When people ask me if I played sports in high school, I usually ask, “Is yearbooking a sport?” Uncoordinated and non-competitive, I preferred scoring A's to scoring goals.

But although I never made it on the field, I always appreciated sports in schools. Athletes are often the most motivated and well-rounded students, having learned valuable teamwork and time-management skills.

Sports can also be a great way to foster parental involvement and develop community partnerships. Unfortunately, tight budgets have some schools shutting off their Friday night lights.

School districts across the country are considering reducing or eliminating funding for extra-curricular activities, including sports, to make up for devastating budget cuts.

Earlier this month, hundreds of angry students from Alameda, Calif., walked out of class to protest a $265,000 cut in athletic funding, reports The Mercury News.

Officials in Orange County, Fla., say cuts there could lead to the dismissal of district coaches, says the Orlando Sentinel.

Parents and students have been vocal about the negative effects of such maneuvers. Cuts in athletic programs could prevent students from earning college scholarships and staying out of trouble after school.

Reducing or eliminating sports would also diminish community involvement and prevent generations of students from learning the value of discipline.

Many schools have used ticket sales and concessions as a way to raise money for athletic programs. Unfortunately, not even hot dogs can stop the nation’s economy from curbing some schools’ sports budgets.

Stacey Hollenbeck, spring intern