When I was a young man, many years ago, girls did not often participate in sports. Back then most people thought girls should only be cheerleaders, pompom girls, or dance team members and let the competitive side of athletic be for the boys. Things have changed considerably over the years and for the better I might add.
In 1972 Congress passed the Educational Assistance act. One section of this law, Title IX, prohibits discrimination against girls in Federally funded education programs, including athletics.
In has been well documented that athletic involvement generally results in a healthier child. Increased muscle strength and flexibility, great cardiovascular efficiency, better self esteem, and more confidence. A child who is involved in athletics usually has a greater ability to overcome adversity and cope with pressure much better. They become better at bonding with other children and making new friends.
Then why, as we mistakenly thought many years ago, did we feel these were not important by-products for girls?
To further add to the positive effect on girls in sports, we simply need to look at research. The findings indicate that as many high school female athletes report high grades and higher marks on standardized test scores. They are also more likely to go to college then their non-athletic counterparts.
Jean Zimmerman and Gil Reavill, authors of “Raising our Athletic Daughters,” state that, “Girls athletes have one of the lowest rates of tobacco use among any sector of the high school population; they are less likely to abuse drugs; they are less likely to get pregnant, more likely to delay their first sexual experience, and have, on the average, fewer sexual partners than girls who do not participate in sports.”
This is Bob Cortese reminding you that if you can’t be a good athlete than at least be a good sport.
Sports
Kids in Sports
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Bulldogs, Lady 'Dogs win in Norman
Faced with its last opportunity of the regular season to pull off an upset, Norman High came up just short against Class 6A’s second-ranked Edmond Memorial on Friday. The Bulldogs used a second-half Tiger scoring drought to pull away and then hold on for the 59-54 victory.
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Santa Fe girls stay perfect vs. Patriots
The Edmond Santa Fe Lady Wolves turned a 18-6 first-quarter run into a 66-31 victory over the Putnam City West Lady Patriots Friday night in Oklahoma City to remain undefeated for the season.
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Wolves fall to Putnam City West
The Edmond Santa Fe Wolves basketball team gave up 11 points in the final period against the Putnam City West Patriots and dropped their second straight contest 40-35 in Oklahoma City Friday night.
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Deer Creek trims Bluejays' wings
Despite sinking only one basket in the fourth quarter against rival Guthrie Friday night, the Deer Creek Antlers came away with a 43-39 win over the Bluejays.
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OCA teams split vs. Agra
The Oklahoma Christian Academy teams split their games against Agra Friday night in the District tournament.
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Memorial heads into dual state on win streak
The Edmond Memorial wrestling team got two duals wins this week, one on senior night.
All three of the Bulldog seniors got wins by fall on Tuesday, when the team honored their graduating players. Ry Huff won at 220 pounds, Zach Bradshaw at 182 and Derek Hackett at 160. -
Memorial track teams win HS Invitational at OU
The Edmond Memorial track and field teams won the Oklahoma High School Invitational at the University of Oklahoma on Friday.
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Lady Antlers top rival Guthrie
The Deer Creek girls used a balanced scoring attack and solid early defense to defeat rival Guthrie Friday night.
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Cowgirls hold off Texas Tech
Tiffany Bias scored 10 points — four of them coming on free throws in the final minute — as Oklahoma State held off Texas Tech 53-49 on Wednesday at Gallagher-Iba Arena.
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Eagles, Lady Eagles win at Carney
The Oklahoma Christian Academy teams won at Carney Tuesday night.
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