining to performance in the classroom,there will be unlimited attempts to shake,fake and undermind such rules.Whether it's athletes copying off others' papers,sharing notes with classmates during exams, or lifting others words off the internet,beating the system in order to get on and stay on the field is at an all-time high.Many teachers who administer failing grades to student-athletes are sometimes asked "nicely" to change the grades to favor the student-athlete.
What I must mention is while the popularity of cheating is ever on the uprise,the vast majority of student-athletes in colleges,universities,and high schools across the country resist cheating in it's entirety and put in an honest day in the classroom and at home while acheiving the solid education needed to be successful in life.
Then,there are others who while refraining from doing anything unethical,still fall short in the classroom and are barred from playing sports,at least temporarily for their schools.
They fail for various reasons including lack of support at the school and/or at home,undiagnosed medical problems, as well as,lack of sleep,nutrition and focus. Others balance sports and schoolwork while working part- time to help support there families.
Mediocraty in the classroom is the result of more issues than I can write about.
Sometimes it's tough enough just to be successful in the classroom. To be a successful student-athlete is a whole "nother thang". Add the pressure coaches,athletic directors,and institutions face in this "win at all cost' world we live in,and throw in the additional push from sometimes overzealous and just plain unrealistic parents and the result is mindblowing if you really think about it.
Priorities are way out of whack and teachers and academic advisors who take a strong,firm stand as far as enforcing minimum academic requirements are far too often seen as villains. Yup,not only by students & parents,but by coaches and alumni,although far too many won't admit it (coaches & alumni that is).
So you may ask yourself,"why is this writer telling me stuff I already know,and where is he going with it all?" Well,from my position as a parent of student-athletes and lover of not only high school and collegiate sports but the human beings who participate in them,I feel compelled to share my views! From a parent perspective I want my children to excel in the classroom while being competitive on the field. There is no doubt in any of my children's young minds where their parents stand as far as education is concerned.It is first and foremost.It will always be the main reason for showing up at school (as simplistic as that may sound,lol).
Then,as a fan,smh......as a fan...... you just don't know. I get very disapointed when I find out that far too many "leaders" of teams aren't on the field or on the court because of academic reasons. Ok,perhaps freshman & even sophomores require more time to get adjusted to the rigors of high school or college life. But there are far too many,in my opinion, junior and senior captains of teams on the bench or at home because they failed to hold up their end of the deal as far as schoolwork goes. I'll add that it's in no way,in all cases the student's fault. If their coaches who are often teachers themselves, put more emphasis and enthusiasm into helping the overall management of the student-athlete's school experience,more kids can be saved before it's too late.Really,these adults while screaming such encouragement as,"don't cheat me on them suicides,don't cheat the game,don't quit on your team,run out that grounder,stick to your blocks and play to the whistle,etc. should take the same approach to dealing with his/her entire squad's academic well being.It's hard enough to win more games than you lose. It's equally as challenging to pass more subjects than you fail.When will we as a society wake up and ask ourselves,why is that same 17,18 ,19 year old that we cheered for not too long ago at that game not even enrolled in school right now? Just think about it; He or she was a "hero" what seemed like a minute ago,and now with no school on deck is subject to all that' s negative out there.
There is no particular sport that sticks out in my mind as havng the bigest problem keeping athletes eligible, but certainly there are a few schools locally who as an instituition have failed our youth much more often than others.
I guess as long as there are students there will be student-athletes and as long as there's student-athletes,there will be student-athletes that find the academic piece to be too overwhelming to conquer.What's worse is that it's not just the kids that are flunking.........
As long as there are rules pertaining to performance in the classroom,there will be unlimited attempts to shake,fake and undermind such rules.Whether it's athletes copying off others' papers,sharing notes with classmates during exams, or lifting others words off the internet,beating the system in order to get on and stay on the field is at an all-time high.Many teachers who administer failing grades to student-athletes are sometimes asked "nicely" to change the grades to favor the student-athlete.
What I must mention is while the popularity of cheating is ever on the uprise,the vast majority of student-athletes in colleges,universities,and high schools across the country resist cheating in it's entirety and put in an honest day in the classroom and at home while acheiving the solid education needed to be successful in life.
Then,there are others who while refraining from doing anything unethical,still fall short in the classroom and are barred from playing sports,at least temporarily for their schools.
They fail for various reasons including lack of support at the school and/or at home,undiagnosed medical problems, as well as,lack of sleep,nutrition and focus. Others balance sports and schoolwork while working part- time to help support there families.
Mediocraty in the classroom is the result of more issues than I can write about.
Sometimes it's tough enough just to be successful in the classroom. To be a successful student-athlete is a whole "nother thang". Add the pressure coaches,athletic directors,and institutions face in this "win at all cost' world we live in,and throw in the additional push from sometimes overzealous and just plain unrealistic parents and the result is mindblowing if you really think about it.
Priorities are way out of whack and teachers and academic advisors who take a strong,firm stand as far as enforcing minimum academic requirements are far too often seen as villains. Yup,not only by students & parents,but by coaches and alumni,although far too many won't admit it (coaches & alumni that is).
So you may ask yourself,"why is this writer telling me stuff I already know,and where is he going with it all?" Well,from my position as a parent of student-athletes and lover of not only high school and collegiate sports but the human beings who participate in them,I feel compelled to share my views! From a parent perspective I want my children to excel in the classroom while being competitive on the field. There is no doubt in any of my children's young minds where their parents stand as far as education is concerned.It is first and foremost.It will always be the main reason for showing up at school (as simplistic as that may sound,lol).
Then,as a fan,smh......as a fan...... you just don't know. I get very disapointed when I find out that far too many "leaders" of teams aren't on the field or on the court because of academic reasons. Ok,perhaps freshman & even sophomores require more time to get adjusted to the rigors of high school or college life. But there are far too many,in my opinion, junior and senior captains of teams on the bench or at home because they failed to hold up their end of the deal as far as schoolwork goes. I'll add that it's in no way,in all cases the student's fault. If their coaches who are often teachers themselves, put more emphasis and enthusiasm into helping the overall management of the student-athlete's school experience,more kids can be saved before it's too late.Really,these adults while screaming such encouragement as,"don't cheat me on them suicides,don't cheat the game,don't quit on your team,run out that grounder,stick to your blocks and play to the whistle,etc. should take the same approach to dealing with his/her entire squad's academic well being.It's hard enough to win more games than you lose. It's equally as challenging to pass more subjects than you fail.When will we as a society wake up and ask ourselves,why is that same 17,18 ,19 year old that we cheered for not too long ago at that game not even enrolled in school right now? Just think about it; He or she was a "hero" what seemed like a minute ago,and now with no school on deck is subject to all that' s negative out there.
There is no particular sport that sticks out in my mind as havng the bigest problem keeping athletes eligible, but certainly there are a few schools locally who as an instituition have failed our youth much more often than others.
I guess as long as there are students there will be student-athletes and as long as there's student-athletes,there will be student-athletes that find the academic piece to be too overwhelming to conquer.What's worse is that it's not just the kids that are flunking.........
Friday, December 14, 2012
Local Hoop Legend Honored
Hello Everyone,
Wednesday evening one of the greatest basketball players from Dorchester was honored for his outstanding career on the hardwood. He was also recognized for his special contributions to the youth of Boston and society in general.
Al McClain,a former Four Corners resident and All Scholastic guard at Hyde Park High School was honored by New Mission High School before it's it's inaugral basketball contest at it's new home. The "Titan Colasssium" as it's now known to some, is located in the former home of Hyde Park High School on Metropolitan Avenue. This past September the building opened it's doors and welcomed students from not only New Mission High ,but BCLA students as well.
Mr. McClain is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire ("84") where he currently holds the school record for most points scored and is also 2nd all time in assists. He was also drafted in the 5th round of the 1984 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets.
Off the court ,Mr. McClain has been a very valuable and hardworking mentor to thousands of city youths.
Son of Codman Square was very proud to have been in attendance as a local legend was given his long-deserved salute. In the very near future, a banner will be raised at the gym in honor of Mr. McClain and his exceptional career.
Special thanks to New Mission boys basketball coach and athletic director, Cory McCarthy and his staff for putting together this wonderful event.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Eagles Win,Punch Ticket To Disney!
The 2012 Dorchester Pop Warner Jr. Midget (B) team blanked the New Britain (CT) Raiders this afternoon and are now headed to the Pop Warner Little Scholars National Championships in Orlando,Florida next month. The game played under mostly blue skies at a windy and fridgid Foley Stadium in Worcester, ended with Dorchester showing good sportsmanship by taking a knee at New Britain's 1 yardline with time running out in the game.
With the 14-0 victory,the Eagles become the 2012 New England Champions!
Congrats to the entire Dorchester Eagles organization for a tremendous season!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Saturday's Pop Warner Matchups Set.
Good Evening. The matchups for Saturday's New England Pop Warner Division 1 championships which include two teams from Dorchester Pop Warner are as follows:
Dorchester Eagles vs. New Haven Steelers 9am. Jr. Pee Wee (D) game.
Dorchester Eagles (pictured below vs. East Lynn) vs. New Britain (CT.) Raiders 12:30pm. Jr. Midget (B) game.
Brookline/JP Patriots vs. Hyde Park Cowboys 2:15pm. Midget (A) game.
All games will be played at Commerce Bank Foley Field,in Worcester,Ma.
Dorchester Pop Warner Enjoying Postseason Success!
Hello Everyone,Once again the always strong,always talented,and always playoff bound Dorchester Eagles have not one but two teams in their organization that are only one victory away from a trip to Orlando,Florida and a spot in the National Pop Warner Championships.
The Jr. Pee Wee (D) squad and the JR. Midget (B) squad both defeated teams from Mount Hope Pop Warner this past weekend by scores of 20-12 and 29-0 respectively to win the State Championship and will represent Eastern Massachusetts this Saturday November 24rth in Worcester,Ma..
The Son of Codman Square wishes all the best to the DPW and encourages our community to come out in force to support these young men!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
New Surface Needed For Old Stadium
George Robert White Schoolboy Stadium,known to most Bostonians as simply "White Stadium",is in desperate need of resurfacing. No,the natural grass surface isn't in bad shape. In fact it's extremely well kept. But considering that it's the home field for so many Boston Public School football and soccer teams as well as Pop Warner Football games which often play as many as five games on a given Sunday,the community would be better served with the installation of a new,state of the art artificial surface.
The installation of FieldTurf would allow the field to be used pretty much twenty -four hours a day,seven days a week if needed and the maintenance costs are only a fraction of the cost of re-seeding,cutting,fertilizing and even marking the field on a regular basis.Teams can utilize the fields during bad weather without the risk of causing further damage to the surface as well as offering a surface free of mud.
Every Fall several soccer and football games scheduled to be played are often postponed or moved to another location simply because the weather conditions at White Stadium require it not to be used that day. That wouldn't be the case at all if there were an artificial surface in place.
Let's face it,the field is at it's best right up until the first kickoff of the high school football season in early September. After that it's all downhill.
Without having a contractor's bid right in front of me,I believe the cost of converting to an artificial surface has got to be in the $900,000.00 range. That includes updating the track surface that surrounds it.Even at a million bucks it's plenty cheaper than the cost of repairs to other projects that were said to be beneficial to the quality of life in Boston (see Big Dig).
The City of Boston in partnership with the private sector and generous donors could certainly make this happen.
I'm not sure if selling naming rights is part of the solution as far as gathering funds for the project but investigating that option may be a start.
The stadium, built in 1945 and named after a well known local philanthropist is considered a treasure to many including myself. It's been host to more events than I can mention or remember. I feel with a new,more durable surface,it can serve as host to even more, and with minimal delay in between events.
I hope this idea can become a reality in the not too distant future. Perhaps ground can be broken the Monday after Thanksgiving this year?
Ok,I got that off my chest,lol!
God Bless,and have a wonderful weekend.
The installation of FieldTurf would allow the field to be used pretty much twenty -four hours a day,seven days a week if needed and the maintenance costs are only a fraction of the cost of re-seeding,cutting,fertilizing and even marking the field on a regular basis.Teams can utilize the fields during bad weather without the risk of causing further damage to the surface as well as offering a surface free of mud.
Every Fall several soccer and football games scheduled to be played are often postponed or moved to another location simply because the weather conditions at White Stadium require it not to be used that day. That wouldn't be the case at all if there were an artificial surface in place.
Let's face it,the field is at it's best right up until the first kickoff of the high school football season in early September. After that it's all downhill.
Without having a contractor's bid right in front of me,I believe the cost of converting to an artificial surface has got to be in the $900,000.00 range. That includes updating the track surface that surrounds it.Even at a million bucks it's plenty cheaper than the cost of repairs to other projects that were said to be beneficial to the quality of life in Boston (see Big Dig).
The City of Boston in partnership with the private sector and generous donors could certainly make this happen.
I'm not sure if selling naming rights is part of the solution as far as gathering funds for the project but investigating that option may be a start.
The stadium, built in 1945 and named after a well known local philanthropist is considered a treasure to many including myself. It's been host to more events than I can mention or remember. I feel with a new,more durable surface,it can serve as host to even more, and with minimal delay in between events.
I hope this idea can become a reality in the not too distant future. Perhaps ground can be broken the Monday after Thanksgiving this year?
Ok,I got that off my chest,lol!
God Bless,and have a wonderful weekend.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Class Of 2012 : Madison Park's Geo Zapata!
Geo Zapata,Madison Park High,Madison Park High,Geo Zapata.
Hello Everyone. It's with great pleasure and respect that this blog will now have the oppurtunity to briefly write about a local student-athlete that epitomizes what high school athletics should always be about.
Geo Zapata is a three sport athlete at Madison Park High in Roxbury,Massachusetts and a member of it's class of 2012. For the past four years,Geo has participated in and captained the football and volleyball teams as well as ran indoor track for the Cardinals. Also,most importantly,he's handled his business in the classroom and off the field as well. And YES, this Boston resident who calls Dorchester his home, WILL be attending college in the Fall. But in addition to all that,Geo currently holds down a job and like most summers will continue to play in nearby basketball leagues.
Here's #10 speaking in his own words:
Geo Zapata: My best experience at Madison Park would have to be playing sports because I have developed friendships that will last a lifetime with both players and coaches".
S.O.C. Square: And your least favorite experience?
G.Z. "My least favorite experience would be the waking up early." "Don't get me wrong,I love school." "Afterall,I'm a scholar-athlete,but 7:40am (school starting time) is a tad early." "Juggling school and sports was easy for me because I'm good at dividing my time between things I love." "Also,I know you have to maintain a certain grade to play,so that motivates me alot as well."
S.O.C. Square: Any advice for other kids in Boston,as far as staying out of trouble and doing the right thing?
G.Z.: "My advice to other kids is to stay active in sports or any extra cirricular activity because if you keep your time occupied then there's no way that you can get in trouble." "Only the bored get in trouble because they need and want attention."
Trust me,with school,work,and sports,Geo is anything but bored or boring. I also want to mention that he has a great amount of school spirit. He often attends his school's girls and boys basketball games and can be seen at softball games as well,supporting MP. Oh,and did I mention helping out with concessions and tickets at home games as well as volunteering at MP proms in previous years.
Therefore, with all of the hardwork,enthusiasm,and productivity this young man has displayed in his four years at M.P.it's gratifying to a Boston born & bred individual like this writer to share with my reading audience an excellant example of an accomplished local kid on his way to even greater success in life!
S.O.C. Square: What went into choosing Johnson & Wales College for college?
G.Z.: "I chose Johnson & Wales and the major of hospitality because it's in Florida and I love Florida." "Also Johnson & Wales has their own hotel for me to work in."
Best of luck to Madison Park High's Geo Zapata!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Sunshine,Baseball Return To The Hub!
After 3 straight days of scattered showers and cancelled games, sunshine and America's favorite pastime returned in force today.
As always,I encourage all who can to go out and support our local youth by attending their games and cheering them on. It really makes a big difference!
Savin Hill Little League which plays at McConnell Park and Cedar Grove Little League which calls the park on Victory Road their home,are featured here.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
New Mission High Athletics Adds Baseball,Football
New Mission High School will add football and baseball to their athletics program,effective immediately.
The Roxbury based school which will soon call the old Hyde Park High it's new home,will compete at varsity level in both sports. In the past many New Mission student-athletes were members of Boston English High's football team,and baseball was non existant at the school.
The last Boston Public school to add football to my knowledge was Boston Latin Academy. It had previously been an all girls school. BLA started off playing at the junior varsity level during the 1979 season and eventually created a varsity squad that competed at the Division 4 level.
NM faces an uphill battle creating these programs basically from scratch, but based on the track record of their very successful boys & girls basketball programs that gained statewide prominence in only a few short years,I certainly wouldn't be surprised if the Titans achieve success on the gridiron and diamond sooner rather than later.
The Roxbury based school which will soon call the old Hyde Park High it's new home,will compete at varsity level in both sports. In the past many New Mission student-athletes were members of Boston English High's football team,and baseball was non existant at the school.
The last Boston Public school to add football to my knowledge was Boston Latin Academy. It had previously been an all girls school. BLA started off playing at the junior varsity level during the 1979 season and eventually created a varsity squad that competed at the Division 4 level.
NM faces an uphill battle creating these programs basically from scratch, but based on the track record of their very successful boys & girls basketball programs that gained statewide prominence in only a few short years,I certainly wouldn't be surprised if the Titans achieve success on the gridiron and diamond sooner rather than later.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
O'Bryant High's Brian Donna!
Brian is one of the premiere track stars in Boston. He's a triple threat as a sprinter,jumper and hurdler. Sonofcodmansquare.com wishes Brian all the best in this week's high school outdoor championship!
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