Money Comes Through Last Minute to Support UHS Athletic Study Tables

Athletes everywhere have the struggling task of balancing sports as well as school work. Many have an easy time with it, however some need a little extra help. With the fall sports starting up students at Urbana High School now have to juggle their homework and practices. They almost had to do it on their own.

At the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year, teachers and coaches were fighting to get the funds to provide free tutoring for the athletes at UHS. Studies have shown that athletes work better when they are learning with their team and have coaches present rather than try to work in general tutoring. This was the groups are smaller and there is more time for one on one help. Many colleges even have learning specialist to help their athletes.

As reported by CNN, the University of North Carolina has a tutor that comes everyday to help the athletes with academics.

Despite their efforts, the UHS teachers were at first denied the funds to move forward with this tutoring program.

UHS Journalism teacher, Erin Ludwick, says, “ It is a missed opportunity to provide support for our students.” Due to the recent $26,000 budget cut, there were no funds to dip into to help these student athletes get the extra help they need.

Many were upset with the rejection of this study program. When these concerns were voiced, the school pulled from anonymous donations and was able to start the program on September 10. This program will be lead by coaches, staff, and U of I tutors.
UHS Cross Country Coach, Brandon Smith, says, “I like the idea. It helps promote the ‘student before athlete’ rule many schools go by.”
Many coaches are making it mandatory to attend these tutoring sessions if you have any grades lower than a C. This should help the UHS athletes keep their priorities straight.