Debunking sports perception based myths

Last month, The Washington Post debunked myths about college sports. Although Skyline College may not be on the top tier of colleges, we still have a population of students on campus who participate in our sports programs. Skyline College Athletics voiced their opinions about the matter.

Myth number one is that college sports provide enormous profits for schools.

“So many benefits out of sports besides the money, like building character, teamwork, and discipline,” Head Men’s Basketball Coach Justin Piergrossi said.

Secondly, Title IX, law implemented in 1972 prohibiting gender-based discrimination in schools, has allowed women to participate equally in sports. Although they aren’t the same sports, there are an equal amount of sports teams for both female and male genders currently.

“I think we get fair treatment, same as the guys,” women’s soccer player Ileana Moncada said, challenging this myth.

The second to last myth says that “sports generate great publicity for schools.”

“If the team does good the school’s name is out there and more students are fans,” Skyline student and athlete Richie McCune said.

Lastly, “college sports bring in alumni donations.”

“This is absolutely true at the four year level,” Head Women’s Soccer Coach Kevin Corsiglia said. “The more successful the team, the more successful the connection to the team is. Everybody loves the feeling of being a winner.”

Based on the students and faculty here at Skyline, it doesn’t appear that all of these myths are true. The majority of them apply in some type of way, however a few seem to be tested by our athletics program.

Don’t decide too fast about whether you believe these myths are true or not. Instead of generalizing, look more towards the evidence and facts that the athletics programs have presented.