Bernie Fratto

Inside the Frattohouse 

by
Bernie 
Fratto

 
Justice in Novi

February 22, 2009

Chief Justice Earl Warren, a man who presided over the United States Supreme Court for 16 years, used to say, “Every morning I read the sports section first. The sports section always reports on man’s achievements while the rest of the paper seems to focus on man’s failures.”

Justice Warren passed away in 1974, but he must be spinning in his grave with regard to the Sport Sections lately. If I never hear about Alex Rodriquez’ steroid saga again, it will be too soon.

That’s why high school sports remain incredibly popular, and they not only serve as a great form of family entertainment for the community, but they also have shown to be an integral part of education, leading directly to success later in life.

A recent study revealed that over 90% of corporate executives played high school sports. Over 250,000 student/athletes participate in high school sports in Michigan and right here in Novi, over 700 students comprise over 20 teams in at least 13 different sports.

Statistical data now shows that athletes have a higher graduation rate, higher test scores, and higher  GPAs. More go on to college, and they have less absenteeism rates as well. These studies have also indicated that high school athletes are less likely to experiment with controlled substances or illegal drugs.

Participation in athletics is no longer considered extracurricular. They are now considered to be an integral part of the educational process, and their ideological purpose is to prepare our youth for the future.

This is not to imply in any way that kids who elect to play sports are superior to those that don’t. However, there is extensive empirical evidence to suggest that participating in sports in high school provides a wonderful tapestry to learn and hone skills that are useful for a lifetime, in all walks of life.

If Chief Justice Earl Warren were alive today, he would be raving about the infrastructure that has been built in the world of high school sports, especially right here in Novi.

And, he might even be reading these words as we speak.

(c) 2009 Novi Information Network
www.novi.org

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Bernie Fratto is a freelance writer, radio personality, and motivational speaker.  His passion for sports comes in part from his experience as a former Cincinnati Red farm- hand.  "Behind every sports story lies the hearts and minds of real human beings" said Fratto.  "These athletic endeavors often serve as a metaphor for the game we call life."

Bernie is also on the broadcast team at Live 97.1FM talk-radio, and is a frequent co-host on the popular "Parker & The Man Show," a nightly sportstalk show which airs Monday-Friday from 7-11pm.