There are many civic topics regarding college athletes in the United States. Almost every other country does not view college sports like we do. People take athletics very seriously, and competition can be rigorous. Many kids choose colleges because of their atmosphere when it comes to football and basketball and count out schools that don’t have serious sports.
The question is, how does this affect a college campus? There are many different ways to describe the civic life of a college campus. One can focus on various aspects such as teachers, students, nightlife, and clubs; the list is never-ending. College sports, however, are unique in their own way, as many more people are involved, not just in the college town.
College sports allow for one of the biggest atmospheres in the country, with Michigan’s football stadium holding almost 108,000 people and our own Beaver Stadium holding the second most people with nearly 107,000 seats (NCAA). Michigan’s stadium holds the most people of any in the U.S., beating any professional sport. Clearly, college athletes are part of something bigger than themselves, and it can affect college students on campus.
These athletes are living the life and a considerable part of the civic world that is college. Many colleges revolve around sports, and students dedicate their time to attending the games. An article by CBS Sports states, “Game day is becoming more experiential” (CBS). Kids enjoy the game days not just for the game but also for the festivities that surround them.
Sports are more important in the United States than many other things. Other countries think the way Americans care about all these sports is outlandish, let alone sports played by ‘kids.’
One of the big draws is tailgating. People set up extremely early in the morning to spend the day drinking with friends and family before heading into the game. People use games as a reason to interact with each other and have fun, as people have done for many years when trying to produce more civic life in a town. Rooting for a team brings people together but can also tear them apart.
There are positives and negatives regarding the college atmosphere of sports. People can get aggressive over a simple football game and bond over their love for a team. While this is relevant for watchers, it is also very appropriate for the players.
Many college athletes put a lot of pressure on themselves to be the best. With so many people counting on them, it can take a lot of work for a young person to handle. Their classmates admire them and can feel that when they are doing something as simple as walking around campus.
According to Thriveworks, college athletes face many unique mental challenges that others may not fully understand. They often love what they do but face pressure regarding their future and proving themselves. While other students face the pressure of good grades, athletes also have to deal with the idea of being drafted to play professionally (Thriveworks).
This can become a civic issue because young athletes quit sports due to the standards they are held to. This can happen with college students and their grades, but they do not have many people watching them and following their lives. While not all athletes have people watching them or feel much pressure, many do.
I believe this is a civic issue because the civic life surrounding these students leads to poor mental health and a downfall in education. Students are so focused on their sport that they focus on themselves less or their education, which everyone deserves to be able to do. Some may play professionally, but only a few.
Almost any college student, including myself, can attest to the atmosphere and how much people care. It is fun to watch but can be harmful. There is now the added pressure of college athletes being paid and a considerable debate over that. There are simply college kids who have to watch their actions because of how they may be portrayed to the public, like a famous person would have to worry.
This is unfair, as a society can be rough and judgemental. College athletes do not always want this life; they are not in the career yet to live it but are forced into it to play a sport they love.
Colleges work hard to provide the right resources for these players by giving everyone access to health facilities of many kinds. Society works to help them, while some unknowingly are hurting them. Civic life is enjoyable but can be grueling.
There has been a more recent movement concerning the mental health of athletes, including student-athletes. A case by Georgia State concluded that student-athletes have a high rate of mental health stigma (Georgia State). This is another civic issue, along with the pressures we face in reality. Mental health can be seen as a bad thing, especially in male sports, as they are often taught to toughen up.
Society has some flaws with the topic of mental health, but everyone has fun watching college sports, and hopefully, that stays while mental health continues to be more recognized. I love attending college games and the atmosphere surrounding them, but there is a civic issue about how the athletes are viewed and the pressures they face on the field, in public, and online, which can be harmful to anyone.
People come together to support a team and school they love, making friends and cheering. Civic life is never as prominent as it is at a college football game, especially in Happy Valley. Students need to be protected and taken care of in all situations as life can be hard and everyone needs help sometimes. The atmosphere is exhilarating and positive, while also negative. It is important for everyone to work together and help each other so kids do not have to feel so much weight on their shoulders. Some may go far with the sport and others may not, but health and happiness are the more important things.
Links:
https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2018-07-30/25-biggest-college-football-stadiums-country
https://thriveworks.com/help-with/mental-health-awareness/student-athlete-mental-health/
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0 thoughts on “Civic #2: The atmosphere of college Sports”
This was a very well-done civic issue post! Your information on the topic was explanatory and clearly well-researched. Additionally, your analysis of said research and how it connects to civic issues was spot on. Good job!
Isabela Bishop