Athletics play an integral part of Stroud Public Schools' mission to educate the whole student-athlete to his/her fullest potential in preparation for a productive and fulfilling life. Stroud Athletics serve as a source of tradition and pride for our students, staff, faculty, administration, alumni and community.

Sports have a long-standing history of providing integrity, sportsmanship, teamwork, and discipline. Sports are integral to the education system because they have educational value. By participating in athletics, young people have the opportunity to learn, grow and develop, just as they do in the classroom.

Everything we do in athletics has or should have an educational component. It isn't just about winning games, as some would lead us to believe. Some of the education-based components of sports that directly impact athletes' lives include:

• Learn sportsmanship: win humbly and graciously or lose with dignity;
• Model integrity: play by the rules;
• Develop solid work ethic: emphasize preparation and effort;
• Incorporate goal-setting skills learned through athletics into their approach to life;
• Develop perseverance and the ability to bounce back from defeats;
• Reach out to assist teammates which translates into helping others around them in life.

The coaches' role is pivotal for the student-athletes' progression on and off the athletic field. They are teachers and are responsible for the instruction, leadership and curriculum of the individual sport(s) they are coaching. The coach is there, not only for athletic development, but also educational and social development in producing productive members of society. Many times it is a coach who becomes the difference-maker and role model in a particular athlete's life. The coach literally makes an investment in the lives of the young student-athletes. I truly believe many of us are a direct reflection of our growth and development in athletics.

I want to emphasize that Stroud Tiger Athletics place great importance on the total development of the student-athlete. We believe the student-athlete who can go full circle has a greater chance of being a productive citizen of tomorrow.