Why Athletics?
Two years ago, Putnam City started the Athletic Hall of Fame and asked the PC Foundation to support the efforts of the Athletics Department. We had a phenomenal inaugural class which included Alvan Adams, Steve Largent, and Bob Shirley among other top-notch talent.
Then COVID happened, and the team decided to punt for 2020.
But last Friday, we were able to install another great class of athletes and coaches. It was a good night, capped off by an emotional story from retired NFL player Joe Aska recounting how his teachers and coaches made a profound impact on his life. He is quite grateful to Putnam City for the life he currently leads.
As you might surmise, I know very little about sports. I was a choir and student council kid in high school, and supported the Pirate sports teams without really knowing what they were doing. To put this into perspective more clearly, I just found out that OU is planning to leave the Big 12 (or is it 8?) yesterday.
Nevertheless, I fully understand and respect the importance athletics play in students’ lives. Though it didn’t happen often, I definitely had conversations with coaches at PC North about some poor grades that might be lifted with a few extra laps around the track. The influence a coach has is powerful, and I know many are humbled by that influence.
I am truly grateful that Putnam City invests in its student athletes by providing opportunities to play, even in elementary school. Some students need to fall in love with the game to keep them excited about school at all. They can be expensive and take up a lot of time, but the life lessons learned and the discipline provided build a well-rounded individual who is ready to cope with the challenges of life.
Just another reason why I am PC Proud!
by Jennifer Seal
August 26, 2021