Athletics serves as ‘academic enhancement’ in

Newton County

By Phillip B. Hubbard phubbard@covnews.com

Athletic success is normally on display on a playing field or court. However, the success of athletics has a deeper influence on student-athletes that surpasses the playing surface.

In recent years, all three Newton County high schools — Alcovy, Eastside and Newton — have each experienced their own levels of success.

Principals Dr. Kristopher Williams (Alcovy), Jeff Cher (Eastside) and Dr. Shannon Buff (Newton) explored all the ways athletics can help boost the overall schools performance.

Buff, in fact, described athletics as an “academic enhancement.”

“There’s an ebb and flow there,” Buff said. “You could be a phenomenal athlete, but if you’re failing your classes, No. 1, you’re not gonna get to play. And No. 2, you’re not gonna get to go beyond high school to play. So, they have to work together.”

But athletics have more of an effect outside of the classroom and beyond the field.

Cher shared how athletics — especially athletic teams experiencing great success — helps boost the students’ morale and down each hallway.

For instance, the Eagles have enjoyed their inaugural school year on the new Eastside High School campus. Included on the new campus was a new gymnasium.

That facility has been a hub of school spirit for the Eagles this year.

Eastside enjoyed watching its girls and boys basketball teams produce winning results game in and game out. An energetic cheer squad was on hand for all of the games and, for the first year, the Eagles had a step team alongside a dance team perform throughout each home game.

There were also students who showed up to film and take photos of all the action to promote the athletics scene at Eastside.

Cher highlighted an area of the gym that he was happy to see.

“Beyond that, you had students cheering in the stands,” Cher said. “It really turned into an event where everybody could find a place and everybody could find an opportunity to see what was going on, starting with the athletics.

“Even if the team wasn’t successful, there were successful performances by these different support groups and, and that’s why athletics is so beneficial, because it can really draw people together through a variety of ways to be an audience and a support member.”

Discipline and students’ grades are two other areas where athletics can enhance performance inside the classroom.

Williams said he has seen multiple occasions where athletics have been the vehicle to help students who are struggling in and outside of the classroom get back on track.

“One of the blessings is that we have a position Multi-Tiered System of Support specialist who, that’s her job. She works hands on, extremely close with those borderline kids,” Williams said.

“‘Hey young man, hey young lady, you want to continue to play this sport or you want to be eligible next semester? This is what needs to take place.’”

All three principals are a constant presence at most sporting events — whether at home or on the road. Overall, their rationale for being there on a consistent basis has to do with showing support for all students no matter what they are involved with.

But Williams’ support, in particular, goes beyond just being an audience member. He is all the time highlighting athletic events throughout the school day in multiple ways.

In his weekly phone call to parents and students, Williams mentions recent sports results as well as upcoming events that next week. During staff meetings, Williams asks the coaches there to stand and share the latest concerning his/her team.

“I’m always not only putting in the different academic performances, but the athletic piece as well,” Williams said. “We make sure we are highlighting that. For example, ‘The soccer team went 2-1 this week and they’ve got a game tonight. Make sure you come out.’ And just making sure that information is out there.”

Recently, the Newton County Schools System has made substantial investments in upgrading athletic facilities, too.

The biggest news item was when the installation of an artificial turf system began at Sharp Stadium — an athletic facility shared by all three high schools. But a new track surface is in the works at Alcovy High School, Clements Middle School is scheduled to get a new softball field constructed this upcoming summer and more.

Cher is excited to see what the future holds for the local athletics scene.

“I want to keep seeing our county work the plan that is in place and continue to examine what we’re doing well and look at areas that we can improve,” Cher said. “The positive thing is that there is an awareness and a plan to meet the needs of all our students and all our competitors at high school and middle school. I think that the long-term aspect is just keep where we’re at and work the plan that we have.”

Overall, all three high school principals see how valuable athletics can be to a school both inside and outside the classroom.

As a result of recognizing that value, each school has assisted numerous student-athletes to play college sports and a few in making it to the professional level.

But, more importantly than that, the principals are proud to see the overall difference they notice in each student-athlete.

“They carry themselves differently, they walk around differently and that rubs off on other kids,” Buff said. “I always tell them, ‘You are leaders, whether you realize it or not.’ So, the character aspect and just trying to make athletes good people, that’s really where the kicker is. It’s not about, ‘You have to make these grades or you won’t get to play.’ You’re in the class, you’re behaving differently and kids want to be around you.

“So, it plays a big role in success.”