LETTER: Stripping Suring youth of athletic opportunities

To the editor:

On Oct. 12, 2022, the Suring School Board, with a vote of 7-0 without any input from students or parents, voted to eliminate dual sports as an option from the district. This is an option that has been available in Suring for decades and used in Division 1, 2 and 3 schools throughout Wisconsin and America.

Dual sports is an option when an athlete competes in two sports during one season. There are always concerns, but with cooperation between coaches, athletic directors, teachers, students and their guardians, dual sports is easily doable. I do believe academics come first as they should, but to give opportunities to students who want to expand their horizons and push themselves in the classroom and athletics should be undisputed.

I’m a parent of a dual sports athlete, Trent Van Den Elzen, a junior at Suring High School. He has competed in wrestling and basketball for the past two seasons at a high level. While competing in dual sports he has learned to communicate, prioritize, and how to manage a busy and healthy lifestyle. These are lessons that will shape Trent into a well-rounded, self-disciplined, and self-aware individual.

While completing my research on this topic I have been fortunate to meet Gunnar Patz, a past dual sports athlete from Coleman. While competing in baseball and track, he finished his high school athletic career with 14 varsity letters, two team state championships in track, and multiple appearances in baseball. These accomplishments not only highlighted his athletic abilities but his district as well. My son, Trent, is an Eagle in every way and would like to be able to continue highlighting his community as well.

I wish I could have done many things differently in high school knowing you are only young once. I ask, can you imagine being 17 having dedicated your life to becoming better and then being told you won’t be able to continue reaching for the gold? As a heartbroken father, I’m asking the community, school board, coaches and athletes to come together. Let’s continue this risk-free, zero-cost option that has been available for decades in the district.

Mike Van Den Elzen, Suring

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