Athletes face fee, freshmen sports to stay

With the continuing economic slump, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is doing whatever it can to make ends meet. Next year, in an attempt to work around the budget, athletes participating in school sports will be required to pay a $100 fee.

The county had two options regarding sports funding: either freshmen sports would be cut from the budget or athletes would face the mandatory payment.

This change has been met with mixed opinions. Some athletes feel that it is good because there will still be freshmen sports; however, many students with financial issues could face a dilemma because of the compulsory fee.

Sophomore Nick Knoke, who plays football and soccer and is a member of the winter track team, feels that the fee will not affect participation in athletics as much as people may think.

?I think most people will be able to pay for the sports, however they might have to cut back on one or two of their sports,? he said.

?It will be disappointing to see people not be able to participate in a limited number of sports.? Knoke added. ?Personally, I will still play three sports.?

As for the decision to require a fee rather than cutting freshman sports, Knoke is in full support.

?Freshmen sports are very important because they create a strong base for the varsity teams, so it?s good that they created an alternative to dropping freshmen teams,? Knoke said.

?Without freshmen sports, it would be hard for coaches to plan out future seasons.