Wahluke Eagles

This blog describes the joys of coaching an AAU basketball team from Mattawa, WA. Our team and town is roughly 90% Mexican. The blog celebrates and describes life in a central Washington town through the eyes of the players and their coaches.

Name:
Location: Mattawa, Washington, United States

I work as a School Psychologist in the Wahluke School District. When I am not coaching I enjoy fishing, reading, and riding my bike.

12 November, 2006

Academic Letter

One our players is under academic suspension. His parents are upset so Mr. Martinez and I composed the following letter. We are posting it for any interested person to use.

Dear Mrs. Smith

Mr. Martinez and I realize that you are upset because your son did not play last Saturday. This letter aims to explain why he did not play. We believe that our players are student athletes. Student comes first. Success on the basketball court means nothing without an education. We put academic first and expect our players to be passing all their classes if they wish to play.

Our policy is the same as the school district. If a player is failing a class, he does not play until he gets his grades up. This applies equally to all our players. Sports are a privilege and in order to participate, one must show that they can handle the responsibility and use their time wisely.

Your son remains part of our team because he is a good person on and off the court. Our intention is provide the best opportunities that enrich his future. That means putting the books ahead of the basketball.

Sincerely

Estimada Sra. Smith

El señor Martinez y yo reconocemos que usted está molesta porque su hijo no jugó el sábado pasado. El propósito de esta carta es explicar por qué no jugó. Nosotros creemos que nuestros jugadores son estudiantes atletas. Son estudiantes primero y luego atletas. El éxito el la cancha de baloncesto no significa nada sin una educación. Para nosotros lo académico viene primero y la expectación es que todos los jugadores estén pasando sus clases si desean jugar.

Nuestra poliza es igual a la del desitrito escolar. Si un jugador está fallando una clase, no juega hasta que sus calificaciones se mejoran. Esa regla se aplica al igual que a todos nuestros jugadores. El deporte es un privilegio y para poder participar, uno tiene que mostrar que puede ser responsable y manejar su tiempo para ser una persona productiva.

Para nosotros su hijo todavía forma parte del equipo porque es un buen muchacho dentro y fuera de la cancha de baloncesto. Nuestra intención es solo proveerle oportunidades que le ayuden a desarrollar habilidades que le ayuden a prepararse para tener un buen futuro. Eso quiere decir poner los libres antes del baloncesto.

Sinceramente

1 Comments:

Blogger John said...

Great letter. Underscroes the point of why education is the most important endeavor of ant student athelete. Your blog is still read in London, England!

November 13, 2006  

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