Integrated View of Intercollegiate Athletics

I could not agree more with Myles Brand's idea that collegiate athletic departments should be "integrated" into universities mission statements. In fact, this is one of my favorite topics!! I would strongly advocate for sports and all of the benefits I feel come with physical learning and health. Mainly D1, but certainly DII, and DIII athletes also, are extremely dedicated individuals. I feel this group, is at the top, if not the top, of the university as far as maintaining work load and busy schedule. Here at UT student-athletes are not only juggling their grades at a world class university, but also maintaining a high performance level in a world class athletic program. I agree with the statement that there must be harmony within the body and mind, to create a happy life. I believe it wouldn't hurt us to focus more on physical/ athletic development at all age groups. Beginning from when a child starts school. Not only could this possibly help our nation's obesity problem, however, it will lead to all around healthier people, (which means less hospital debt and uninsured getting sick), and also teach the very important skill of maintaining the two entities of the physical, and cognitive learning. Once physical learning is incorporated at such a young age, we as a society will learn how to juggle being healthy, along with academically prospering, which I feel go hand and hand. This same importance view should be held for intercollegiate athletics. As Brand argues, why should there be any difference in physical talents such as playing an instrument (music majors,) or dance majors, and having physical talents such as running fast or dunking in basketball? Athletics should be a valuable part of education as well. Improving physical learning is as important as cognitive learning. Sports provides players with the ability to think critically and problem solve. Every important value in life, I feel can be taught from sports. As Brand also mentions, student-athletes are use to competition and experiencing failure, so they become good at becoming adversity. Which is something that wouldn’t hurt everyone to become familiar with incase, for example, certain career plans do not work out. Sports also teach teamwork, responsibility, dedication, time management, self confidence, and hard work. All very important virtues that are very useful in everyday life. Sports provides players with a positive self image of themselves, once they are able to appreciate what their bodies can do athletically, in addition to academically. Sports allow student-athletes to develop a value system, a set of goals, and a perspective on life.  I am a firm believer in sports providing much greater benefit than detriment, teaching important lessons, and making a well-rounded person…. Integrated view all the way!  : )