As many on this board know, I am a Rockhurst guy and a supporter of private schools. I've been lurking with interest in the recent threads primarily about Trinity and Ritter; two schools about which I know little. What I do know is that both schools primarily serve African American communities that are being poorly served by their local public schools.
Unfortunately today, the reality of high school sports is that schools with money, or primarily affluent populations (like a Rockhurst for example) will have an advantage. No different than say Staley (as opposed to say Winnetonka). Parents with money provide opportunities for specialized training, better nutrition, ability to not "have to work" and instead focus on school/sports, and a safe place to sleep at night. It seems to me that schools like Trinity and Ritter are providing at least an opportunity for a better education in a less distracting, and likely safer environment. So what if many of these kids aren't Roman Catholic. The mission of these schools should be to help the disadvantaged - regardless of religion. My bible shows Jesus reaching out to all people - not just his own. For many of the kids that just won state at Trinity I am betting that the experience is one of the more positive ones that they have had in their lives to this point. Good for them, and shame on those who would deny their celebration. Why should these kids be stuck in an environment where they would never have an opportunity for that success. Let's also remember that not every kid at Trinity is an athlete, many are there because it is safe, and just better than their neighborhood option. I hope the opportunity that they receive is a great step towards long-term success in life - which is what builds better communities.
As for my school (Rockhurst), and recruiting. I find it interesting that it is not unusual for those that want to cast aspersions (you know who you are), generally point to athletes who happen to be African American. Why is that? Do you make the assumption that just because a kid is African American that they don't have the academic ability, or that they don't have parents willing to make the sacrifice to send their boys to school at a place where the opportunity for academic and athletic success might be greater? Would you be surprised that these young men end up at places like West Point, or the University of Chicago? Just like our broader student population, some of these boys have two parents, some have one. Some come from money, some don't, and some come from Catholic grade schools, some don't. At Rockhurst we attract boys from throughout the city - unapologetically. You might be surprised to know however that transfers in after Freshman year are rare, and unless it is from a relocation I am not sure it is allowed after Sophomore year. Generally a class starts with about 280 and graduates about 250, so we go the other direction. Do boys come to Rockhurst because they want to be part of the football tradition - no doubt. Just as kids come there for the academic reputation. There are boys with financial means, and ones without. I am aware of young men (who are not athletes - but receive aid) who leave their house(s) every morning at 5:30 AM to catch the multiple buses that get them to school. The mission of our school is to educate and develop the full person, and this means developing talents outside of academic pursuits - including athletics. I think this is also (or should be) the mission of public schools. Unfortunately, while well intentioned many public schools - especially in less affluent communities don't have the resources to provide comparable opportunities. BTW, Over 40% of our boys receive some form of aid - athletes and non, Black, White, Hispanic, and Asian. The aid comes from fundraising (Annual Giving, Major Donors, Endowed Scholarships, and various fundraising events) which provides somewhere in the neighborhood of $2-3 million per year.
My appeal; let's check the veiled racism at the door. Let's look at the real issue which isn't public/private, but those schools with money (or located in affluent areas) and those without. Break the classes down by socio-economics (and community support) and you might have a the first fair classification for sports in MSHSAA history.
