Over the past 30 years, high school athletics have undergone a seismic shift. What was once a simple extracurricular activity has evolved into a complex, multi-faceted system that emphasizes leadership development, character education, and strategic planning. Athletic directors like Lamarr Glenn and Steve Throne are at the forefront of these changes, ensuring that education-based athletics remain a cornerstone of student development.
More Than Just a Game
As Scott Garvis opened in the recent forum, "The Evolution of Education-Based Athletics," high school sports are no longer just about competition. Instead, they serve as a powerful platform for teaching life lessons, shaping future leaders, and fostering community engagement.
Lamarr Glenn, a 19-year athletic administrator currently serving as the District Athletic Director for Fulton County Schools in Georgia, emphasized the role of athletics beyond the field. "It’s about serving kids and our communities," he said. Glenn, like many forward-thinking athletic directors, sees the role as much more than just scheduling games and maintaining facilities. It’s about creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive both personally and professionally.
Steve Throne, Assistant Principal and Activities Director at Millard South High School, echoed this sentiment. "We tell kids we want them to be leaders, but we have to give them a chance to lead." Throne’s approach is hands-on, ensuring student-athletes have opportunities to develop leadership skills that will serve them well beyond their playing days.
Developing Leaders Through Sport
According to a study by the Aspen Institute, 78% of high school athletes report that their sports experience helped them develop leadership skills that they later use in their personal and professional lives. This statistic underscores the importance of integrating leadership development into athletic programs.
Both Glenn and Throne have implemented strategies to ensure that student-athletes are not just excelling in their sports but also developing as individuals. From student leadership councils to community outreach programs, these initiatives focus on instilling values that transcend the playing field. Glenn emphasized the importance of student-athletes being role models for younger kids, highlighting the impact of initiatives where high school athletes mentor and engage with elementary school students.
The Financial Challenges of High School Athletics
While the role of athletics in student development has expanded, so have the financial challenges associated with running these programs. A recent study found that over 60% of the money spent on high school athletics comes from fundraising, booster clubs, and corporate sponsorships rather than institutional funding.
Throne detailed the creative ways Millard South secures funding, from corporate sponsorships and booster club fundraisers to digital signage advertising. "We look like NASCAR at times," he joked, "but we’ll take every dollar to support our programs." Glenn added that district-wide deals with companies like Nike have been instrumental in securing financial support, providing schools with additional resources and equipment.
Technology: A Double-Edged Sword
The explosion of technology in high school athletics has created both opportunities and challenges. From scheduling platforms to video analysis tools, technology has transformed how athletic programs operate. However, as Throne noted, "Technology is great—until it doesn’t work."
One of the biggest hurdles for athletic directors is learning to manage multiple platforms effectively. Glenn spoke about the difficulty of ensuring uniformity across a large district, especially when schools have varying levels of technological proficiency. Despite these challenges, both Glenn and Throne agreed that technology has vastly improved the efficiency and accessibility of high school sports.
The Rise of Girls’ Sports and Future Growth
One of the most significant evolutions in high school athletics has been the rise of girls’ sports. Over the past 30 years, female participation in high school athletics has increased by nearly 30%. Throne highlighted the rapid growth of girls’ wrestling and bowling at his school, while Glenn pointed to the explosion of girls’ flag football in Georgia and Florida.
The challenge now is ensuring that the infrastructure and funding keep pace with this growth. "We need more space," Throne admitted, noting the increasing demand for facilities and resources as new sports emerge. With more states adopting girls’ flag football and other non-traditional sports, the need for innovative solutions has never been greater.
Keeping Education at the Heart of Athletics
Perhaps the biggest challenge facing education-based athletics is maintaining its core mission in an era where club sports and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals are reshaping the landscape. "We have to keep high school athletics as the purest form of competition," Glenn emphasized.
Throne agreed, stressing the need to champion education-based athletics and ensure that students remain engaged. "I’d rather have a kid at Millard South High School at 10 p.m. than working somewhere else where I don’t know who is influencing their character."
The Future of High School Athletics
As the discussion wrapped up, both Glenn and Throne expressed optimism for the future. While the challenges are many—financial constraints, increasing participation, and the rise of technology—the opportunities to impact students’ lives are greater than ever.
"Our jobs as athletic administrators are more important now than ever before," Glenn said. "It’s up to us to continue evolving, growing, and ensuring that education-based athletics remain a vital part of our schools and communities."
The evolution of high school athletics is far from over, but with dedicated leaders like Glenn and Throne at the helm, the future is bright for student-athletes across the country.
