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<p>Yeah, but individual athletic triumphs, such as winning the conference or state championship in events where you compete as an individual, such as swimming, wrestling, most track and field events, and tennis singles, are in my experience lauded by the school far more than any academic triumphs or college admissions. </p>
<p>And this even includes academic competitions where the kids expressly compete on behalf of and in the name of the school - such as academic Quiz Bowl competitions. Beating the cross town rival in Quiz Bowl will not even get a one-line mention in the school or community newspapers. By contrast, a kid winning mile title in track will get a decent write-up.</p>
<p>I’m not blaming solely the schools. They are just reflecting the values of the larger culture of which they are a part - a culture that for centuries has valued the jock over the brainy kid.</p>