3/8/10

Patrick Dubbs
Superintendent
Superintendent’s Message
March 10, 2010

I recently had the honor to attend the Waynesville High School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Each year it is a celebration of achievement and contribution to sports in our local community. I was asked that morning to say a few words. I had not prepared any thoughts in advance, so my mind raced a bit for an appropriate message. As I stood in front of the audience I recalled a recent article I read comparing the economics of high school sports to professional sports.

We live in a society that has made professional sports a multi-billion dollar industry. Arenas and stadiums continually push the edge of grandeur, amenities, and capacity. Ticket prices have reached a point where many families cannot afford to attend an event live. I pointed out that for the price of one professional ticket an entire family can attend a Spartan athletic event and purchase refreshments from our concession stand. No you won’t see the same amazing dunks and catches but you will participate in memories that last a lifetime; because involvement in sports provides so many benefits for everyone from youth to adults.

The money invested in a ticket or the donation to a fundraiser is designed to support our athletic programs and future hall of famers. Just last weekend Cody Steiner excelled in Columbus at the State Wrestling Championships. Earlier in the year we recognized the perfection of Alyssa Ritchie as an undefeated State Tennis Champion. Not all of our teams or individuals win championships but they represent Waynesville well and they are a major part of Spartan Pride Community Wide.

Our Hall of Fame is recognition of passion, commitment, exceptional athletic accomplishment and tireless effort. During the induction brunch each inductee had a story to tell. Many start to tear up at times. It isn’t really the wins and losses they talk about as much as it is the relationships built; money can’t buy that.