Posted: Wednesday, August 27, 2003 12:00 am
At Lebanon High School, classes are not beginning until October. But sports are underway, beginning with daily doubles last week. Contests are set to begin Friday. The late start to school has students pleased, administrators frazzled and coaches concerned.
LHS principal Ken Ray said the school start is the latest ever of his recollection, but is only because of construction. The high school is undergoing its first renovation in decades, with updates that include new sports facilities, a new basketball practice gym and new tennis courts.
While the school undergoes its remodel, the administration has set up a triage center of sorts in a conference room at the district office. There school officials register students for classes and check their eligibility for sports.
This has made the process difficult for students and administration.
The students interviewed last week at practices said they are enjoying the opportunity to focus on sports for a lengthened period before classes begin.
Coaches said they are concerned about fan attendance and support. They also noted that without classes underway, their opportunity to recruit more athletes is gone. Cross country coach Martin Dannen said he normally recruits as many as 10 new runners each season from the classroom.
Most of the fall sports at LHS have noted declining participation numbers, but only slightly.