One must remember when computing averages for SAT scores for every kid with
a "nice shot from the point" who has a 400/400 score there can be a kid with
an 800/800 and the school still has a respectable 600/600 average.  The law
of averages works well with most hockey schools. Hockey teams tend to be
small (20-30) in comparison with other student groups and can be easily
balanced.  Yes, I realize the Big 10/11 schools are larger, but this just
improves the pool.
 
As for preferential treatment, well that goes without saying.  If the
Admission office had the chance to meet all 3,000-20,000 applicants it would
not be as big a deal.  But if the Admission Officer has the choice between a
prospective student who looks nice on paper and a slightly less competitive
prospective but comes with a recommendation from a member of the school (who
just happens to say this prospective has great potential to make this school
proud), who do you think will get the admission slot?
 
This works for more than just the athletic department.  The fine arts
department can pull this stunt just as easily if they need another
outstanding cellist to make the orchestra the toast of the town.
 
As for the aid, I agree with the idea that we should just pay them and stop
any question of whether of not the athlete-students are taking aid from more
deserving students.  I believe that coaches/administrators on all levels,
from peewee rec league recruiting to the olympic sports, have bent rules to
make the team "better".  Money is too deeply entrenched into sport.
 
Just my opinions.
Steve
 
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