Only 50% of 604 high schools in the state of Michigan do not require payment to participate in athletics. In Kent county, Northview, Kelloggsville, Godwin Heights and Godfrey-Lee are among these schools not required students to “pay to play.”
Despite the lack of students paying for athletics at Northview, athletic staff and students continue to put effort into their programs.
Junior Joseph Dochod participates in three sports: swim, football and lacrosse. Dochod loves each sport he plays and believes that he benefits from playing three sports versus just one.
“I feel more motivated to do what I like because of the three sports I play. Most of them I enjoy, some of them are harder than the others, but it’s worth it because I’m usually working pretty hard,” Dochod said.
Freshman Ava Davis participates in basketball and track. Davis also found that playing multiple sports pushes her to work harder. Both athletes expressed that they would not participate in all of the sports they play now if they were required to pay.
Athletic director Patrick Marsman supports Northview’s decision to not require student athletes to pay despite only working here for two years.
“Data shows that when kids are not in extracurriculars (whether it’s sports, drama club or band), their attendance goes down, their grades go down and their behavior is worse,” Marsman said. “You want to have kids involved in anything and everything with the school.”
To promote student participation in athletics, the athletic Boosters run several fundraisers throughout the year like setting up an elephant ear booth at the Festival of the Arts. They also run the concessions during home games to raise money.
Even without the financial cushion of students paying to play, the school provides resources for different sports. To get money for equipment and other needs, coaches ask the athletic Boosters who requests the money during monthly meetings. Marsman explains that when asking for financial help, more often than not, boosters will provide the money.
“I think our kids have some of the best facilities and equipment. We are definitely not lacking in athletics and the [services and equipment] we provide for our kids,” Marsman said.
