Sports Writing went through a facelift of sorts throughout the past couple months. Although the academic side of the class did not change, the name changed to “Composition in the World of Sports” as an attempt to try and gain the coveted status of an NCAA approved and recognized course.

Sports Writing teacher Ms. Kari Koshiol believes the class is being refused the NCAA eligible title because of the strong sports focus within the class. “Sports writing definitely is an academic course. The first time that I submitted the course for review I was told that it was too dedicated to sports; I think it is dedicated to writing,” Koshiol said.

According to the NCAA’s official page on academic eligibility for incoming student-athletes: fine arts, typing, art, music, etc. do not count towards credit. The grey space is whether “Sports Writing” or “Composition in the World of Sports” is considered fine art or if it falls underneath the regular English credit rules. “I think ‘Sports Writing’ should be approved by the NCAA 100%. And now that I think about it, I don’t know why it isn’t an approved course by the NCAA. It doesn’t make much sense to me,” senior and sports writing graduate Michael Schmidt said.

Another “Sports Writing” alum, senior Tucker Turrittin, thinks the class is getting the short end of the stick when it comes to being approved. “I learned to write papers better than I have in any other English class at our school, and that isn’t a shot at any of the other classes at all, I just truly believe that Sports Writing taught me more about writing than any other. Also, if creative writing is an approved class then so should Sports Writing. Writing articles is much more valuable in my eyes than writing poetry,” Turrittin said.

Although there is much debate and only so much someone can do when dealing with the NCAA, Koshiol hopes that one day the NCAA will see eye to eye with her about the class and its value to students and learning alike. “I do understand the NCAA perspective on how they are trying to make sure it isn’t an easy class. But I happen to think it’s a great class because I believe that students learn best when they are interested in the subject. And when they are, they should be able to look at their academic work as fun. That is the goal,” Koshiol said.